English Language and Linguistics BA
Year of entry 2026
2025 course information- UCAS code
- Q3Q1
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A Level including B in English and pass Access to Leeds
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Study linguistics in the context of the English language and develop a deep understanding of the way humans communicate with each other.
Compulsory modules will introduce you to the history, structure and use of the English language and give you a good grounding in areas such as phonetics, syntax and conducting language research. You may also cover subjects such as language acquisition, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, corpus linguistics and discourse analysis.
You’ll study language in its spoken and written forms – you’ll engage with texts, but also undertake fieldwork and data analysis, gaining a wide range of skills that stand out to employers.
Specialist facilities
Leeds has fantastic facilities for studying an English Language and Linguistics joint honours degree, including a recording studio and a range of equipment and resources to help with experimental and corpus-based research.
You'll be encouraged to make use of these facilities for module projects or your Final Year Project, giving you valuable experience of different types of research.
The Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to use them.
Take a look around our libraries:
Course details
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer optional and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.
Year 1
You’ll study compulsory modules introducing you to the structure and use of the English language, as well as the key concepts of linguistics and phonetics such as how speech sounds are produced, how grammars are organised and how language conveys meaning.
Year 2
You’ll learn more about phonetics and syntax in linguistics, and the social functions of language in English. At the same time, you’ll be able to choose from a range of optional modules. In linguistics, this could mean studying language and gender, language acquisition or psycholinguistics, while in English you could study the language of the media, corpus linguistics or forensic linguistics.
Year 3
You’ll be able to apply the critical skills you’ve gained to an independently researched dissertation in either subject. You’ll then choose at least two optional modules in the other subject and up to two in either subject. Optional modules span across the full range of English and linguistics, in areas such as language processing, language and gender, or the politics of language.
The course information shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.
For more information please read BA English Language and Linguistics in the course catalogue
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Structure, Style, Genre | 20 |
| English Variation, Creativity and Use | 20 |
| Language: Meaning and Use | 20 |
| Key Skills in Linguistics | 20 |
| Language: Structure and Sound | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Writing Matters | 20 |
| Languages of the World | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Power of Language | 20 |
| Language in Society | 20 |
| Phonetics | 20 |
| Syntax | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Style and Authorship | 20 |
| Dialect and Heritage | 20 |
| Data Science for Linguists | 20 |
| Psycholinguistics | 20 |
| The Life Cycle of Languages | 20 |
| Representation, Identity and Control | 20 |
| Language and Gender | 20 |
| Language Acquisition | 20 |
| Language Change | 20 |
| Interactional Linguistics | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Work Placement Year | 120 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Language Dissertation | 40 |
| Linguistics Dissertation | 40 |
| Writing for Children: the Twentieth Century | 20 |
| Prose Fiction Stylistics and the Mind | 20 |
| Crime Fiction Stylistics: Crossing Languages, Cultures, Media | 20 |
| Language of the Media | 20 |
| Forensic Approaches to Language | 20 |
| Children, Talk and Learning | 20 |
| Trial Discourse - The Proceedings of the Old Bailey 1674 - 1913 | 20 |
| The Politics of Language | 20 |
| ‘Global English’: Colonialism, Postcolonialism, and Decolonisation | 20 |
| Keywords: The Words We Use and The Ways We Use Them | 20 |
| Languages in Contact | 20 |
| Experimental Syntax | 20 |
| Language and Gender | 20 |
| Language Acquisition | 20 |
| Representation, Identity and Control | 20 |
| The Life Cycle of Languages | 20 |
| Language Change | 20 |
| Interactional Linguistics | 20 |
| Language Processing | 20 |
| Sociophonetics | 20 |
| Intercultural Communication and Global Citizenship: A Critical Approach for the Horizon Year Abroad | 20 |
| Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present | 20 |
Year 1 compulsory modules
Key Skills in Linguistics (20 credits) - This module develops general skills in academic study and specific skills that apply in linguistic studies.
English Structure, Style, Genre (20 credits) - This module introduces you to the study of the English language, from the smallest element of sound, through syntax and style, to the analysis of different genres or text types.
Language: Structure and Sound (20 credits) - This module introduces you to the scientific study of language structure and speech sounds across the world’s languages.
English Variation, Creativity and Use (20 credits) - This module introduces you to diversity to be found within the English language, covering geographic, historical, social and stylistic variations.
Language: Meaning and Use (20 credits) - This module introduces you to the scientific study of language processing, language development, and language use in a range of social and communicative settings.
Year 1 optional modules (selected example)
Languages of the World (20 credits) - This project-based module examines varieties of English and many other languages. You’ll develop key transferable skills as well as discipline-specific language analysis skills.
Year 2 compulsory modules
Language in Society (20 credits) - In this module you’ll engage critically with topics, theories and research methodologies in the field of sociolinguistics, which is concerned with the complex relationship between language and society.
Phonetics (20 credits) - This module looks at how the vocal mechanism works to produce the sounds we observe in languages. You’ll learn how to use the International Phonetic Alphabet, and take basic acoustic measurements using specialist software.
Power of Language (20 credits) - This module covers linguistic means by which a whole range of persuasive texts can be analysed. You’ll also examine the use of English language as a powerful tool in itself.
Syntax (20 credits) - This module introduces you to principles of syntactic theory and trains you to carry out basic practical syntactic analysis of language material. The module develops your ability to build scientific arguments.
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options)
The Life Cycle of Languages (20 credits) - This module introduces you to the major issues concerning language origins, diversity, endangerment and death.
Interactional Linguistics (20 credits) - This module introduces you to the study of language as it is used in verbal interaction.
The Politics of Language (20 credits) - This module introduces you to major thinkers on the politics of language, covering for example how language is used to include and exclude.
Forensic Approaches to Language (20 credits) - This module introduces you to forensic linguistics: a multidisciplinary field focusing on language use in legal settings.
Psycholinguistics (20 credits) - This module focuses on innateness and the biological basis for language and language acquisition.
Year 3 compulsory modules
Dissertation (40 credits) - You’ll carry out and report on a piece of original research in English language or linguistics, guided by a supervisor. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of a specific area of your own choice, and many transferable research skills.
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options)
Languages in Contact (20 credits) - This module develops a set of critical and creative skills in relation to bilingual and multilingual practices so that you’ll be able to understand what it means to know and use multiple languages.
Language and Gender (20 credits) - This module explores the relationship between language, gender and sexualities by engaging with (English) texts and media that sustain cultural ideas about gendered identities.
Trial Discourse (20 credits) - This module investigates language use in trials in a historical database of trials held at the Old Bailey from 1674 to 1913.
Experimental Syntax (20 credits) - This module develops advanced research and analytical skills in generative syntax.
Digital Discourse: Language and Social Media (20 credits) - This module examines how we use language online, exploring the relationship between technology, society and discourse.
Sociophonetics (20 credits) - This module introduces you to the main social variables that condition pronunciation variation in English and other languages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields and leaders in their areas of research. You'll benefit from their knowledge and experience through a wide variety of learning and teaching methods. These include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
Our teaching is highly interactive and research-based, with a rich mix of face-to-face work and high-quality innovative and digital technology-based activities, to ensure an inclusive and rewarding learning environment.
Independent study is also an important part of the degree, since it gives you the chance to work on your research skills and think critically about what you find. We offer plenty of support, and the University library offers great training courses to help you make the most of our excellent resources.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of types of assessment including: essays, exams, research projects and analysis tasks. In some modules you may also be assessed on components using group work or oral presentations.
We also run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique, that you’ll be able to attend throughout your course.
We build substantial formative practice into our teaching, ensuring students are well prepared for final assessments. We ensure topics are relevant, useful and interesting, based on contemporary questions around authentic uses of language, and flexible enough to be engaging to all our students.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including English (Language, Literature or Language and Literature).
Other course specific tests:
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level including English (Language, Literature or Language and Literature) plus grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. The Access course must include English modules. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
BTEC
We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2 including English.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 5 in English at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including English
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers including English and AABBB in Highers, or A in English in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80% including 8 in English.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level including B in English and pass Access to Leeds; BBC at A Level including B in English and A in a relevant EPQ and pass Access to Leeds.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.
The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
• Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
• Social Science (foundation year) BA
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
School of English
Contact us
Faculty of Arts Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
A degree in English Language and Linguistics will equip you with a wide range of skills. You’ll be able to study different approaches, some of which will be more arts-focused and others more science-oriented. It means you can cultivate skills in several areas that employers highly value.
You’ll be able to study and analyse different types of data, both qualitative and quantitative, test your hypotheses and use technology to solve problems. You’ll also be a critical thinker with an advanced understanding of communication.
As a result, graduates have gone into a range of careers including: coding, data analytics, business and finance, publishing, broadcasting, journalism, PR, advertising and marketing, charity and NGO work, human resource management, tourism and the civil service.
Others have studied for a postgraduate qualification in Linguistics to pursue a linguistics-based career or to prepare for PhD study, or undertaken further training in careers such as law, education, speech and language therapy, forensic linguistics, and speech technology.
We do everything we can to support your career ambitions. As well as the chance to study abroad or spend a year working in industry, you could choose to apply for one of the internships the University offers every year to gain real work experience and explore career options.
The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies also offers tailored careers and employability support, including opportunities to work for the School and benefit from employer-led workshops and events.
Careers support
The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies regularly hosts employability events where you can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and ask them for advice.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.