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BA English Language and Linguistics

University of Birmingham

About this course

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Linguistics, an English Language and Linguistics degree focusing on human communication and linguistic structures. Core topics include Research Methods. The curriculum provides a thorough grounding in linguistic theory and application over three years of study. The first year covers foundational concepts through Investigating Language A, Applied Linguistics, and Theories of Language. The second year builds competence with modules such as The Structure of English, Sociolinguistics, and Psycholinguistics. The final year allows specialisation through optional topics including AI in Linguistics and Digital Media, Clinical Linguistics, and Language Change, alongside a compulsory Language Dissertation.

Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.

Institution
University of Birmingham
Level
undergraduate
Subject
English Language and Linguistics BA
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
Q310
Typical offer
A-level ABB, IB 32
Median salary
£30,000 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A Level: ABB - see below for full requirements.. IB: 6,5,5 - 32 points overall.. BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM plus a B at A level.

See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Teaching on my course: 96%
  • Learning opportunities: 90%
  • Assessment and feedback: 86%
  • Academic support: 98%
  • Organisation and management: 95%
  • Learning resources: 88%
  • Student voice: 93%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 30 students who started

  • Continued on course: 85%
  • Left higher education: 10%
  • Moved to a lower qualification: 5%

What graduates do next

Based on about 74 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university

  • Working: 63%
  • Working and studying: 13%
  • Further study: 14%
  • Unemployed: 3%

Most common jobs

  • Business and public service associate professionals: 24%
  • Teaching Professionals: 13%
  • Administrative occupations: 11%
  • Artistic, literary and media occupations: 11%
  • Media Professionals: 7%
  • Find their work meaningful: 86%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 78%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 70%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 355 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North West: 6%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
  • East Midlands: 6%
  • West Midlands: 34%
  • East of England: 6%
  • London: 23%
  • South East: 12%
  • South West: 6%
  • Wales: 2%

Who gets in

Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university

  • A levels: 80%
  • Other HE qualification: 5%
  • Other qualifications: 15%

Accreditation & quality ratings

TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Investigating Language A
  • Investigating Language B
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Fundamentals of Language: Grammar and Discourse
  • Fundamentals of Language: Sounds and Words
  • Theories of Language
  • Discover: Academic and Professional Communication
  • Professional Research Skills for Linguists
  • The Structure of English
  • Data Skills for the Digital World
  • Discourse Analysis
  • History of the English Language
  • Language Education and Literacy
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Stylistics
  • Language Dissertation
  • AI in Linguistics and Digital Media
  • Animal Communication and Language Evolution
  • Authorship Analysis
  • Business Discourse and Communication
  • Clinical Linguistics
  • Discourse and Society
  • English Language Teaching
  • Exploring Linguistic Diversity
  • Inclusive Media and Communication
  • Language Change
  • Language and the Mind
  • Phraseology
  • Sign Languages and Gesture
  • Professional Skills
  • Professional Skills - Freelance

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BA English Language and Linguistics at University of Birmingham earn?

The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £30,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £37,000. The £30,000 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for English language.

What do graduates of BA English Language and Linguistics at University of Birmingham do next?

90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).

Are students happy with the teaching on BA English Language and Linguistics at University of Birmingham?

96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.

What grades do I need for BA English Language and Linguistics at University of Birmingham?

The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.

Does BA English Language and Linguistics at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.

How many students continue on BA English Language and Linguistics at University of Birmingham?

85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.