English Language and Literature

UCAS code: Q325

Here's what University of Southampton says about its English Language and Literature course.

About this course Gain in-depth knowledge of the English language and its cultural impact on this BA English Language and Literature degree. Discover how English emerged, how it continues to change, and how it varies across its millions of speakers. You’ll explore writing in varieties of English from the early medieval period to the present day, as well as from around the world.

You’ll gain academic expertise and develop lifelong skills applicable to a variety of settings and career destinations.? A degree in Languages and Literature equips graduates with a deep understanding of the intricacies of spoken and written language, communication, and cultural contexts. This expertise is invaluable in our increasingly globalised world, where clear cross-cultural communication is paramount.

Key features if the course

• Join a department that is 10th for Lingustics, Complete University Guide 2026

• 96% of students were highly rate our teaching in English Language, National Student Survey 2025

• Combine both literary and linguistic approaches to the subject on this Joint Honours course.

• Opportunity to study a foreign language.

• Options to take related modules in other disciplines such as Philosophy and Film, allowing you to tailor your module choices to your own interests and career choices.

• Access to our Digital Humanities Hub and support from our team of expert academics and technicians.

Student Support You’ll be taught by supportive experts who know you as an individual. Small-group seminars and personal tutors will help you build confidence. Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community.

Further information The BA English Language and Literature is a three-year, full-time course at our Avenue Campus. You can also apply to add a year abroad or placement year, extending your degree to four years. For details, visit our course page.

Over the three years of this English Language & Literature course, you will combine applied, experimental and theoretical approaches to the study of English language with a comprehensive grounding in literary theory and the study of a range of different English texts.

Year 1: Foundational topics and methods English language, and English literature Year 2: Study intermediate modules in psycholinguistics, multilingualism, acoustic phonology, alongside modules on a broad spectrum of both classical and contemporary authors. Year 3: Focus on specialist topics with your future job in mind, including language and speech disorders, sociophonetics, creative writing in schools, and digital communication.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through modules from outside your discipline, including from sociology, education and philosophy.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/english-language-literature-degree-ba#modules

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as dissertations, essays, individual and group projects, and written exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.