MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics (with a study abroad year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics (with a study abroad year) program at the University of Sussex offers students a comprehensive exploration of the English language and its role in communication, society, and culture. This program combines the scientific study of linguistics with practical applications, allowing students to understand the mechanics of language, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics. The added study abroad year provides students with an international perspective on language use and cultural practices, enhancing their academic and personal growth. With an emphasis on both theoretical and applied linguistics, this degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers in linguistics, education, publishing, translation, and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics (with a study abroad year) is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in linguistics while offering opportunities for specialization in areas of particular interest. In the first year, students are introduced to the core areas of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. They also study the history and development of the English language, gaining an understanding of how language has evolved over time. As students progress through the program, they have the option to take more advanced modules that delve deeper into specific linguistic subfields, such as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, and discourse analysis. The study abroad year, typically taken after the second year, allows students to immerse themselves in a different linguistic and cultural environment, where they can develop a more nuanced understanding of language in global contexts. The final year of the program includes the opportunity to undertake a research project or dissertation, where students can explore a linguistic topic of their choice in depth.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex’s English Language and Linguistics program is research-driven, with faculty members actively contributing to advancements in linguistics. The department focuses on several key areas, including sociolinguistics, language acquisition, phonetics, and cognitive linguistics. Research is often interdisciplinary, with connections to psychology, education, and communication studies, offering students a broad perspective on the role of language in society. Students are encouraged to engage with current linguistic research and to develop their own research skills through practical assignments and independent projects. The university’s research emphasis allows students to engage with cutting-edge theoretical and applied linguistics, preparing them for postgraduate study or careers in research and academia. The department regularly hosts research seminars and events, providing students with opportunities to interact with scholars and professionals in the field.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics program at Sussex offers extensive opportunities for industry engagement, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The university has strong links with a variety of industries, including education, publishing, media, and language services. Students can gain work experience through placements, internships, and collaborative projects with organizations that focus on language teaching, translation, publishing, and communication. The department also offers career development support, including workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Additionally, students have the opportunity to attend industry events, networking sessions, and guest lectures from professionals in the field of linguistics and language-related industries. These connections allow students to build valuable professional networks and gain insights into potential career paths after graduation.
Global Perspective: The inclusion of a study abroad year is a key feature of the BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics program at Sussex, offering students the chance to experience language and culture in an international context. Students can choose to study at one of the university’s partner institutions around the world, allowing them to enhance their understanding of global linguistic diversity. The study abroad experience provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new language environment, which not only strengthens their linguistic skills but also deepens their cultural awareness. This global perspective is essential in today’s interconnected world, where multilingualism and cross-cultural communication are increasingly important. The international exposure gained during the study abroad year enriches students’ academic experience and prepares them for careers in global industries such as translation, international relations, and language consultancy.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics (with a study abroad year) program at the University of Sussex are equipped with a wide array of skills that are highly valued across various industries. The program's interdisciplinary approach blends linguistic theory, cultural awareness, and practical language applications, providing graduates with the tools to pursue diverse career paths. The addition of the study abroad year further enhances employability by giving students international exposure and a deeper understanding of global linguistic and cultural issues.
Linguist/Language Analyst: Many graduates of the program pursue careers as linguists or language analysts, using their expertise to study and analyze language patterns. They may work in sectors such as translation services, transcription, or linguistic research. Linguists analyze the structure, use, and evolution of language in different contexts, and their work is crucial in industries like technology, language development, and artificial intelligence, especially in areas related to natural language processing (NLP).
Language Teacher (ESL/EFL): English Language and Linguistics graduates can become teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Their in-depth understanding of language mechanics, syntax, and phonology prepares them for teaching English both in the UK and abroad. Many graduates choose to teach in countries where English language skills are in demand, leveraging their study abroad experience to understand the linguistic and cultural needs of students in different regions.
Speech and Language Therapist: For those interested in working in healthcare, a career in speech and language therapy is a popular option. Graduates can work with children and adults who have speech, language, or communication difficulties. This role involves diagnosing speech disorders, developing treatment plans, and helping individuals improve their communication abilities. While some may pursue postgraduate qualifications in speech and language therapy, the skills developed in the English Language and Linguistics program are an excellent foundation.
Translator/Interpreter: Linguistics graduates can pursue careers in translation and interpretation, leveraging their knowledge of syntax, grammar, and language structure. They can work as translators for written materials or as interpreters in real-time verbal communication. Graduates may specialize in specific languages or work in technical fields such as legal or medical translation. Their study abroad year offers them unique insights into language in global contexts, enhancing their ability to work with international clients or organizations.
Publishing and Editorial Roles: Many graduates move into the publishing industry, working in roles such as editorial assistants, copy editors, or content developers. Their deep understanding of language, grammar, and syntax makes them valuable assets in publishing houses, magazines, and online platforms. English Language and Linguistics graduates can also work in proofreading and editing, ensuring that content is linguistically accurate and engaging.
Communication Specialist: Graduates with strong linguistic skills are highly sought after in roles involving communication, both within organizations and between companies and their audiences. As communication specialists, graduates may work in public relations (PR), corporate communication, or media relations, where they are responsible for crafting clear and effective messages. Their expertise in language use, tone, and structure allows them to craft content for websites, social media platforms, and public campaigns.
Content Writer/Copywriter: The writing and communication skills developed during the program provide a strong foundation for careers in content creation. Graduates can work as content writers, copywriters, or bloggers, creating written material for websites, marketing campaigns, advertisements, or corporate publications. Their understanding of language and its impact on audiences allows them to tailor content to meet the needs of specific target groups.
Language Consultant: Language consultants are employed by businesses, government agencies, or international organizations to provide linguistic advice. This can include helping organizations navigate language barriers in cross-cultural settings, advising on how to structure multilingual communication strategies, or assisting with the development of language-related technologies. Consultants with a background in linguistics and cultural knowledge are essential in ensuring that communication is clear and effective across different languages and cultures.
Social Researcher: Linguistics graduates with an interest in sociolinguistics can work as social researchers, conducting studies on language use within different communities or demographics. This role involves designing and conducting research projects, analyzing data, and producing reports on findings. Researchers in this field may focus on topics such as language attitudes, language policy, multilingualism, or language in social contexts. Graduates may find employment in universities, government agencies, or research institutions.
Language Technology Specialist: With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, there is an increasing demand for linguists to work in the tech industry, especially in areas related to speech recognition, natural language processing (NLP), and language technologies. Graduates with knowledge of computational linguistics can contribute to the development of language-based AI tools, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated translation systems.
HR and Recruitment Specialist: Graduates with strong communication skills can excel in human resources (HR) and recruitment. Language plays a vital role in recruitment processes, especially when it comes to interviewing candidates, writing job descriptions, and assessing communication styles. Graduates may work as HR assistants, recruitment consultants, or employee engagement specialists, where their ability to understand language and communication nuances is key.
