English Language and Linguistics BA
AAB at A level; graduates earn a median £26,000 three years on.
85% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
What do you need to get in?
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: ABB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications4
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IB | 34 points34 | — |
| BTEC | —We welcome applications from students taking BTECs. | — |
| Advanced Highers | AAAA in two Advanced Highers where you have achieved ABB/BBB in three further Highers subjects. AB in two Advanced Highers where you have achieved AAB in three further Highers subjects. | — |
| Access | 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Di | — |
What do you study?
Compulsory modules this year: language & communication 85% · transversal skills 13% · arts & humanities 2%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Warwick course page · optional modules vary by year
- Linguistics: Understanding Language
What you learn (3)
- describe sounds, sound patterns, morphology, syntax and meaning using linguistic terms
- compare similarities and differences across languages
- analyse language data using linguistic theory and support conclusions with evidence
- Language in Society
What you learn (2)
- explain theories and research findings on language use in sociocultural contexts
- identify key issues in intercultural interaction and multilingualism
- Research, Academic and Professional Skills
What you learn (3)
- specify minimum criteria for sound research design
- identify different research approaches and their paradigmatic basis
- state procedures required to meet research ethics requirements
- Describing English Language
What you learn (4)
- distinguish between descriptive and prescriptive approaches to grammar
- label the constituent parts of a sentence accurately
- parse the grammatical structure of any given sentence
- explain how grammar contributes to effective communication
- First Language Acquisition
What you learn (1)
- define key concepts, terminology and research methods in language acquisition
- The History of English
What you learn (6)
- explain how languages evolve and change over time
- describe processes of language standardization
- compare standardization processes across different languages
- identify major trends in the historical development of English in England
- explain how contact with other languages has shaped english
- describe the impact of learning and using english on other languages
- The Spread of English
What you learn (6)
- explain mechanisms by which languages evolve over time
- describe processes involved in language standardisation
- compare standardisation processes across English and other languages
- identify major historical trends in the global spread of English
- explain how contact with other languages has shaped english
- evaluate the influence of english learning and use on other languages
Year 2 · 4 core, 4 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Qualitative Research
What you learn (3)
- apply critical thinking to qualitative research issues in language and culture
- frame social issues using a qualitative research perspective
- plan, conduct and report a qualitative research study
- Quantitative Research Methods
What you learn (3)
- identify approaches to quantitative research and their paradigmatic foundations
- evaluate data collection procedures and their effect on research design
- describe procedures for quantitative data analysis
- Phonetics and Phonology
What you learn (10)
- describe sound patterns found across world languages
- label speech sounds using phonetic transcription symbols
- label phonological features using standard disciplinary terms
- analyse raw language data to identify linguistic features
- classify language change driven by internal linguistic factors
- classify language change driven by external social factors
- identify physiological structures involved in speech production
- identify psychological factors affecting speech perception
- propose suitable methods for documenting and analysing language
- discuss key theories and findings across linguistic subfields
- Morphology and Syntax
What you learn (6)
- describe recurring morphological, syntactic and semantic patterns across world languages
- label morphosyntactic and semantic features using linguistic terminology
- analyse raw linguistic data to identify a language's structural features
- classify language change caused by internal and external factors
- propose suitable methods for documenting and studying languages
- discuss key theories and findings from various linguistic subfields
4 optional modules
- Analysing Spoken Discourse
What you learn (7)
- trace the historical development of theories of spoken interaction
- transcribe spoken interaction using standard annotation conventions
- analyse the contextual setting of a spoken interaction
- identify the participant framework of a spoken interaction
- examine register choices and interactional resources used in spoken discourse
- discuss how features of spoken data reveal discursive practices
- evaluate the usefulness of different theoretical approaches to analysing spoken language
- Analysing written discourse
What you learn (2)
- apply discourse-analytical techniques critically to varied discourse data
- explain approaches to theorising the relationship between discourse and society
- Sociolinguistics
What you learn (3)
- explain how language reflects and conveys social meaning
- evaluate theoretical concepts linking language use to society
- apply sociolinguistic concepts to analyse language practices of different social groups
- Language Teaching Methodologies
What you learn (3)
- explain how learners acquire a second or foreign language in varied settings
- compare classroom teaching approaches and their theoretical foundations
- evaluate different approaches used for teaching a second language
Year 3 · 3 core, 9 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Dissertation
What you learn (3)
- select an original research topic independently
- define the scope and boundaries of a chosen study
- critically evaluate existing research literature in a chosen field
- Intercultural Pragmatics
What you learn (3)
- evaluate current debates in intercultural pragmatics
- analyse how social and cultural context shapes meaning in language use
- judge the appropriateness and emotional impact of language choices across cultures
- Language, Society and Power
What you learn (2)
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of frameworks for analysing language and gender
- apply language and gender frameworks to analyse sample data
9 optional modules
- Artificial Intelligence and Applied Linguistics
What you learn (8)
- evaluate applications of AI technologies across different contexts
- produce a well-informed and academically valid output using AI tools
- critically assess public and academic narratives about AI
- evaluate personal approaches to using AI tools effectively
- analyse AI-generated outputs using linguistic and communication theories
- design strategies for applying AI in professional contexts
- assess the reliability and quality of AI-generated information
- justify choices between human judgement and AI-based approaches
- Professional Communication
What you learn (3)
- explain the role of discourse and communication in professional settings
- describe how research informs professional communication practice
- identify key communication challenges graduates face in global workplaces
- Issues in TESOL
What you learn (6)
- analyse learners' language needs
- select teaching approaches and materials matching learner needs
- identify grammatical structures that challenge language learners
- identify phonological features that challenge language learners
- describe the roles of learners and teachers in language learning
- apply teaching techniques to develop learners' general language skills
- Multilingualism and Culture
What you learn (6)
- explain key terminology and concepts used in multilingualism research
- describe theories and research methods applied to multilingualism
- analyse issues relating to multilingualism and culture
- describe how multilingual speakers use language in varied contexts
- discuss patterns of language use among multilingual speakers
- evaluate theoretical and empirical studies in multilingualism research
- Communication Modes
What you learn (1)
- identify how different semiotic modes shape meaning-making in communication
- Sociolinguistics
What you learn (3)
- explain how language conveys social meaning
- evaluate theoretical concepts of language and society
- apply sociolinguistic concepts to analyse language practices of social groups
- Intercultural Business Communication
What you learn (5)
- explain key theories of intercultural business communication
- apply intercultural communication theories to business situations
- identify cultural differences affecting business interactions
- analyse how cultural differences shape communication across business contexts
- evaluate established and current research on intercultural communication
- Multilingualism and Diversity Final Year
What you learn (6)
- explain key concepts and terminology used in multilingualism research
- describe research methods and theories applied to multilingualism
- identify key issues in intercultural interaction linked to multilingualism
- conduct the designed study to extend existing theoretical or analytical frameworks
- present research findings clearly to specialist audiences
- communicate research findings to non-specialist audiences
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
Where does it lead?
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 185 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 12, 14, 24, 22
Half of graduates earned between £21,500 and £30,500. Five years on, the median is £33,500. 90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 75% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 25 |
| In work or study, 15 months on25% studying | 90% | 15 |
| Professional or managerial job | 75% | 50 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £28,500 | 30 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £26,000 | 185 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £33,500 | 190 |
What does it cost?
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
Warwick fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.
What do students say?
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 75% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 20 students answered
Highest: 94% agreed on question 3; lowest: 71% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 89% |
| Question 2 | 89% |
| Question 3 | 94% |
| Question 4 | 89% |
| Question 5 | 89% |
| Question 6 | 94% |
| Question 7 | 94% |
| Question 8 | 83% |
| Question 9 | 83% |
| Question 10 | 83% |
| Question 11 | 94% |
| Question 12 | 89% |
| Question 13 | 78% |
| Question 14 | 78% |
| Question 15 | 94% |
| Question 16 | 94% |
| Question 17 | 89% |
| Question 18 | 89% |
| Question 19 | 88% |
| Question 20 | 94% |
| Question 21 | 89% |
| Question 22 | 83% |
| Question 23 | 94% |
| Question 24 | 71% |
| Question 25 | 93% |
| Question 26 | 78% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Warwick’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Warwick is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.