| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The English Language and Philosophy (BA) program at Cardiff University offers a unique combination of these two disciplines, providing students with a deep understanding of language, communication, and human thought. Through a blend of lectures and seminars, students develop critical thinking skills, a broad knowledge base, and strong analytical and communication abilities, preparing them for a wide range of careers or postgraduate studies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This joint honors program provides students with the unique opportunity to specialize in both English Language and Philosophy. By studying these two distinct yet interconnected disciplines, students develop a holistic understanding of language, communication, and human thought.
Objectives:
- To equip students with a deep understanding of the intricacies of language and its role in shaping human thought and communication.
- To develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of philosophical texts and theories.
- To cultivate a broad-ranging knowledge base encompassing diverse areas within both English Language and Philosophy.
- To prepare students for postgraduate studies or a variety of careers requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years, with each year comprising two semesters and a total of 120 credits equally divided between the two subjects.
Year One:
- Introduces foundational concepts in language and communication through core modules like "How Language Works" and "Mind, Thought, and Reality."
- Explores key areas of philosophy through core modules like "Moral and Political Philosophy" and "Critical Thinking."
- Offers optional modules to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within both English Language and Philosophy.
Year Two:
- Focuses on developing a strong understanding of key areas in both subjects through a core module in English Language ("Sound, Structure, and Meaning") and a variety of optional modules in both disciplines.
- Allows students to tailor their learning experience by choosing elective modules that align with their individual interests.
Year Three:
- Delves into specialized areas of English Language and Philosophy through advanced modules in areas like "Forensic Linguistics," "Communication Disorders," "Metaethics," and "Aesthetics."
- Provides the opportunity to undertake an independent research project or extended dissertation in either subject, allowing students to explore their chosen field of interest in greater depth.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module. Common assessment methods include:
- Essays
- Examinations
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Creative assignments
- Research projects Feedback is provided regularly, both in written form and through individual meetings with module tutors.
Teaching:
The program employs a blended approach to teaching, utilizing both lectures and seminars.
- Lectures provide an overview of key concepts and frameworks, preparing students for independent research and critical analysis. The program boasts a dedicated team of academics with expertise in various areas of English Language and Philosophy. Students are encouraged to seek individual guidance from their tutors and participate in research seminars and career-focused activities.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are well-equipped for a wide range of careers due to their strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Some popular career paths include:
- Primary and secondary school teaching
- Teaching English as a foreign language
- Journalism
- Marketing and public relations
- Sales and advertising
- Civil service and public administration
- Philosophy-related fields like research, academia, and bioethics
Other:
- Up to 33% of the course can be taken through the medium of Welsh.
- The program fosters a supportive learning environment with dedicated academic progress meetings and individual support from personal tutors.
- Students have access to a range of university resources, including the Careers Service, Counseling Service, Disability and Dyslexia Service, Student Support Service, and excellent libraries.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas. Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
