English is an important language socially, politically and economically. As a world language, with c.1.5 billion speakers worldwide, there is a great demand for people qualified to teach English internationally. This course will teach you about linguistics, with a focus on English. In your final year you will take modules specifically relating to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), setting you on the path to becoming qualified as an instructor of English.

On this course you will learn about, understand and interpret many aspects of human language. You will get the opportunity to explore the ways in which people’s language abilities develop, how our language changes according to the context in which it is being used and who is speaking, how language is organized and processed in the brain, how language is learnt and how it is taught. You will look at the way English has changed over the centuries, considering what will become of it in the future, comparing English use in different parts of the globe, and considering important practical aspects of English such as the hundreds of millions of people worldwide learning English as an additional or foreign language. You will learn about linguistics and how language in general can be studied, and you will get the opportunity to compare English with other languages, particularly in the context of multilingual societies where English is not the only language used.

Why choose Bangor for this course?

• Teaching staff are active researchers in a range of theoretical and applied areas relating to the English Language degrees - many have international reputations in the field.
• You will gain a sound and scientific insight into the structure and use of language, its history, and the relationship between language and society (sociolinguistics).
• Excellent facilities include an extensive book collection, recording and experimental equipment, and a language laboratory.

On this course you will learn about, understand and interpret many aspects of human language. You will get the opportunity to explore the ways in which people’s language abilities develop, how our language changes according to the context in which it is being used and who is speaking, how language is organized and processed in the brain, how language is learnt and how it is taught. You will look at the way English has changed over the centuries, considering what will become of it in the future, comparing English use in different parts of the globe, and considering important practical aspects of English such as the hundreds of millions of people worldwide learning English as an additional or foreign language. You will learn about linguistics and how language in general can be studied, and you will get the opportunity to compare English with other languages, particularly in the context of multilingual societies where English is not the only language used.

Most walks of life benefit from having language experts on their team. Graduates of this course will most likely be interested in pursuing a career in teaching or related to education. Nevertheless, you will have the knowledge and understanding needed to go into diverse fields like the media, translation, interpreting, publishing, teaching, civil service, speech therapy, community work (e.g. related to language policy and engagement), etc. In some cases you will need further training and qualifications beyond what this course provides. A career in research is also an option, as is postgraduate study.

By studying English Language you can become proficient in understanding how English works, why and how it is used, where it has come from, as well as gaining knowledge in linguistic study.