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If you were a medical student, much of your early degree study would focus on human anatomy; you need to understand the various parts of the human body and how they fit together before learning how the organs function. This module introduces the anatomy of language production, focusing on English. You will learn about the fundamental building blocks of language—both universal and language-specific—and apply analytical tools to the material you examine. You will also develop an awareness of language variation (differences) and universals (common features) across languages. In addition to refining your linguistic skills, you will be trained in academic research, organisation, referencing, and effective written and oral expression, in line with disciplinary standards.

Assessment: Class Test (40%) and Research Essay (60%)

This module focuses on journeys and places, offering an opportunity to explore key concepts underpinning your studies. You will take a post-disciplinary approach to English language and linguistics, drawing on diverse areas to address questions related to journeys and places. Interactive lectures with students from across the School of Humanities and Performing Arts will allow you to apply these concepts through subject-specific workshops and assessments. Themes may include journeys, spaces, and the concept of welcome; (im)mobilities and journeys through time and space; representation and imaginative geographies; gender and placemaking; belonging and place attachment; and sustainability, as well as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Assessment: Coursework 1 (30%) and Coursework 2 (70%)

This module introduces key contemporary debates in Childhood Studies. It explores the construction of childhood, inequalities surrounding it, and what it means to be a child in the UK today. Drawing on sociological and political theories, you will critically evaluate issues impacting childhood and how they are reflected, sustained, or challenged by society. You will also contest and interrogate your own thinking about childhood and society.

Assessment: Academic Poster (40%) and Report (60%)

This module introduces key concepts in the study of language, with a focus on practical linguistic analysis. Through workshops, you will apply theory to practice, covering areas such as morphology, syntax, semantics, lexicology, and clause analysis. Weekly sessions will teach you how to apply relevant analytical techniques to practical tasks and class exercises.

Assessment: Linguistic Analysis (50%) and Group Project (50%)

This module explores human communication and how meaning goes beyond words and sentences. You will study how hearers understand implied meanings (conversational implicatures) and non-literal meanings (e.g., metaphor, irony, metonymy). Additionally, you will compare how these meanings are conveyed in verbal communication and literary texts. The module also looks at children’s comprehension of these meanings and examines the implications for theories of pragmatics.

Assessment: Pragmatic Analysis (60%) and Group Project (40%)

This module prepares you for post-degree career pathways, focusing on the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to professional environments. Emphasis is placed on core competencies and transferable skills, as well as familiarising you with workplace politics. You will engage critically with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, addressing themes such as race, gender, identity, and geopolitics, relevant to your career aspirations. The module includes lectures, seminars, group discussions, and independent learning, as well as subject-specific workshops related to English language and linguistics.

Assessment: Written Portfolio or Recorded Presentation (100%)

Optional module

This module explores social and emotional development, examining how these areas are interlinked with cognitive growth. You will study psychological and socio-political theories to better understand student wellbeing and how the education system supports children’s development.

Assessment: Essay (100%)

Optional module

This module examines how technology has impacted education and learning, focusing on media literacy, e-learning, and the digital divide. You will explore how technology creates opportunities for inclusive education and empowers students through platforms like gaming and podcasting.

Assessment: e-Portfolio (100%)

This module is based on the principles that everyone can be a musician and that teachers can offer high-quality musical experiences. Practical musical activities will be explored, with no prior music expertise required.

Assessment: Brochure (100%)

This module explores the relationship between language and society, examining how factors such as region, social class, race/ethnicity, and gender affect language use and attitudes. You will study regional, national, and international language variation, multilingualism, and language planning, as well as the global role of English. The module includes group fieldwork and a trip to Bletchley Park to examine the application of linguistic knowledge to cryptography.

Assessment: Phase Test (20%) and Analytical Study (30%) and Group Project (50%)

This is a year-long project. You will propose, develop, and write a dissertation on a topic supervised by a member of the English Language and Linguistics team. Workshops will support you in areas such as research design, literature review, quantitative and qualitative methods, and fieldwork. A poster presentation of your work in progress will take place at the end of Block 1, with the final dissertation (up to 10,000 words) submitted in June.

Assessment: Poster Presentation/Q&A (10%) and Dissertation (90%)

This module examines the role of language in shaping individual and collective identities, focusing on facets such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and nationality. You will explore mechanisms of identity construction and current debates such as linguistic reclamation and intersectionality.

Assessment: Report (40%) and Podcast (60%)

This module introduces curriculum design and improvement, offering practical skills in creating and critiquing curricula. You will respond to a real-world brief, building collaboration and communication skills.

Assessment: Coursework 1 (40%) and Coursework 2 (60%)

This module promotes critical reflection on teaching and learning processes. You will undertake a placement in a learning environment and reflect on your experiences, preparing for diverse professional settings.

Assessment: Presentation (40%) and Portfolio (60%)

This module examines debates around gender in education, exploring the historically disadvantaged position of females and the construction of gender. Recent debates on gender and achievement, including the "problem of boys," will also be covered.

Assessment: Coursework (40%) and Project (60%)

You will explore language origins, first language acquisition, and the relationship between language, thought, and culture. The module also covers bilingualism and second language acquisition and investigates how language reflects cultural differences and conceptualisation.

Assessment: Report/Analysis (50%) and Presentation (50%)