BA English Language and Linguistics

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 135.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.

Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.

Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.

The BA English Language and Linguistics program at the University of Reading provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of language, its structure, and its use in society. This academic journey equips students with key analytical, communication, and research skills, which are highly valued in a wide array of career paths. Upon completion of the program, graduates can explore diverse job opportunities in education, media, translation, research, and more.

Language Teacher (ESL or EFL): One of the most common career paths for graduates is becoming an English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher. Graduates with a BA in English Language and Linguistics have a strong foundation in language structure, phonetics, and grammar, making them well-suited to teach English to non-native speakers. Many pursue a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification to teach abroad in countries with a high demand for English teachers.

Speech and Language Therapist (Further Study Required): Graduates can also pursue a career as a Speech and Language Therapist. These professionals work with individuals who have speech, language, or communication difficulties. Though additional training and qualifications are required, the understanding of linguistics gained during the BA provides a solid foundation for pursuing postgraduate studies in this area. This role allows graduates to help people improve their communication abilities, making it a rewarding career path.

Translator or Interpreter: With strong language skills, graduates may choose a career in translation or interpretation. These roles require the ability to convert written or spoken content from one language to another while preserving the original meaning and tone. Translators often work in publishing, business, or government, while interpreters may work in settings such as conferences, courts, or hospitals. Graduates can work with a variety of languages, depending on their expertise.

Linguistic Researcher: Graduates of the BA English Language and Linguistics program are well-equipped for careers in linguistic research. As researchers, they may work in academia or research institutes, conducting studies on language use, phonetics, sociolinguistics, or psycholinguistics. This role involves analyzing data, publishing findings, and contributing to the broader field of linguistics. Graduates may also find opportunities in market research, social science research, and language development.

Editor or Proofreader: For those with strong attention to detail, a career as an editor or proofreader is an excellent option. These roles involve reviewing written content to ensure it is clear, grammatically correct, and engaging for the intended audience. Graduates can work in a range of sectors, including publishing, advertising, journalism, or corporate communications. Editors and proofreaders also help to maintain consistency in language and style across different types of content.

Content Writer or Copywriter: Graduates with strong writing and communication skills can pursue careers as content writers or copywriters. These professionals create written material for websites, marketing campaigns, blogs, social media, and more. With a strong understanding of language, syntax, and communication strategies, graduates can produce content that resonates with audiences, whether for educational purposes, marketing, or entertainment.

Language Consultant: As a language consultant, graduates can provide expert advice to businesses, organizations, or individuals looking to improve their communication strategies. Consultants may focus on a variety of areas, including improving internal communications, enhancing language use in marketing campaigns, or advising on the best ways to communicate across cultures. Language consultants may also work in fields like branding or advertising.

Media and Communications Specialist: Graduates can work as media and communications specialists, using their knowledge of language and linguistics to shape content in various media formats. They may work in public relations, journalism, social media management, or broadcasting. In these roles, they are responsible for crafting messages, creating narratives, and managing communication strategies for organizations, media outlets, or government agencies.

Publishing Professional: The publishing industry is another viable career option for graduates with a background in English Language and Linguistics. Graduates can work as editorial assistants, production assistants, or literary agents, helping to manage the process of book production, from editing to marketing. This career also offers opportunities in digital publishing, where graduates can help create and distribute content for e-books, audiobooks, and online platforms.

Corporate Trainer or Consultant: Graduates can leverage their language and communication expertise to work as corporate trainers or consultants. These professionals design and deliver training programs that help employees improve their language and communication skills in professional environments. This could include accent reduction, writing skills, cross-cultural communication, or effective public speaking.

Government and Policy Advisor: Graduates interested in shaping public policy can work in government or as policy advisors. Linguistics plays a key role in understanding language use in political discourse, communication strategies, and the impact of language on societal issues. Graduates may contribute to developing language policies, translating documents, or advising on linguistic matters related to social services, law, or education.

Human Resources Specialist: Graduates may also pursue careers in human resources (HR), where their understanding of language and communication can be valuable in recruitment, training, and employee relations. They may work on developing job descriptions, conducting interviews, or handling communication between staff and management. HR specialists use their skills to ensure that workplace interactions are effective and clear.