English Language and Philosophy (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

This full-time course lasts for three years with two semesters per year. There are 120 credits a year, split equally between the two subjects. Most modules are worth 20 credits.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
You will take 60 credits in English Language and 60 credits in philosophy.

 

Year one is a foundation year to give you the skills for advanced study and an overview of the two subjects to inform your later choices.

 

The two core modules in English language provide an excellent grounding in language description, analysis and interpretation, and in sociolinguistics.

 

You will take three core modules in philosophy.

 

Year two
You will again take 60 credits in English language and 60 credits in philosophy.

 

In English Language you will take one core module, which covers all the essential elements of phonetics, grammar and lexical semantics (word meaning), building a common stock of knowledge and understanding.

 

You will also choose two options out a range of ‘foundation’ modules that provide engaging introductions to key areas of study in English Language. The training provided by these modules prepares you to make your choice from the more specialised, research-led ‘extension’ modules in year three.

 

There are no core modules in year two for Philosophy. Through optional modules you will develop a solid understanding of key areas such as aesthetics, epistemology, ethics, language, metaphysics, mind, moral psychology and political philosophy.

 

Year three
You will take 60 credits in English Language and 60 credits in Philosophy.

 

The year three English Language and Philosophy modules are offered in the subject areas in which our staff are currently working, giving you a unique insight into some of the most up-to-date and innovative research. In English Language, these modules also often require you to gather and analyse your own data.

 

Typically these modules address areas such as communication disorders, forensic linguistics, persuasive communication, language learning and teaching, language and ideology, phonology, corpus linguistics and media discourse.

 

In English language there are also opportunities to undertake a project (20 credits) or extended dissertation (40 credits) in your chosen area of research (subject to performance in year two).

 

In Philosophy, specialised modules on topics such as the problem of consciousness, moral psychology, metaethics, feminism and aesthetics let you pursue your interests and engage with current issues in research and scholarship, enabling you to develop analytical and presentational skills that employers will value, as well as equipping you for postgraduate study.

 

You may also undertake a project or dissertation in a subject of your choice in Philosophy.

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £19,200    

SCHOOL OF ENGLISH, COMMUNICATION AND PHILOSOPHY

 

In 2015/16, 95% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

 

Degrees in English Language combine the best of humanities skills (flexibility, communication, critique) and social science skills (technical analysis and systematic method). Common destinations include primary and secondary school teaching, teaching English as a foreign language, (digital) journalism, marketing and public relations, sales and advertising, the civil service and public administration.

 

Philosophy graduates are known for their incisive analytical skills and their ability to construct and communicate clear arguments. Studying philosophy develops your abilities to identify the reasons for people’s claims, to find the assumptions lying behind those reasons, to critically assess both and to communicate all of this clearly and effectively.