English language

Discover English language undergraduate degrees

You're intrigued by the role of language in society. You appreciate the uniqueness of language, and how it underpins all that we do. You want to learn how language is acquired and understand its role in each and every one of our daily lives. When studying English Language you'll learn how language is learnt and used in varying contexts.

You can choose form a variety of subjects to study in combination with English language such as linguistics, English literature and teaching English as a foreign language. From the media to the marketplace, courtrooms and conversation – everything starts with language. 

Why study English Language? 

You'll enhance your communication skills, both written and oral, which are invaluable in professional settings and daily interactions. Additionally, delving into English language fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret and evaluate complex texts. Moreover, you'll gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and historical contexts through literary exploration, enhancing your empathy and global awareness. Furthermore, an English degree opens doors to various career paths, including education, publishing, media, and international business, due to the universal importance of English proficiency. Lastly, studying English language at university nurtures creativity, fosters lifelong learning habits, and equips you with adaptable skills essential for success in today's dynamic world.

Explore postgraduate English language degrees

In an era of global communication, more people speak English than ever before. English is the language of the internet, science and medicine, international business and politics. When you study language, you open the door to a whole new world. Our English language courses provide you with a deep understanding of the structure and uses of this century's global language. Ambitious students who are curious about language and its relationship to the world find their home at Essex.

Find English language research degrees

We have a large and thriving graduate research community. We provide an active and stimulating environment to carry out your doctoral research and offer five routes to a research degree.

• The Master of Linguistic Research (MRes)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• PhD by supervised research (PhDSR)
• PhD new route integrated (PhDNR)
• PhD distance learning (Distance PhD)

Find your academic supervisor

Search our staff profiles and discover the researchers open to academic supervision at the University of Essex.