COURSE CURRICULUM

The English Language and Linguistics degree at Southampton provides a comprehensive exploration of the English language, its structure, history, and global use, alongside applied and theoretical linguistic study. In the first year, students develop foundational skills in academic study, linguistics, and English language history, covering topics such as phonetics, syntax, language acquisition, sociolinguistic variation, and the spread of English in global contexts. Optional modules allow students to explore cultural, historical, and literary perspectives to complement linguistic study. In the second year, the focus broadens to include acoustic and articulatory phonetics, advanced syntax, and empirical studies of variation and change in English, while optional modules cover corpus linguistics, discourse analysis, psycholinguistics, intercultural communication, and applied topics such as teaching English as a foreign language and the globalisation of language. In the final year, students undertake a dissertation or professional project to investigate a specialised topic, consolidating research, analytical, and writing skills. A wide range of optional modules allows for further specialisation in areas such as English as a global language, language disorders, sociophonetics, digital media, and language, power, and institutions. The course equips students with advanced knowledge, research expertise, and practical skills applicable to careers in education, linguistics, communication, and related fields.