Overview

The BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics at the University of York explores how English is structured, used and changed across different contexts. The course combines detailed analysis of the English language with linguistic theory, allowing students to investigate communication, language variation and the factors that shape how English develops and functions.

What You'll Learn

• The structure of English, including sounds, words, sentences and meaning.

• Phonetics and phonology, focusing on speech sounds and sound patterns.

• Morphology and syntax, examining word formation and sentence structure.

• Semantics and pragmatics, exploring meaning and the influence of context.

• English language variation across regions, communities and social groups.

• Language change and the historical development of English.

• Sociolinguistic and cognitive perspectives on language use and communication.

• Research methods, linguistic data analysis, critical reading and academic writing.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse English using appropriate linguistic concepts and methods and explain how different elements of language work together. They will understand how English varies according to social, geographical and contextual factors and how historical processes contribute to language change. Students will develop the ability to collect, examine and interpret linguistic data while evaluating different theoretical explanations. They will also be able to conduct independent research, construct logical and evidence-based arguments and communicate complex ideas clearly. The course supports a detailed and critical understanding of English as a structured, evolving system of communication used across diverse social and cultural settings.