English is an important language socially, politically and economically. It is a World language, with an estimated 1,500 million speakers worldwide, which in turn leads to an increased need for people who are qualified to teach English internationally. This course will teach you about linguistics, with a particular focus on English, and in your third year you will focus specifically on modules relating to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), which will begin you on the path to become qualified as an instructor of English.

There is also a 3-year option available: English Language for TEFL BA (Hons).

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• This course provides training in a wide range of aspects of the English language and English linguistics, with a particular focus on teaching English as a foreign language.
• You will enjoy some fantastic learning facilities including an extensive collection of books on Linguistics and English Language; a recording studio and audio, video and television equipment; a hireshop for students who need to borrow microphones and recording equipment.

You will spend about 10 hours in lectures, seminars and tutorials each week. You will also spend time reading, collecting and analysing natural language data and working on practical tasks in the laboratory. Your dissertation will allow you to investigate a topic of interest in depth and you will work with supervision from a member of staff. Assessment includes essay writing, practical assignments, oral presentations and examinations.

This degree prepares students for the twenty-first century where English is the global language. Primarily this course prepares students to become teachers, giving them the appropriate academic background for them to proceed towards other relevant qualifications. Graduates will have near-native levels of proficiency in all aspects of spoken and written English. They will also be skilled in the nature and use of English in a range of contexts and in using English through a variety of media. This will facilitate careers in international settings where a high level of expertise in English is paramount. In addition to careers in teaching, this course makes students suitable for potential careers in areas such as:

• international relations, politics and speechwriting
• marketing and advertising
• commerce and banking
• international corporate management and journalism

The BA also prepares students for vocational and non-vocational MA level study, either on the MA in Translation Studies at Bangor University, or at other universities in the UK or abroad.

Studying linguistics will enable you to learn about, understand and interpret many aspects of human language. At Bangor you will study the ‘science’ behind language, including sounds (phonetics, phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), and meaning (semantics).