BA (Hons)
English Language
The English language in context
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Are you interested in analysing and using the English language in the real world? This course explores English in a broad range of real-life environments, giving you the ability to understand the ways in which the language works on listeners or readers, and skills in producing your own texts.
Plus, if you are interested in becoming a teacher of English as a foreign language, you can choose to follow a special strand which will lead to the award of the Trinity Certificate in TESOL.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Follow a professional teaching strand in English as a foreign language
- Undertake work or research placements, volunteer roles and internships alongside your study
- Take up the option of some foreign language study
What opportunities might it lead to?
The course gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, reflect on the ways in which you've done so and learn to express this to potential employers. You will develop communicative and professional skills used in careers across the private and public sectors.
Analysing transcripts of stand up comedy or sketch shows to see how comedians use features of language to create humour was one of my favourite parts.
Dorothy Constantino, BA (Hons) English Language student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- Q310
- Duration
- 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement
- Entry
240-300 points from 3 A Levels or equivalent, to include 100 points from A Level English.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £10,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Languages and Area Studies
Subject:
English, Film, Journalism and Media
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Getting the chance to develop practical skills alongside learning the theory
- The high-quality teaching and flexibility of options that enables you to tailor your course to your own interests
- The passion and knowledge of the lecturers that makes studying so enjoyable
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
In the first year you will be introduced to the fundamentals of linguistic analysis and how to 'do things' with language. You will also learn the methods for carrying out language-based projects and how to properly report their findings. Emphasis is also placed on making sure that you become familiar with the conventions of academic writing in the area of English and linguistics. The first year consists mainly of core courses to ensure that you have a firm foundation for further study.
- Language, Society and Mind
- Working with Texts
- How Language Works
- Language and Language Teaching 1
- Studying at University (English Language)
- Starting Language Research
Year two
You will refine the knowledge that you acquired in year one and become familiar with the subtle links between language structure and meaning. You will be working with a wide range of texts in order to understand and appreciate how language is used and manipulated in different contexts and for different purposes in the media, advertising, literature and so on.
- Meaning in English
- Style in English
- Structure of English
- Language of Literature
Options including:
- Language and Language Teaching 2
- ESOL Teaching Practice
- Analysing Discourse
- Forensic Linguistics
- Managing Across Cultures
- Language
- LiFE – Learning from Experience
Year three*
Year three focuses on communication theory and practice, as well as the way in which language is used in professional contexts. You will also be able to study the historical evolution of English, how it has become a global language and the varieties that have emerged as a result of its spread. You will also research your own topic for the dissertation with the help of a supervisor. This will form a substantial part of your work.
Core units include:
- Dissertation
- Professional Communication 1
- Professional Communication 2
Options including:
- Using Technology in ELT
- English Words and Phrases
- English in a Historical Perspective
- Creative Activities in the Language Classroom
- Mass Communication
- English in the World
*This course is also available as a 4-year sandwich (work placement)
Teaching and Assessment
We provide a varied, creative and stimulating learning environment, with highly motivated and research active staff. You will take part in blended learning, with online activity supporting the knowledge and skills you gain via traditional class contact in lectures and seminars.
How are you assessed?
Our assessment methods are varied, with relatively few formal examinations. Most assessment is done through submission of essays, reports, case studies, book reviews or other pieces of written work. Some units are assessed by means of projects, which can be particularly useful to build up your career profile. Oral presentations are also occasionally used to ensure that you are able to present a topic of your choice in front of a small audience.
Tutor's view
Dr Mario Saraceni
English Language
You'll learn how English works as well as how it is used in practice in a variety of areas such as in the media, professional settings, literature and the courtroom.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Research-Active Staff
Academic staff split their time between research and teaching
Learning Resources Centre
A variety of resources are available
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Research-Active Staff
You will be taught by specialist staff who are actively undertaking research in this field, ensuring you are kept abreast of the latest developments. Staff are members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR).
Learning Resources Centre
You will have access to the Learning Resource Centre where you will be able to watch live satelite broadcasts, access our extensive foreign film and documentary archive, as well as books, magazines and other resources. There is also a multimedia workshop where you are able to create rich presentation and assignment materials such as videos and podcasts.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
The knowledge and skills you will acquire on this course will be useful in a variety of fields including advertising, education, communication, media, marketing, publishing, and technical writing. If you choose the Teaching English as a Foreign Language pathway, you will be able to teach English as a foreign language anywhere in the world. In addition, this degree can also be your ideal springboard for postgraduate study.
Your time at the University of Portsmouth will also help you to develop a wide range of skills in analysis, criticism and argument. During your course, you will have the opportunity to develop transferable skills that are valued by prospective employers such as communication, research, time management, teamworking and problem solving.
Work experience
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work/research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies. This gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, reflect on the ways in which you've done so and learn to express this to potential employers.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more