Course overview

This course is designed for students who wish to study a wide range of perspectives on communication at the same time as developing their English language skills. It is a three year programme, but students can enter at Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 (final-year only).

You will study communication in both the practical sense and to develop your understanding of natural language systems and processes, theories of communication and non-linguistic communication systems as well as communication in business and cross-cultural settings. Core units address linguistic theories and their application to English, cultural studies and the theory of communication as well as issues relating to mass communication.

The programme in English as a foreign language aims to develop students' competence in English language to at least Cambridge proficiency/IELTS 6.5. More advanced classes can be provided if there is sufficient demand. You will be able to study both General English and EAP as well as Business English or multimedia approaches to language learning.

Each year students have a range of option choices in addition to their compulsory units. They include Business Communication, Communication in the Workplace, Film Studies, business and culture-related units such as Managing People in Cross-Cultural Contexts, Managing Organisations in Cross-Cultural Contexts and Inter-Cultural Perspectives as well as further linguistics units or a second foreign language.

In the final year all students do a Student Special Project (compulsory) on a research topic of the student?s choice (it must have a focus on some aspect of communication). You will be prepared in Research Management and have a personal supervisor for your project.

Some options, such as English language classes, are taught exclusively to international students, but wherever possible the School tries to integrate international students into classes with home students. There are many opportunities for international students to meet and study with home students and the School has good IT facilities as well as a well-equipped Learning Resources Centre in addition to the University Library.

Entry requirements:

For year 1 and 2 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score less than 5.5, or equivalent.
For year 3 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum IELTS band 6.0 with no component score less than 5.5, or equivalent.

Students' previous higher education study should normally be in a language/communication-related field.

Mode of study and duration:

Three years full time, though suitably qualified students may enter the course in the second or final year.

Course content

You will study a wide range of perspectives on communication and develop your understanding of natural language systems and processes. You will also examine theories of communication, as well as communication in business and cross-cultural settings. You will consider linguistic theories and their application to English and cultural studies, as well as issues relating to mass communication.

The programme in English as a foreign language develops your English language and communication skills to IELTS 6.5/Cambridge proficiency.

First year

In your first year you will study the following core subjects:

• English Language Grade 4
• Multimedia Listening
• Language, Society & Mind
• Introduction To British Society & Institutions
• Studying At University
• Starting Language Research

Second year

In your second year you will study:

• English Language Grade 5
• Professional Communication For Business
• Options including:
  • Business Communication 2
  • British Cultural Studies
  • Meaning In English
  • Language
  • The Structure Of English
  • Communication In The Workplace 1: Theory & Practice Of HR Management Through English
  • The Language Of Literature
  • Marketing & Communication

Third year

In your third year you will study:

• Independent Project
• English Language Grade 6
• Business Communication 3
• Communication Theory
• Mass Communication
• Options including:
  • Translation: Theory & Practice
  • Managing Across Cultures
  • Analysing Discourse
  • Understanding Britain Today
  • Intercultural Perspectives On Communication

Please note that not all options or special subjects will be available at any given time.

Teaching and assessment

Your classes may be in one of our state-of-the-art lecture theatres, one of our IT suites or digital multimedia language laboratories. You may discuss and develop ideas in a seminar group or develop your language skills in a language class.

Part of our approach is to develop independent learners, so that you can take responsibility for your academic and intellectual development with the support of your tutors. To help you do this, tutors have developed a range of teaching and learning resources that can be used in class and for independent study.

Assessment strategies will not only test your knowledge of the subject, but also help you develop a range of skills that will be invaluable when you finish your degree and start work.

You may have in-class tests or examinations at the end of each unit and give presentations or work on projects, either individually or as part of a team, giving you the opportunity to refine your presentational, team-working, time management and research skills.

You will submit essays or other types of written coursework, helping to enhance your analytical and critical skills as well as your ability to process large amounts of information and perfect your writing skills. All of these skills are not only necessary for you to do well in your studies with us, but also prepare you for your future in the world of work.

Here at Portsmouth we want you to get the most you can out of your education. We have worked to ensure that the teaching and learning resources are there for you to take full advantage of. Through the teaching, learning and assessment activities that you experience during your degree studies, you will develop your own, effective learning strategies that will last a lifetime.

Career prospects

English is increasingly the language of international business and trade. The combination of subject knowledge and good English language skills we develop on this course will give you a distinct advantage in the international job market.

There are many jobs available for you in business, trade, public service, finance, marketing, management, retailing and the leisure industry.

Some of our most successful graduates have even started their own businesses and many go on to postgraduate study.

The modern economy is a global one and increasingly companies across the world need staff with a high level of communication skills. This course will enhance your communication and English skills in a wide range of intercultural, business, translation and media contexts.

Facilities and features

You will have access to our highly qualified and experienced team of lecturers, as well as to our very well-resourced learning environment. We have:

• a suite of well-equipped lecture theatres and seminar rooms
• multimedia digital classrooms
• IT suites, with access to over 150 computers
• editing suite and multimedia development unit
• satellite receivers providing live broadcasts in eight languages, as well as English

We have our own Learning Resources Centre, in addition to the University Library. This has a wide variety of open access resources, which range from newspapers and journals, selfaccess texts and reference resources such as dictionaries and grammar books to audio booths, video viewing facilities, networked and stand-alone computers.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) Communication and English Studies for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).