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English Language & Communication
At the University of Bedfordshire, you will have the chance to enhance your CV through various internships and volunteering opportunities. Our students have completed work experience placements at a wide range of local schools, nurseries, and charitable organisations, helping to develop various transferable skills and providing an insight into your chosen career.
Careers
Our undergraduate courses offer you the opportunity to study language and linguistics across a broad spectrum which will prepare you for careers in a range of professions including speech and language therapy, lexicology, media, broadcasting, legal and forensic intelligence.
Q&A
Mr Theo Maniski
Principal Lecturer in English Language & Linguistics
What opportunities does Bedfordshire offer that students may not find elsewhere?
Our courses provide a stimulating combination of theory and practice, and we have great facilities here. We are student-centred and provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We also host English language lessons and clubs to support each student’s individual language needs.
Did you know?
Our English Language and TEFL course allows you to partake in observed and assessed teaching practice, and provides you with the opportunity to gain TEFLi status.
Courses
English Language & Linguistics BA (Hons) English Language & Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) BA (Hons) English Literature BA (Hons) General English Language Courses – Evening & Summer Courses General English Language Courses – Pre-sessional (full-time) 100
101 102
103
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Related foundation degrees: Have You Also Considered...?
Creative Writing BA (Hons) Journalism BA (Hons)
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126 129
For more information on any of the courses visit: beds.ac.uk/courses For up-to-date information on part-time study options see: beds.ac.uk/parttime
English Language & Communication
Key facts
UCAS Course Code: Q140 With Professional Practice Year: Q148 With Foundation Year: Q3FY September Bedford campus 3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year UK/EU/International students UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information
This course will help you to understand how language works and you will examine the main systems of English: syntax; morphology; pronunciation and associated meanings; speech patterns; accents; dialects; and writing styles. Optional strands such as translation, intercultural communication, language and the media, and substantial opportunities for independent study allow you to specialise in areas of particular interest to you. As either a native or non- native user of English you will develop your vocabulary and acquire advanced communication skills.
Key features
• Attractive combination of theory and practice • Explores the practical application of linguistic theory in various contexts • Develop your understanding of how language works: grammar, pronunciation and meaning • Learn valuable skills for careers that require high-level analytical and communication abilities
Career opportunities
A range of careers are available including: education; journalism; detection; public relations (PR); and management.
Areas of study may include:
• Words, grammar, pronunciation • Rhetoric: the language of persuasion • Discourse analysis • Critical thinking • The history of English • Applying linguistics • Language in society
Key facts
UCAS Course Code: QX31 With Foundation Year: X5FY September Bedford campus 3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Foundation Year UK/EU/International students UCAS Tariff 80-96 points – see website for more information
This course is specifically designed to prepare you for the language teaching profession, with a TEFL qualification opening up career opportunities all over the world. Teaching and classroom projects play an important role in our practice-based approach. Build on a core of linguistics as you explore how words, sentences and pronunciation combine to convey meaning through reading, writing, listening and speaking. We support your understanding of the relationship between teaching and learning, lesson planning, and micro-teaching from the outset.
Key features
• Learn about the structure of the English language, patterns of natural speech, communication of meaning, teacher and student motivation and how to develop effective TEFL materials • Gain essential classroom experience in preparation for your career and/or further PGCE study
Career opportunities
You will be prepared for a career in English language teaching (ELT), teaching in general or any professional environment where effective communication and presentation skills are needed. Many graduates decide to progress onto our postgraduate courses in Applied Linguistics (TEFL) and in ELT Management. You may also decide to go on to teach in the education sector.
Areas of study may include:
• Grammatical and lexical systems of English • Patterns of natural speech • Communication of meaning • Teacher and student motivation • Forensic linguistics • Language in society • The history of English
Jeremiah Morgan
English Language & Teaching English as a Foreign Language BA (Hons)
“One of the perks of this course is that – as well as training to become a teacher all around the world – I also gain insight into the fascinating linguistic aspects of language.”
Key facts
UCAS Course Code: Q320 With Professional Practice Year: Q328 With Foundation Year: Q5FY September Bedford campus 3 years full-time (options available: part-time), alternatively 4 years with a Professional Practice (UK/EU) or Foundation Year UK/EU/International students UCAS Tariff 112-120 points – see website for more information
Whatever your favourite period, you will find something to fascinate you on this course; following the development of English literature from the tales of Chaucer and plays of Shakespeare to the poems of Benjamin Zephaniah and the novels of Monica Ali. On the way you will explore the Restoration, the 18th Century, Romantics and Victorians. Options include poetry and poetics, Shakespeare and his contemporaries, American literature and creative writing, Gothic stories, Irish literature, children’s fiction, world literature and histories of perception. You will also have plenty of opportunity to develop your own critical or creative voice with a final year dissertation choice of an extended essay on your preferred subject or a portfolio of your own creative writing.
Key features
• Explore the exciting Hockliffe and Cinderella Collections, two of the most important archives of children’s literature in the UK • Learn from supportive and enthusiastic tutors with strong research records in their specialist subjects
Career opportunities
On completing this course, you might progress on to one of the following professions: librarian; copywriter; arts administrator; editorial assistant; journalist; public relations officer; and teaching (following further study at postgraduate level).
Areas of study may include:
• Literature in history • Creative writing • Gothic literature • The modern age • Children’s fiction • 19th century writings • Writing for performance
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
See website Luton campus Evening classes: 10-12 weeks
Summer schools: 2-3 weeks UK/EU (evening and summer courses)/
International (summer courses only) students Placement test – see website for more information
Evening courses include preparation for a prestigious Cambridge English exam. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings, for 10-12 weeks, four hours per week, at intermediate to advanced levels. We also run a range of summer courses in July: full-time general English summer school courses, (for twothree weeks, at intermediate levels and above), and business English, covering business language and communication. Courses involve 15 hours of language tuition per week and cultural and social activities.
Key features
• All four skills covered: reading, writing, speaking and listening • Preparation for further academic studies or your future career • Communication skills developed for social interaction and everyday life • Part-time students have full access to University facilities
Career opportunities
You may progress on to a main degree programme or to a career in which English language skills are vital, for example, international management or tourism.
Areas of study may include:
• Vocabulary development • Pronunciation at word and sentence level • Application of grammar in spoken and written communication • Formal versus informal language • British culture
Key facts
Apply direct to the University
See website Luton campus Full-time, pre-sessional courses. Various lengths available depending on applicant’s level of English on entry: 2, 4, 12, 15 and 24 weeks UK/EU/International students Completed high school education (12 years) with two A level passes – see website for more information
Students entering the University who require an English language top-up prior to beginning their academic studies can join one of our pre-sessional English courses. These courses aim to improve your communication skills of written and spoken English and also your receptive skills of reading and listening. You will therefore enter your chosen University programme with the confidence to communicate effectively. All aspects of English are covered, including pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. Sessions are highly communicative, involving a high level of student interaction.
Key features
• Covers all four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking • Full-time pre-sessional English prepares you for study in a UK academic environment • Intensive programme of study • Highly communicative language sessions
Career opportunities
You may progress on to a main degree programme or to a career in which English language skills are vital, for example, international management or tourism.
Areas of study may include:
• Vocabulary development • Application of grammar • Pronunciation at word and sentence level
