English Language and Linguistics
QQH1 BA (Hons) 3 years
Overview
In the National Student Survey (NSS 2017) Linguistics at QMUL scored 92% for Overall Student Satisfaction. We are in the Top 3 among Russell Group Universities and the Top 3 in London.
This programme gives you the analytical skills and deep knowledge of language that you gain from studying linguistics, plus the chance to do hands-on work collecting and analysing data. You’ll develop systematic ways of understanding how the modern English language works, how it’s used and how it changes, looking at situations as diverse as youth language in our multicultural and multilingual cities, or the English used in the media and politics. You’ll consider how new technologies shape the form of English and whether the spread of English in the world is changing or even killing other languages.
Why study English Language and Linguistics at Queen Mary?
English Language and Linguistics is taught in the thriving School of Languages, Linguistics and Film. We have a vast amount of experience in the field, so you will always be taught by leading specialists of international standing whose cutting-edge research informs their high-quality teaching.
In the Government’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), we were ranked highly for the quality of the research being carried out by staff. In particular, Linguistics was ranked 1st in the UK.
Year abroad option
English Language and Linguistics with a Year Abroad
QQ1Y BA (four years)
You can choose to apply for a four-year version of this degree with a full year abroad. We have links with universities around the world, including Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia (specific partnerships for each programme may vary). While there are no extra tuition fees associated with these placements abroad, you will need to cover the cost of your transport to your destination and your living expenses, including accommodation.
Studying abroad is an excellent way to grow in confidence and broaden your outlook on life by experiencing another culture, while making friends and having fun. When you return to QMUL after this experience, you will have a new perspective on life for your final year and will be awarded the ‘with study abroad’ variant in your degree title, which will help you stand out to employers.
Find out more about study abroad opportunities at QMUL.
Structure
Year 1
From 2017 we are introducing the QMUL Model to all our degrees. For further information on this initiative please contact the Undergraduate Programmes team sllf-ug@qmul.ac.uk
Core and Compulsory Modules:
- Foundations of Linguistics
- Language in the UK
- Sounds of English
- Introduction to Phonology
- Introduction to English Syntax
- Languages of the World
- English in Use (QMUL Model Module)
- Critical Thinking and Writing for Linguistics
Year 2
Core and Compulsory Module:
- Research Methods in Linguistics
Optional Modules include:
- Aspects of Meaning
- Sociolinguistic Variation and Change
- Explaining Grammatical Structure
- History of English
- Describing Prosody
- Language and the Media
- Linguistic Typology and Grammatical Theory
- Language and Mind
- Historical Linguistics
- Language and Ethnicity
Year 3
Core and Compulsory Module:
- Linguistics Research Project
Optional modules include:
- Formal Semantics
- Structures of Spoken English
- Bilingualism and Multilingualism
- Syntactic Theory
- Unfamiliar Languages
- Philosophy of Language
For a complete list of modules please visit the directory of modules http://www.qmul.ac.uk/modules/
Use the following abbreviation in the Code search¿
- LIN – Linguistics
QMUL will aim to deliver your programme so that it closely matches the way in which it has been described to you by QMUL in print, online, and/or in person. However, it is important to realise that in some circumstances, we may change aspects of your programme. See our full terms and conditions to read more:
Entry requirements
General Admission Entry Requirements can be found below.
2018 Entry requirements
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. Excludes General Studies. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. |
| Contextualised admissions | We consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages. |
General Admissions Entry Requirements
English Language Proficiency
All applicants to QMUL must show they meet a minimum academic English language standard for admission and to be successful on the course, to the indicated levels for the area of study. See our guidance on English Language requirements for all degree programmes.
Vocational and Other Qualifications
The College accepts a wide range of qualifications such as Access and Foundation programmes, vocational awards, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers and other Baccalaureates. You are advised to contact the Admissions team (admissions@qmul.ac.uk) before making an application so that we can give individual advice.
Admission is based on academic merit and on the proven ability of the applicant to achieve success on their chosen programme of study. Every application to Queen Mary is considered on its individual merits with personal statement and reference taken into consideration.
Combined Qualifications
If you are taking a combination of qualifications at Level 3, we will consider your academic profile and may make offers on a case-by-case basis. You are advised to contact the Admissions team (admissions@qmul.ac.uk) before making an application so that we can give individual advice.
Advanced Entry
Subject to the policy of the programme, it may be possible for students to join undergraduate degree programmes at the beginning of the second year of a three or four year degree programme or, sometimes, the beginning of the third year of a four year programme. Please note, not all schools will consider advanced entry. You are advised to contact the Admissions team (admissions@qmul.ac.uk) before making an application for individual advice.
If you are applying for advanced entry on the basis of a post A-Level qualification, such as the BTEC HND, you should apply via UCAS in the usual way. If you wish to transfer your degree studies from another UK higher education institution, you will be considered on the basis of your original A-Level or equivalent qualifications, current syllabus, academic references and results.
We typically expect you to have achieved a 2.1 standard on your current programme and have already met the standard equivalent first year entry requirements. Applications must be submitted via UCAS.
Non-UK students
European and International Applicants
Our students come from over 162 countries and we accept a wide range of European and International Qualifications for entry, in addition to A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please see our International Admissions webpages for further details of our academic requirements, and information regarding how we assess the equivalence of your qualification.
Applicants will typically be expected to be taking academic subjects relevant to the programme of study. You are advised to review the A-Level and IB requirements for an indication of these subjects. If you are at all unclear, the Admissions team (admissions@qmul.ac.uk) is happy to advise you further.
Further Information
For any other enquiries directly relating to our entry requirements, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office directly.
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7882 5511
Email: admissions@qmul.ac.uk
See our information and guidance on how to apply.
Learning and teaching
Teaching takes a number of forms.
Lectures are used to convey information, to introduce students to the basic concepts of the discipline and develop sustained interpretation and argument.
Seminars and workshops allow students to put into practice the concepts and approaches presented in lectures.
Independent Study
For every hour spent in classes you will be expected to complete a further 5-6 hours of independent study. Your individual study time could be spent preparing for, or following up on formal study sessions; reading; producing written work; completing projects; and revising for examinations.
The direction of your individual study will be guided by the formal study sessions you attend, along with your reading lists and assignments. However, we expect you to demonstrate an active role in your own learning by reading widely and expanding your own knowledge, understanding and critical ability.
Independent study will foster in you the ability to identify your own learning needs and determine which areas you need to focus on to become proficient in your subject area. This is an important transferable skill and will help to prepare you for the transition to working life.
Assessment
Assessment of linguistics work takes a variety of forms, including diaries of your own research, poster presentations, class tests and exams. Some modules include specialised research projects (group or individual) where you go out and do real linguistic research, while others let you tackle the hot debates of the discipline.
When studying English Language and Linguistics, we’ll train you in research methods in your final year and then you’ll do a supervised research project on a topic of your choice.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for Home and EU students
2018/19 Academic Year
Full-time £9,250
Tuition fees for International students
2018/19 Academic Year
Full-time £15,400
You can either take out a Tuition Fee Loan (see Funding section below) to pay your fees or, if you are paying them yourself, you can pay in instalments.
Tuition fees for a year abroad or placement year on a full time undergraduate course will be a proportion of the full fee for the year in which you commence your time abroad or placement.
For information on field trip and other course related costs which are not included in your tuition fee, please contact the relevant Department/School.
See more general information about fees.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 7676
email: fees@qmul.ac.uk
Funding
Queen Mary has a substantial package of scholarships and bursaries which will benefit around 50 per cent of our undergraduate student body.
Scholarships and Bursaries available at Queen Mary for Home/EU Students
There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available each year for home students. Visit our Bursaries and Scholarships page for more information.
Visit our Advice and Counselling website for more information about financial support.
Scholarships available at Queen Mary for International Students
There are a number of Scholarships available each year for International Students including bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas.
Find out more about international scholarships.
Some International students may also be eligible for a fee reduction.
Loans and Grants available to help with tuition fees and living costs
Student Finance England administers all grant and loans for your studies if you normally live in England.
If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you have an equivalent Student Finance department for your region.
Through Student Finance England, you can apply for (figures relate to programmes starting from September 2016):
- A Tuition Fee Loan of up to £9,000 to pay all or part of your fees
- A Maintenance Loan of up to £10,702 to help pay your living costs like rent, food and travel
- Extra grants if you have a disability or you have children or an adult dependant
- You might get a grant to cover some travel expenses if you normally live in England but study away from home. If you’re a medical or dental student you might also qualify for help with the costs of attending clinical placements in the UK.
Visit Student Finance Information to find out more about:
- How to apply for student finance
- What eligibility rules apply, including if you already have a degree or previous higher education study
- What the income thresholds are and how much you might personally get for each element of Student Finance
- What to do if you have problems getting your Student Finance
Other financial help on offer at Queen Mary
We offer one to one specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Our Advice and Counselling Service also has lots of Student Advice Guides on all aspects of finance including:
- Additional sources of funding
- Planning your budget and cutting costs
- Part-time and vacation work
- Money for lone parents
For more information visit the Advice and Counselling service website, or call +44 (0)20 7882 8717.
Graduate employment
Graduates from Queen Mary’s School of Languages, Linguistics and Film Studies go on to work in a wide variety of careers. Some apply their degree knowledge directly, entering careers such as journalism, education and the arts, whilst others transfer skills gained during study into areas such as public relations.
The broad range of skills gained through this course, coupled with multiple opportunities for extra- curricular activities and work experience, has enabled students to move into careers such as:
| Publishing Assistant | Pinter & Marchants Publishing |
| Assistant Linguist | CCCSVA |
| Teacher | Teach First |
| PR Assistant | Connie Fillippello Publicity |
| Online Support Administrator | Haymarket Publishing |
| Prop Buyer | Rose Theatre |
| English Teacher | Madani Girls School |
| Editor | Weekly Times Newspaper |
| Freelance Events Manager | Tate Movie Project BBC |
Careers support
In today's competitive jobs market, employers expect graduates to have a range of skills and work experience. Being based in London is a distinct advantage, and at QMUL we have designed programmes of careers support to help you take advantage of our capital location.
Alongside your studies, you'll have opportunities to:
• attend networking or industry events
• apply for internships in your ideal area of work
• volunteer with local or national charities
• work part-time.
And there's plenty of day-to-day support too. Whether you need help with writing a CV, developing your interview skills or planning further study once you graduate, we have teams of advisers on hand to give you the advice and support you need.
Visit: www.careers.qmul.ac.uk and www.qmsu.org/volunteering
Learning a language
Even if you're not studying a language as part of your degree, you can still develop these skills by signing up for a course in QMUL's Language Centre. Choose from: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese or Spanish.
Visit: http://sllf.qmul.ac.uk/language-centre/language-learning/