Whatever you choose to study, you’ll be taught in supportive, small groups by leading experts in your subject. We also offer targeted careers support with a focus on careers that may be of interest to English language and applied linguistics students. In particular, support addresses the needs of students from under-represented groups. Furthermore, you'll have the opportunity to complete part of your degree in a foreign institution, with our Study Abroad programme.
Your learning experience
Creative teaching methods
Our flexible degrees combine innovative modules, creative teaching and critical thinking.
Lectures
All of your lectures will place a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-life situations.
Seminars
Seminars will often involve oral presentations by students, giving you the opportunity to develop your communication skills.
Workshops
Our collaborative workshops include training and practice in applying what you have learnt to analysis of texts and transcripts as well as training on specialised software packages.
Study Abroad
Depending on your course, you can spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad. This can be part of a standard three-year degree, an extended four-year degree, or it may involve a shorter length of time such as a summer school.
We'll help you decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you when you’re abroad.
To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you can go, visit the Study Abroad website.
Careers Support
We offer targeted careers support that addresses careers that may be of interest to School of Humanities students. In particular, support addresses the needs of students from under-represented groups.
Life in the Department
Develop your research ideas and nurture your creativity with first-hand support and guidance from expert academics and experienced professionals.
Optional modules
We have a range of optional modules available to study, giving you the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of expertise.
Placements and work experience
Getting students ready for the world of work is a central focus of our undergraduate courses. During your time at Reading, you will have plenty of opportunities to apply what you have learned to real-life workplaces.
The second year includes an optional placement module for students interested in careers in either media or education, and third year students can choose a practical Professional Communication Project instead of a dissertation. Almost all of the optional modules in the Department have opportunities for out-of-class learning.
Students can enrol in a BA in English Language and Linguistics with Year-Long Work Placement and spend a whole year gaining work experience while completing their degree.
Reading Internship Scheme (RIS)
The Reading Internship Scheme (formerly the Undergraduate Research Programme) provides exciting opportunities for undergraduates to undertake short-term paid internships with external organisations, as well as in University of Reading departments.
Reading Internship Scheme (RIS) offers a wide variety of internships across a multitude of sectors, including research internships with both our academics and external organisations. The scheme allows you to gain work experience and insight into different sectors, boosting your CV and preparing you for the working world.
All internships pay at least the National Living Wage, and run flexibly throughout the year – both part-time during the semester and full-time during the summer vacation.
Student stories
Find out more from our undergraduate students about what it's like to study English Language at the University of Reading.
Why study with us?
We allow you to specialise in the areas of the English language which suit your interests, while providing access to first-class teaching and support and the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills.
Our courses
Our degrees are designed to offer you flexibility during your studies. Whether your interests lie in English language, literature or a foreign language, we have a degree to suit you.