English Language and Applied Linguistics

Language is at the heart of human life. An ever-changing medium of communication, its study is crucial to our understanding of ourselves as members of society, as individuals and as a species.

Reading’s Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has nearly 60 years of excellence in the field, and we’re in the top 150 universities in the world for these subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). In the Guardian University Guide 2025, we are ranked 9^th for English. David Crystal OBE (awarded for services to the English Language, 1995) set up the first linguistics degree at the University of Reading, and sociolinguistics was born at Reading.

We offer dynamic and cutting-edge programmes that focus on the way that language is used in the real world. Studying how we communicate with each other in speech and in writing is a vital means of understanding ourselves as individuals and as members of our communities.

Flexible study options

At Reading, we offer a friendly and supportive environment where you can tailor your degree to suit your own interests and ambitions. You can study either English language and linguistics or English literature as a single honours course. You can combine the two in our BA English Language and Literature course, or you can study either with another subject (such as BA Modern Languages, for example).

Whatever you choose to study, you’ll be taught in supportive, small groups by leading experts in your subject. 94% of students in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often (National Student Survey, 2023). 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2024).

Support for your career

We 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.

100% of graduates from English Language and Applied Linguistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Three-year average, based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019/20 to 2021/22. Includes full-time, UK domiciled, first degree English Language and Applied Linguistics responders.)

We also offer ample opportunities for students to apply to study abroad, for either a semester or a full academic year, at universities in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and USA.

Visit the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics website.