BA (Hons)
Communication and English Studies
Improve your written and verbal communication skills
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course is designed for international students who wish to study a wide range of perspectives on communication at the same time as developing their English skills to at least Cambridge proficiency/IELTS 6.5. Students may enter at Level 1, 2 or 3 depending on current ability.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Study communication natural language systems and processes, theories of communication as well as practical business and cross-cultural communication issues
- Select options to shape your degree to your needs and interests
- Meet and study alongside UK students
What opportunities might it lead to?
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.
The university provides students with fantastic facilities and resources. Lecturers and tutors are all very kind and helpful. They are always willing to answer your questions and give useful advice.
Hang Lun Eamonn Cheng, BA (Hons) Communication and English Studies student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- PQ93
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
For year 1 entry applicants require successful completion of 1 year of HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5, or equivalent. For year 2 entry applicants require successful completion of 2 years of HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5, or equivalent. For year 3 entry applicants require successful completion of 3 years of HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5, or equivalent.
For year 1 and 2 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5. For year 3 entry applicants require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
Other qualifications- Fees
This course is not open to Home/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students.
International full-time students: £9,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- slas.enquiries@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 6031 - 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
Structure & Teaching
Year one
- English Language Grade 4
- Multimedia Listening
- Language, Society & Mind
- Introduction To British Society & Institutions
- Studying At University
- Starting Language Research
Year two
- English Language Grade 5
- Professional Communication For Business
Options including:
- Business Communication 2
- British Cultural Studies
- Meaning In English
- Language
- The Structure Of English
- Language of Human Resource Management
- Communication and Culture
- The Language Of Literature
- Marketing & Communication
Year three*
- 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
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.
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.
How are you assessed?
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.
Tutor's view
Felicity Hughes
Language and Area Studies
This course provides a wonderful opportunity for students to improve their English language whilst at the same time gaining core knowledge of communication and language theories and working on their own communication skills.
Facilities & Features
International Office
A dedicated team of advisers to support you as you settle into life in Portsmouth and at the University
Focus on Business English
Learn English in an English-speaking environment
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
International Office
We are a very cosmopolitan community with more than 4,000 international and EU students from over 100 different countries. The role of the International Office is to provide you with extensive support to make your time here as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, enabling you to focus on your studies. One of the team almost certainly has direct experience of your culture and may even speak your language.
Focus on Business English
If you want to learn English, the language of international trade and business, doing so in an English-speaking country is a great advantage. In this programme you will study the natural usage of conversational, formal and business English alongside business-oriented topics.
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.
Never feel worried about studying abroad alone. The International Office provides a wide range of activities such as coach trip to Stonehenge and "Around the World in One Day". You can easily meet friends with different nationalities and fit in the uni life.
Hang Lun Eamonn Cheng, BA (Hons) Communication and English Studies student 2013
Careers & Opportunities
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.
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. The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to 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.