English Language BA (Hons)
Newcastle University
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( 4.3) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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Location

Main Site (Newcastle)

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Main Site (Newcastle)

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

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Subjects

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English
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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Extended Project
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Course info

Indulge your passion for English by exploring the nature of human language in an inspiring city with a vibrant cultural scene.Course overviewThis three-year English Language BA Honours degree encourages you to explore the English language in all its diversity – past and present, national and international, offline and online.Youll investigate how English has developed over time and how its used to mark regional, social and stylistic distinctions. You will learn from subject experts, ...Read more

Indulge your passion for English by exploring the nature of human language in an inspiring city with a vibrant cultural scene.

Course overview

This three-year English Language BA Honours degree encourages you to explore the English language in all its diversity – past and present, national and international, offline and online.

You'll investigate how English has developed over time and how it's used to mark regional, social and stylistic distinctions. You will learn from subject experts, world-leading researchers in English Language and Linguistics. You will:

  • study how English has evolved over time, how it is acquired, and how it develops in the mind
  • examine the grammatical structures and sound systems of different varieties of English
  • explore how historical, social and other contexts impact variation in English
  • learn different methodologies for studying the use and complexities of English.

Teaching methods

You can normally expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops and film screenings. You also spend around 25 hours per week on class preparation, reading, writing, and other kinds of independent research recommended by your lecturers.

Study abroad

You have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester in your second year. In Europe we have links with:

  • Ghent University, Belgium
  • Leipzig University, Germany
  • Groningen University, Netherlands
  • Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands

We have links with universities in other parts of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, including, but not limited to:

  • Monash University, Australia
  • University of Sydney, Australia
  • McGill University, Canada
  • University of Hong Kong
  • University of Vermont, USA

Work placement

During your degree you’ll have multiple opportunities to undertake a meaningful work placement. In your second and third years you may choose to take the Career Development Module which offers academic credit for 50 hours of placement. You can choose to carry out your placement via part-time work, volunteering or in a local school. You will be assessed through a mixture of written work, presentations and professional skills assessment.

In addition you'll have the option to spend 9 to 12 months on a work placement with University support from our dedicated Careers team to help you secure your dream placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise. Previous placements have been in a range of sectors, including:

  • Journalism and Broadcasting
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Politics
  • Digital Media and Marketing
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Museum and Heritage
  • Travel and Tourism

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
16th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
26th
English Studies (Non-Specific)
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
95%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
English Studies (Non-Specific) graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK English Studies (Non-Specific) graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
K
Katie
05 Dec 24

As a university, Newcastle has really good facilities and an amazing campus. All the areas of campus are always well kept and tidy with people working on keeping it clean..Read more

W
Willow
02 Dec 24

Amazing help from..Read more

Modules

Modules (Stage 1)
Modules (Stage 2)
Modules (Stage 3)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

AABBB Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

D:30,M:15 Grades / Points required

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:

D3,M2,M2 Grades / Points required

Extended Project:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

We welcome candidates with an A Level in English Language, although this is not required. We welcome candidates with an A Level in Psychology, Sociology, Maths, or Science.

Candidates who have some background in Maths and Science may be interested in the cognitive/brain science and quantitative elements of the course. Candidates who prefer Arts and Humanities subjects may be interested in the historical, sociological, and literary elements of the course.Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Candidates who have some background in Maths and Science may be interested in the cognitive/brain science and quantitative elements of the course. Candidates who prefer Arts and Humanities subjects may be interested in the historical, sociological, and literary elements of the course.

If you offer the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification in a topic relevant to the degree programme, we may take this into account in our consideration of your application.

Candidates who have some background in Maths and Science may be interested in the cognitive/brain science and quantitative elements of the course. Candidates who prefer Arts and Humanities subjects may be interested in the historical, sociological, and literary elements of the course.

Candidates who have some background in Maths and Science may be interested in the cognitive/brain science and quantitative elements of the course. Candidates who prefer Arts and Humanities subjects may be interested in the historical, sociological, and literary elements of the course.

Applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

Popular A-level subjects

English Studies (Non-Specific)

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

English Literature
71%
English Language
46%
History
44%
Psychology
17%
Religious Studies & Theology
15%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest English Language reviews

English Language
English Language
K
Katie
05 Dec 24
English Language BA (Hons)
As a university, Newcastle has really good facilities and an amazing campus. All the areas of campus are always well kept and tidy with people working on keeping it clean...
Read more
W
Willow
02 Dec 24
English Language BA (Hons)
Amazing help from...
Read more
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How English Language students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 19 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
68%
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1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 1,244 reviews
5 star
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4 stars
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3 stars
9%
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Uni info

Newcastle University
Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle University is a Global Top 125 university (QS World University Rankings 2023) and founding member of the prestigious...

Student rating
( 4.3) View reviews
CUG ranking
26th
Newcastle University
King's Gate Newcastle upon Tyne Northumberland NE1 7RU United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Newcastle Central  0.5 miles away
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