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Studying English language degree guide

English is one of the most spoken languages in the world and one of the primary languages used in international business and the arts alike. A degree in English will improve your understanding and knowledge of the language (e.g., its grammar, punctuation and structure) as well as the cultural and historical side of things.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

If you enjoy the written and spoken word then you may be interested in studying English at uni. You’ll study modern and classic literature, theatre, film, language, creative writing and more. An English degree is transferable, meaning you can use the skills you learn in lots of industries, meaning you’ll be really employable after you graduate. You can also often combine studying English with other subjects like sociology, history and politics. Read on to see if an English language degree is right for you.

Find English courses

What do you need to get on an English language degree?


Average entry requirements for an English language degree are:

  • UCAS points: 152 – 128
  • A-levels: A*AA – ABB
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA – BBBB
  • BTEC Nationals: DDD
  • International Baccalaureate: 39 – 34

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

Most English language courses will also ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in English or English literature.

What English language degrees can you study?


Degrees in English language include:

  • BA English Literature and/or Language
  • BA English and Theatre
  • BA English and a modern foreign language
  • BA Film and English

What topics does an English language degree cover?


Common modules for English language include:

  • How language works
  • Language and society
  • Working with texts
  • English forms and functions
  • The language of literature
  • Creative writing
  • English in a historical context
  • Language and social media
  • Literature in history
  • Storytelling
  • Journalism 

What do you learn studying an English language degree?


Studying an English language degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Writing techniques
  • Writing style
  • Written communication
  • Advanced grammar and vocabulary
  • Articulating knowledge and understanding of texts
  • Critically analysing text
  • Knowledge of major literary works
  • Linguistic knowledge

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Attention-to-detail
  • Creative thinking
  • Independent thinking
  • Independent working
  • Presentation

What professional accreditations can you get with an English language degree?


Some English language courses will be accredited by organisations like the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

What can you do with an English language degree?


English language graduates usually have really strong job prospects because it is a transferable degree that can be applied to loads of industries and job types. Some jobs that English language graduates can look into are:

Where to study English language? 

How long is an English language degree?


An English language degree usually takes three years to study. However, some unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement in industry or abroad), which will increase the course to four years.

How will you be assessed? 


English language courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams 
  • Coursework 
  • Presentations 
  • Projects 
  • Dissertation 

What are the postgraduate opportunities?
 


Your options for further study include:

  • MA English Literature and/or Language
  • MA Creative Writing
  • MA American Literature
  • MA Children’s Literature
  • MLitt Comparative Literature
  • MA English: Literature, Culture and Theory

What alternatives are there to an English language degree?


Not sure if an English language degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: