English Language and Linguistics Cardiff University

Overview

How does your use of language express who you are and who you want to be? Why do babies learn language easily while adults struggle? How and why does language change? How is language in the media used to manipulate us? Are pictures sometimes better than words? Can we talk with animals? Through the English Language and Linguistics degree at Cardiff University , you will study core theories and cutting-edge practices in linguistics. You will also acquire the skills to apply those theories and practices to real world issues.

Key facts

• In the first year of the programme, you will learn how language works and how to use language to communicate. During the second year, you will focus on how language is and has been used in practice. These topics will equip you to discover how to navigate the use of language and linguistics in today’s modern world and the relationship between language and society, with a focus in your final year on how to communicate specialist topics to different audiences.
• Acquiring career-enhancing skills, you’ll have the opportunity to produce different types of texts and work with specialised software. You will gain skills from analysing real-world examples of language and learn how to construct arguments and communicate ideas to different audiences.

Career prospects

• Cardiff University is committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions and will encourage you, and work with you, to consider and explore your career or other post-graduation options early.
• Degrees in English language and linguistics combine the best of humanities skills (flexibility, communication, critique) and social science skills (technical analysis and systematic method). This combination of specialist and transferable skills, alongside your powers of expression and critical thinking, will be valued by employers.
• During your degree, you will benefit from the university’s range of careers support. The Cardiff Award provides a framework through which to develop your employability while our Students Futures service can provide opportunities to develop or increase your professional experience through placements or internships and maximise your skills and preparation with careers workshops and one-on-one advice sessions. Equally, you could work with the Enterprise and Start Up team to bring your ideas to life, grounding you with the know-how to succeed. Alternatively, you can take advantage of initiatives like Languages for All and Welsh for All to gain new (or improve existing) language skills, enhancing both your CV and your personal experiences.
• With the breadth of academic and professional skills, as well as personal development opportunities, our graduates can be found in a variety of roles and sectors. These include marketing and PR, sales and advertising, media and broadcasting, education and teaching, speech and language therapy, the civil service and public administration, among many more.