BA English Language

Overview & facilities

Our BA English Language degree with Honours helps you to understand the nature of language and to develop your own investigations. Classroom work is interactive and discussion-based, using examples and other data gathered by staff and students. We consider the kinds of knowledge used by speakers of English and other languages and how they obtained their knowledge. We consider how this knowledge varies from person to person, and context to context. We also help you to look at how to use language effectively in a number of spoken and written styles. The focus is mainly on English but we also draw on examples from other languages.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Concepts for Language Analysis (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is in two parts. The first part of the module introduces basic terminology and concepts used in the description of language. Students then use the terms and concepts to construct their own linguistic analyses and descriptions. In the second part of the module, students work in groups determined by their programme. Students taking a TEFL programme focus on appreciating and developing the necessary skills for the successful acquisition of a second or additional language. Students on English Language and other programmes focus on practical and theoretical issues in researching communication. This work is based around a small-scale research project and a group presentation reporting the project s aims, methods and findings.

  Critical Reading (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module introduces you to skills and ideas essential for the reading of literary texts. It studies major literary genres: drama, poetry and fiction, and introduces you to the interpretation of literature through an idea that connects all the texts, the idea of the self. It also provides an understanding of the use of historical contexts and criticism in relation to critical reading. The module also teaches key skills, including considering sources, preparing and writing an essay, and introduces bibliographic skills and the use of learning resources.

  Introducing Language (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To provide a general overview of topics and techniques in English Language as a preparation for studying them systematically. To compare everyday attitudes and opinions about language with what can be discovered by studying language more systematically. To collect written and spoken texts and carry out analytical and investigative projects based on the texts gathered.

  Studying English Language (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module looks at the English language from a number of perspectives. Students consider problems with defining English and then explore the historical development of the language, its contemporary, worldwide distribution and its many different varieties. Drawing on this historical and geographical description, the module goes on to consider widely varying attitudes towards English, especially as a global language, and investigates case studies involving conflicting attitudes to particular varieties of English.

• Year 2

  Communication Techniques (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to develop students abilities in a range of professional communication tasks which are characterised by a high degree of rhetorical convention alongside their need for individual creativity. Practical tasks during the module include introductory speeches, announcements, interviews, business presentations, press releases and written proposals, and focus on discourse strategies rather than basic English vocabulary or structures. In order to build awareness as well as practical ability, a range of linguistic approaches are used to illuminate discourse strategies appropriate to each given idiom and situation.

  Exploring Writing B: Fiction and Poetry (30 Credits) - Optional

  To develop reading and writing skills through exploration of fictional or poetic forms. To enable students, both by looking at examples of successful published work and creating their own work, to deepen their knowledge of literary techniques and extend their formal and stylistic skills. To deepen workshopping skills giving and receiving feedback in order that students may better understand the impact of their work on others and what makes for good and bad critical commentary. Builds on CMW1001, and leads towards CMW3001 and CMW3002.

  Language and Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module considers different types of knowledge involved in understanding acts of communication, and considers how we come to acquire such knowledge. It looks at: general features of research in cognitive, with special focus on the kinds of data typically used and problems associated with interpreting it - specific types of knowledge, including phonology, morphology, syntax, the lexicon and semantics - specific kinds of processing including phoneme recognition and production, accessing and recognising words, recognising linguistic structures parsing , the acquisition and representation of conceptual knowledge, and contextually inferred meaning pragmatics

  Language and Society (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To build on concepts and terminology fundamental to the study of linguistic variation and change introduced at level one. This will involve both developing understanding of concepts already introduced and introducing and exploring new concepts and terminology. To contrast the linguistic traditions of prescriptivism and descriptivism and consider the development and maintenance of standard languages. To consider education policy with regard to language. To develop students ability to describe types of linguistic difference in terms of grammatical syntactic and morphological , lexical and phonological variation. To critically assess the formulation of concepts such as social class, gender and style in relation to key sociolinguistic theories of variation and change To develop students ability to undertake a small-scale research project relevant to sociolinguistics.

  Literature in a Media Age (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module explores relations between literature and other media - film, radio, television and journalism. We examine adaptation, authorship, reviewing, and the ways marketing and publicity affect cultural production, and consider the nature of literary and cultural value. The module has four strands. The first two we will look at in tandem in the first term, and they concern authorship and cultural value across different media, and detective fiction - a specifically modern genre that develops in the nineteenth century, and now thrives in different media. The third and fourth strands which we will study after Christmas overlap. We will explore an ancient genre which remains hugely popular, but whose claims to cultural status have sometimes occasioned controversy: comedy. The final strand examines works that have stirred controversy, especially as claims to artistic freedom of expression clash with the assertion of other values.

  Translation Principles and Strategies (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to guide students through some of the important concepts in translation studies and various types of considerations that have to be taken into account in order to produce a piece of quality translation. Studying them will help students reflect on their own reactions to being translators in the translation industry and further enhance their understanding of translation.

• Year 3

  Creating and Understanding Meaning (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module looks at how meanings are constructed and understood in linguistic communication with a particular focus on discourse in contemporary media. Relevant theoretical work in the fields of semantics and pragmatics is outlined and critically evaluated, with a particular focus on the processes of decoding and inference through which interpretations are constructed. This work is then applied in looking at how meanings are constructed and understood in a range of contemporary media. Work on media meanings aims to develop a broad description of language use in media communication, and explores features of media communication in terms of speech-event types and discourse genres. Current controversies over media literacy are linked to longstanding debates about orality and literacy, and regulatory issues regarding media language use are discussed in relation to frameworks of freedom of expression.

  Language and Power at Work (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to build on the level two modules CML2102 Language and Society and CML2103 Communication Techniques by giving students the ability to analyse a range of texts from different professional contexts and identify the ways in which power relations between participants operate. In doing so, students will engage with theoretical ideas about language, gender, power and identity at work. Through the use of examples from different professional contexts for example advertising, law and business students will gain an extensive knowledge of the social and pragmatic details of professional genres and registers. Building on work carried out in CML2103 Communication Techniques, the module also aims to give the students a greater awareness of and skill at participating within particular professional speech events through interactive role play exercises based on interviews and meetings.

  Proposition Module (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module enables students to work independently on a research project formulated on a topic of their own choice which must nevertheless be demonstrably related to topics studied in their programme . The module allows students, in a 5-6,000 word dissertation, to demonstrate an ability to articulate relevant project aims, use suitable investigative methods, and write up results in an appropriately reflective and analytical way.

  Work Placement Module (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module enables students to develop their skills and practices at an appropriate professional level in the workplace, in industries relevant to the rest of their work in English Language. The module enables students to locate, and reflect on, their academic learning in the day-to-day operation of industries and institutions, and to prepare themselves for carrying forward the outcomes of their studies into professional life on completion of their programme.

  Writing Techniques (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module investigates principles of the organisation of writing at many levels, from the phrase to the whole text. Students also practice their own writing and experiment with the different effects achieved by different linguistic decisions. It seeks to enable students to recognise and name the principal components of sentences and texts, and introduces a range of linguistic and discourse-analytic approaches to written discourse. Through a series of practical analyses, the module helps students to understand, and be able to comment critically on, relative strengths and weaknesses of alternative accounts of any given extract of written discourse. More generally, the module demonstrates how at every level there are stylistic choices to be made between alternative wordings, and how different choices are appropriate for different readerships and different communicative purposes.

In year one, students develop their understanding of language and how it is used, begin to investigate questions about language for themselves and explore the development and current status of the English language around the world.

Modules in years two and three develop all of these areas, looking systematically at language from a psychological, social and practical point of view.

In year three, students work on an independent project investigating a topic of their own choosing and using methods which they select in discussion with a supervisor. There is also an opportunity to take up a work placement in a relevant field.

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 240 UCAS tariff points including C at A level English Language, English Literature or English Language and Literature plus GCSE English Language at C or above, or overseas equivalent. Mature students without traditional school qualifications are welcome to apply.

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Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

As a graduate, you will be ideally placed to enter a range of careers, including education, public relations, advertising, publishing or to start training in careers with a focus on language and language use, such as speech and language therapy.

Placements

Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience, so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity. As part of your third year on BA English Language, you will have the possibility to carry out a short placement of a minimum of 15 days.  This placement will provide you with first-hand experience of working at a professional level. We have a Placement Office which will support you through the placement process.