Linguistics and the English Language BA (Hons)

Bangor University

On this Linguistics and the English Language degree you will learn about, understand and interpret many aspects of human language. Our introductory and advanced modules will give you a strong foundational background and important scientific insight into the nature, structure and use of language, as well as into the history of English and sociolinguistics (the relationship between language and society). You will also be introduced to the tools and methods that will allow you to undertake your own investigations into English as well as other languages spoken around the world.

The English language component of this degree will give you the opportunity to learn about the grammatical structure of English (e.g., how words and sentences are formed), how meaning is made, interpreted and extended across whole discourses, how sounds are formed, produced, and understood, and how language use varies across speakers and groups and how it changes over time. You will also explore the history of English, the development and emergence English dialects and World Englishes, how English is used in society (e.g., how socio-cultural variables shape the use of English) and the role of English in society, in education and as a global lingua franca.

The linguistic elements of this degree will enable you to learn about, understand and interpret many aspects of human language. You will study the ‘science’ behind language, including possible sounds used in speech and their combination (phonetics, phonology), how words are built up morphology), what distinguishes sentences from just strings of words (syntax), meaning (semantics and pragmatics), the effect that society, culture and norms have upon language use (sociolinguistics) and how languages change over time.

Combining these two, complementary, subjects enable you to explore of the way in which language abilities develop, while also acquiring knowledge and capabilities in the use of English language.

‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.

If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see English Language and English Literature (with Foundation Year) QQCF.