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BA (Hons) English/Linguistics

The art and science of language

Year of entry: 2024/25

UCAS code

QQ31

Institution code

Y50

Length

3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£23,700 per year

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Discover York

in the UK for English

Complete University Guide 2024

in the Russell Group for 'Organisation and management'

of institutions included in the National Student Survey 2023 for English studies (non-specific).

in the UK for Linguistics and 11th in the UK for English language and literature

QS World Rankings by Subject 2023

A combined English and Linguistics course offers one of the most stimulating university degrees.

Applications for this course are closed to UK (home) applicants for 2024/25. Applications for 2025/26 will open in September.

Studying English will give you new ways of thinking about the world and new possibilities of expression. Studying linguistics will enable you to understand and interpret language and to learn the science behind how we communicate. Studying English and Linguistics together offers you the exciting opportunity to study both the art and science of language.

Staff in both departments are world-renowned for their research, which covers every period of history, many major languages and most literary genres around the world.

Get a head start in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at York

At York, you'll benefit from being able to take TEFL modules in-house, as part of your degree. You can count the work you complete in your TEFL modules towards a qualification. This teacher training programme, also offered in-house, can qualify you to teach English to non-native speakers.

Interdisciplinary teaching

You'll benefit from our interdisciplinary research and teaching with critical thinking and transferable skills.

Choose elective modules across a wide range of languages

As part of your degree, you can choose to take a credit-bearing module in a variety of languages - from Medieval Latin to Japanese, to Arabic or Chinese.

Studying English/Linguistics at York has given me a unique insight into the cross section between language and text. My favourite part of the course so far has been studying the 'History of English' module and learning how language has evolved since its origin. This gave me relevant background for studying Beowulf in the 'Approaches to Literature' module, which I would have lacked had I not chosen the joint honours.

Marti, English/Linguistics student

Course content

You’ll cover a range of topics on English and foreign languages, linguistics, and literatures. Our innovative curriculum offers an international outlook that takes account of global contexts.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Placements

There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.

Year 1

In the first year of your degree, we’ll introduce you to the undergraduate study of English and Linguistics. Our modules will give you the skills you need to start undertaking literary and linguistic research, and advice on how to combine the two disciplines.

English

Core modules

Your core modules in English are designed to lay the foundation of literary study for your whole degree.

Get a feel for the shape of literary history by studying works from the medieval, early modern, eighteenth-century and Romantic, and modern periods. 

Linguistics

Core modules

Your core modules in Linguistics are designed to give you a grounding in the basic vocabulary and concepts of linguistic theory, which will form the bedrock of your future study. You will cover topics such as:

Option modules

You'll study one option module:

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

In the second year of your degree, you’ll choose from a range of intermediate options across English and Linguistics.  Students who are planning to do either an English dissertation or a bridge dissertation in third year will also take Research Now, which prepares you for advanced research.

You can choose from one of six 'Research Now' modules:

English

You will choose from the same breathtaking range of English options as our single subject students. These include Writing Now and our Intermediate Option Modules, which allow you to deepen your understanding of the relationship between literary works and the cultural, historical, and political contexts in which they were produced:

You'll also be able to choose subjects included in our World Literature modules. Options may include:

Linguistics

In the second year, you'll apply your core linguistic knowledge to new types of linguistic data, such as child language or regional varieties of English. At the same time, you will gain deeper theoretical knowledge in the core areas that you choose to pursue. Options may include:

Year 3

English

In English, you will choose from the department’s Advanced Option Modules. These reflect the wide-ranging and cutting-edge research expertise of the Department, and our options cover literature from the classical period to the twenty-first century, as well as film and creative writing. Students can typically choose from around 30 options. Recent offerings have included:

Dissertation

You also have the option of undertaking a year-long dissertation (for which Research Now in Year 2 is required). This can either be an English and Related Literature Dissertation or a English and Linguistics Bridge Dissertation; the latter invites you to undertake a research project that brings the study of English and Linguistics together. Each version of this year-long advanced module offers you the chance to use all the research and writing skills you will have developed at York.

Linguistics

In your final year, you can choose freely from a wide range of modules. You will have the opportunity to become proficient in all aspects of managing small-scale linguistic projects, from identifying the research questions, to communicating the findings. You can choose to specialise, follow your own interests and carry out original research. Options may include:

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Read diverse texts closely and critically, interpreting them with reference to the period and tradition in which they were produced, synthesizing information from secondary sources where appropriate.
  • Analyse the affective power of language and narrative, and their cultural and political impact, and use this awareness better to understand the world and influence others.
  • Select and deploy qualitative and quantitative research methods acquired through the study of the nature, use, and acquisition of language.
  • Propose creative and principled solutions to linguistic problems and contribute them effectively to interdisciplinary teams, forming a bridge between humanities and scientific disciplines.
  • Appreciate, engage with, and synthesize arguments from a variety of external standpoints, and interrogate their own assumptions, developing their critical practice in the light of self-reflection, peer review, and advice and feedback from others.
  • Identify and formulate novel questions which advance critical debate within a range of disciplines, and approach them both individually and in teams, using advanced written and oral skills.
  • Show sensitivity and perceptiveness concerning aspects of social, cultural, and political realities where language plays an important role and be able to highlight the relevance of literature- and linguistic-related issues in a globalized and interconnected world.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £23,700

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Additional costs

You'll need copies of the texts set for each module. Where possible, the Department works to arrange digital copies via the University Library. Where this is not practical, you'll be instructed in advance of the start of each term about the texts and editions you'll need to purchase (whether new or second-hand).

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

In English, you’ll learn through a programme of seminars, lectures, workshops and one-to-one consultations. We emphasize small-group teaching, which means you’ll mainly be taught in seminars.

In Linguistics, you’ll learn through a mix of seminars, lectures, practicals and labs, as well as through independent study. Class sizes decrease as you advance through the degree. Lectures are accompanied by small-group teaching in seminars and practicals.

York’s English and Linguistics degree is renowned for its flexible and innovative approach.

  • Our dedicated research informs all our teaching activities.
  • Our friendly, approachable, and accessible staff are world-leading experts in their fields. They are each available to meet individually with you during weekly open office hours – two in English and at least one in Linguistics.
  • We organise many guest lectures and readings by well-known critics, linguists, and writers.
  • The English Department’s unique writing provision, designed and taught by specialist tutors, forms a practical spine for the degree, preparing you to communicate clearly and confidently on a rich variety of topics and to any audience.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

Lectures4-5 hours per week
Seminars3 hours per week
Workshops3-7 hours per week
Film Screening0-2 hours per week

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

As an English student, you'll have access to the Thin Ice Press, our department's in-house printing studio. Our iron presses chart the evolution of print from 1838 to 1926. They offer the opportunity to experience the relationship between writing and printing practices through publication, practice-led research, teaching and public workshops.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of English and Related Literature and the Department of Language and Linguistic Science on Campus West.

Your contact hours will be divided between various locations around Campus West, including Vanbrugh College, Derwent College and the Spring Lane Building.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

The Department of English and Related Literature employs a variety of assessment methods, including group presentations and closed exams, but with a strong emphasis on essay writing. Your main mode of assessment will be essays, which will range from short exploratory exercises to more detailed discussions on a topic of your choice, to the optional 7,000-8,000-word dissertation in your final year. 

The Department of Language and Linguistic Science also uses varied assessment methods, including closed and open exams, coursework, extended essays, group oral presentations, lab reports and practicals. 

Both departments offer high levels of feedback and ample opportunities for you to meet with staff to discuss your written work.

Careers and skills

Studying English and Linguistics at York will provide you with numerous career possibilities. You’ll learn presentation, language and critical thinking skills during your combined degree, and gain expertise in complex analysis and research. These skills suit a wide range of careers, from law and teaching to national and local government and the creative industries.

Career opportunities

  • Advertising, marketing, and public relations
  • Arts administration
  • Civil and diplomatic services
  • Creative industries
  • Journalism and broadcasting
  • Law
  • Librarianship
  • Publishing
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Teaching, including Teaching English as a Foreign Language
  • Translation services

Transferable skills

  • Ability to analyse and compare complex texts
  • Capacity to write clearly and fluently for a variety of audiences
  • Communication and teamwork skills
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Data interpretation
  • Experience of researching and debating challenging topics
  • Independent study skills
  • Logic and rhetoric
  • Proficiency in presenting findings cogently and persuasively using information technology

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels

AAB including an A in English Literature (English Language and Literature is also acceptable)

Access to Higher Education Diploma 36 credits at Distinction, including at least 9 credits in Literature-related units, and 9 credits at Merit or higher
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD with an additional A Level or equivalent qualification in English Literature at grade A
Cambridge Pre-U D3, D3, M2 including D3 in English Literature
European Baccalaureate 80% overall, with 85% in English Literature.
International Baccalaureate 35 points including 6 in English Literature at Higher Level (Higher Level English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
T levels We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in English Literature has been taken.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Advanced Highers - B in English Literature Scottish Highers - BBBB

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ If you achieve A or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
MOOCs If you successfully complete our online course Accents, attitudes and identity do let us know, as you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about MOOCs.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Duolingo 120, minimum 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
KITE 459 Main Flight score with 426 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

We look for intellectual and literary curiosity, open-mindedness, and analytical ability.

We encourage mature students to email the Admissions Tutor for consultation and advice.

At the University of York, we are committed to providing the support our students need to achieve their full potential and have an exceptional, transformational experience. The York Access Scheme offers help to those faced with social, personal or educational challenges which have affected their performance in education. We also offer support for care leavers.

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Learn more

Department of English and Related Literature, Department of Language and Linguistic Science

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