English Language and Linguistics - BA (Hons)

Cardiff University

How does your use of language express who you are and who you want to be? Why do babies learn language easily while adults often struggle? How and why does language change and how is language in the media used to influence or manipulate us? On our BA in English Language and Linguistics, you’ll explore questions like these and gain a deep understanding of how linguistic communication works. You’ll study English alongside comparative examples from a wide range of other languages while exploring core theories and current practices in linguistics. You’ll also develop the skills to apply those theories and practices to real-world issues. Explore how language is structured and used in the social world, building an understanding of the relationships between linguistic structures, individual identity and social organisation. You'll also develop the skills for analysing language, not only as it can be used, but as it is used in context. In your first year, you’ll learn how language works and how to use language to communicate. In your second year, you’ll focus on how language is used, and has been used, in practice. These topics will help you navigate language and linguistics in today’s world, including the relationship between language and society. In your final year, you’ll focus on communicating specialist topics to different audiences. By producing different types of texts and working with specialised software you’ll build career-enhancing skills. You’ll analyse real-world examples of language, construct arguments and communicate ideas to different audiences, developing your ability to analyse and critique the language that surrounds us and bulding a strong skillset valued in the workplace.

We’re ranked 62nd in the world for English language and literature in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Explore the relationship between language and linguistics, and how language works in the social world.

Choose from a wide range of modules, allowing you to explore your interests and discover new ones.

Take opportunities to study abroad in Europe and beyond, building independence and resilience.

Develop in-demand employability skills that can support your career prospects in a wide range of fields.