English Language BA (Hons)

Newcastle University

Indulge your passion for English by exploring the nature of human language in an inspiring city with a vibrant cultural scene.

Course overview

This three-year English Language BA Honours degree encourages you to explore the English language in all its diversity – past and present, national and international, offline and online.

You'll investigate how English has developed over time and how it's used to mark regional, social and stylistic distinctions. You will learn from subject experts, world-leading researchers in English Language and Linguistics. You will:

• study how English has evolved over time, how it is acquired, and how it develops in the mind
• examine the grammatical structures and sound systems of different varieties of English
• explore how historical, social and other contexts impact variation in English
• learn different methodologies for studying the use and complexities of English.

Teaching methods

You can normally expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops and film screenings. You also spend around 25 hours per week on class preparation, reading, writing, and other kinds of independent research recommended by your lecturers.

Study abroad

You have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester in your second year. In Europe we have links with:

• Ghent University, Belgium
• Leipzig University, Germany
• Groningen University, Netherlands
• Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands

We have links with universities in other parts of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, including, but not limited to:

• Monash University, Australia
• University of Sydney, Australia
• McGill University, Canada
• University of Hong Kong
• University of Vermont, USA

Work placement

During your degree you’ll have multiple opportunities to undertake a meaningful work placement. In your second and third years you may choose to take the Career Development Module which offers academic credit for 50 hours of placement. You can choose to carry out your placement via part-time work, volunteering or in a local school. You will be assessed through a mixture of written work, presentations and professional skills assessment.

In addition you'll have the option to spend 9 to 12 months on a work placement with University support from our dedicated Careers team to help you secure your dream placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise. Previous placements have been in a range of sectors, including:

• Journalism and Broadcasting
• Sustainable Energy
• Politics
• Digital Media and Marketing
• Education
• Finance
• Museum and Heritage
• Travel and Tourism

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.