English Language and Linguistics

at University of Sheffield

You’ll study the sociocultural, historical and structural complexities of the English language with the option to study other modern languages as well.

The course is designed with flexibility and choice in mind. You are able to follow different routes through the course that allow you to focus on specific areas of English language and linguistics. You will be able to study literary linguistics and examine a range of approaches including cognitive poetics, corpus stylistics and narratology.

We offer specialisms in social and historical approaches to language and linguistics in which you can investigate complex real-world language problems in different social and historical contexts. You will also have the option to examine structural and theoretical linguistics, exploring the foundational mental structures and processes underlying language.

You can also study modules in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures which will afford you the opportunity to study similar aspects of Slavic, Germanic and/or Romance languages. 

As your understanding of theory develops, you’ll learn how to analyse language and how to carry out research projects. If you choose a work placement, you might also develop skills in marketing, archiving, teaching or publishing.