English Language and Communication

Why English Language and Communication?

Communication underpins how we, as human beings, function and operate in just about every area of our lives – the appropriate use of language and communication is the basis for success in virtually every domain of human activity, from politics, to business, to all areas of work, even to personal and family life. This programme offers you the tools to understand the many complex and fascinating ways in which language and communication work in the world, and also to improve your own abilities and skills in communication and daily discourse.

The aims of the English Language and Communication degree is to allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the English language and its role in the world as well as an in-depth understanding of communication in terms of how it functions at interpersonal, public, group and intercultural levels. The English language is the dominant language of international communication and with increasing globalisation, it is important to have a refined understanding of the nature and structure of English and how we communicate with each other. An understanding of the various dimensions of language and communication will give you the ability to communicate more effectively in this complex, globalised world.

What will I study?

You will study a range of modules focussing either on language or communication (although there is a great deal of crossover between the modules). You will develop both your ability to understand language and communication, as well as the ability to investigate these areas.

In each year, you will take a range of compulsory modules that cover the key concepts and ideas in language and communication. In the first year, you will explore what language is, what is it is used for, and what underlies language use in the English language strand. For the communication strand, you will study how communication operates between individuals, and within different social and professional groups. In the second year, the variety of ways in which we produce and interpret spoken and written texts is examined in the language strand while single honours students also study how we learn and acquire languages. Communication explores the ways in which culture and identity influence how individuals communicate, both verbally and non-verbally. In the third year, the language strands looks at the social dimensions of the global use of English, while for communication there is an investigation of what causes intercultural communication breakdowns and how they can be avoided. Single honours students also do an Individual Study in their final year (which is available as an option for combined honours students).

As you progress into the second and third years, you will have the opportunity to take option modules that focus either on professional applications of language and communication, or on areas with a more academic focus. For example, in the second year there are options focusing on how to teach English as a foreign language and on business communication while there is an option on the history of the English language. In the third year, there are options focusing on international business communication, on intercultural training, and on teaching English as a foreign language, while more academic modules focus on language and gender and technologymediated communication. Finally, in terms of developing your employability, there is an option of a work placement module.

What can I do next?

The analytical and communication abilities that an English Language and Communication degree provides are called ‘transferable skills’ and are considered desirable in almost any occupation. When you are looking for a job, they are often the most valuable skills to have. Furthermore, with modules focussing on the professional applications of language and communication and with a work placement module, this degree can enhance your employability.

Because of its flexibility, this degree lets you choose from many different employment sectors and occupations. Teaching and social work are common career destinations; working in communication training is another. A large number of graduates choose to work in a creative field, like journalism, advertising PR or marketing. There are also many opportunities for further study and academic work.

> Department of English and Language Studies Website