UCAS code
QQ31Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Build on your interest of English language and literature and prepare yourself for a successful career on this BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics with Literature degree.
You'll discover how we use language in literature and digital communication, examine forensic linguistics and learn how people use the English language across the world. You’ll also study literature from classics to the contemporary and become an expert in reading, analysing and discussing the written works that inspire you.
Your studies will set you up for a career where your communication, creative, management and critical thinking skills will shine. You could work in areas such as publishing, teaching, advertising and marketing after the course or do postgraduate study.
Entry requirements
To do this degree, you need to apply for the BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics course. This is because it's a 'pathway' degree.
You’ll study English Language and Linguistics in depth and add Literature as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3. You’ll graduate with a BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics with Literature degree when you finish the course.
These are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics course.
BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – BBB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, to include English or another Humanities/Social Science subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- International Baccalaureate – 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, to include English or another Humanities/Social Science subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- International Baccalaureate – 25–26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
What you'll experience
On this English Language and Linguistics with Literature course you’ll:
- Explore English language in social media, TV, advertising and literature
- Build your knowledge of literature, from Shakespeare to the present day, and across genres from crime writing to magical realism
- Learn how English relates to issues such as gender, education and forensics
- Develop critical and analytic skills, alongside transferable skills in communication, research, and problem solving
- Tailor your studies by choosing units in that match your interests and career ambitions
You can also:
- Meet high-profile figures in the literary world and attend a reception at our annual Literary Prizes and Public Acclaim event
- Develop personal and professional contacts locally and further afield through our work-related units
- Study abroad at one of our partner universities, such as Ghent University, University of Gdańsk, Kiel University, University of Luxembourg and the University of Malaga
- Have the chance to get the Trinity Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) if you're accepted onto the TESOL programme during the course.
Careers and opportunities
What can you do with an English Language and Linguistics degree?
After the course, you can use the communication and professional skills you've learnt across various roles in the private and public sectors. Fields you could work in include:
- advertising
- education
- communication
- media
- marketing
- publishing
- technical writing
- teaching English
You could also go on to do postgraduate study in areas such as speech therapy, marketing and communication.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and build your CV.
We'll also be available to help, advise and support you for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional paid work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience.
Previous students have secured placements at organisations such as:
- 7 Stars – a media company in London
- Jet – an English teaching programme in Japan
- the British Council
- local schools
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
What you'll study on this BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics with Literature degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- How Language Works – 20 credits
- Language, Learning and Teaching – 20 credits
- Language, Society and Mind: An Introduction to Linguistics – 20 credits
- Investigating Language Practices – 40 credits
- Working with Texts – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- English Forms and Functions – 20 credits
- Meaning in English – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Bloody Shakespeare: The Politics and Poetics of Violence - 20 credits
- Clinical Linguistics – 20 credits
- Crime Writing - 20 credits
- Dystopian and Apocalyptic Environments: Ecocrisis in the Literary Imagination - 20 credits
- Forensic Linguistics – 20 credits
- Intercultural Perspectives on Communication – 20 credits
- Language in Literature: Stylistics – 20 credits
- Managing Across Cultures – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- News, Discourse and Media – 20 credits
- Professional Experience L5 - 20 credits
- Puritans to Postmodernists: American Literature - 20 credits
- Second Language Acquisition – 20 credits
- Space, Place and Being - 20 credits
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – 20 credits
- Trinity Certificate Teaching Practice – 20 credits
- Women's Writing in the Americas - 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Dissertation / Major Project – 40 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Consuming Fictions: Food and Appetite in Victorian Culture - 20 credits
- Creativity in the Language Classroom – 20 credits
- English Through Time – 20 credits
- Englishes in the World – 20 credits
- Gender, Language and Sexuality – 20 credits
- Holocaust Literatures - 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Language and Social Media – 20 credits
- Magical Realism - 20 credits
- Neo-Historical Fiction - 20 credits
- Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates – 20 credits
- Professional Experience L6 - 20 credits
- Spoken Discourse in the Workplace – 20 credits
- Time, Temporality, Contemporary Fiction - 20 credits
- US Masculinities - 20 credits
- Written Discourse in the Workplace – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- examinations
- essays
- reports
- case studies
- book reviews
- written work
- projects
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- online activities
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 11 hours a week.
The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Enhance your degree with an internationally recognised qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: the Trinity College London Cert TESOL. This opportunity is conditional on a successful performance in an entry test and interview in order to fulfil professional requirements.
There's no cost if you take the Trinity College London Teaching Practice module as one of your options.
If you choose to take this module outside your planned curriculum, there's a fee of £355.
Apply
You need to choose BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics when you apply for this course, because this is a ‘pathway’ course. This is where you study English Language and Linguistics in depth and add Literature as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics with Literature degree when you complete the course.
If you change your mind after you apply, you can choose not to study Literature in years 2 and 3. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics degree when you complete the course.
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – QQ31
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – QQ31
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.