(BA) Bachelor of Arts
English Language and History
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Linguistics
History
BA QV31
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD
GCSEs: Linguistics with Data Science requires GCSE Maths grade C/4
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655 (Linguistics with Data Science also requires Standard Level Mathematics grade 4). We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
Students must take either LG831 or HR831 to meet the project requirement.
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
1. Enable students to study a range of historical topics, providing an outline of the principal developments in European history c1500-1750 and/or of the making of the modern world 1789-1989; and focused study on a range of periods and themes in world history from 1500 to the present.
2. Enable students to examine historical events and changes in cross-national, thematic, and comparative perspective, with an understanding of political, social, economic and cultural contexts.
3. Develop students’ understandings of the relationship between the past and the present.
4. Familiarise students with models of historical analysis and varieties of primary sources.
5. Offer students the opportunity to design and conduct an independent study on a specialist topic of their choice.
6. Develop skills of research, analysis and argument that are valuable for a wide range of future careers, further study, and lifetime learning.
7. Introduce students to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the linguistic structure of English and other aspects of English which they choose to specialise in (e.g. descriptive, or historical, or variationist, or pedagogical).
8. Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, methods and materials used in relevant English Language work, and of associated theoretical, descriptive, methodological or pedagogical issues (as appropriate) Equip students with a range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of European history c 1500-1750 and/or the making of the modern world 1789-1989
A2: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of thematic historical topics
A3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specialised historical topics in greater depth
A4: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of historical analysis, such as concepts of continuity, change, and comparative analysis
A5: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sources available for historical research
A6: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language
A7: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a selection of contemporary linguistic work on English
A8: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, methods and materials used in linguistic work in the chosen areas of specialism, and associated methodological, theoretical, descriptive and (where relevant) pedagogical issues
Learning methods
Learning methods The structure of the HR components of the degree is based on progression from outline historical topics in the first year (A1) to more specialised courses (A2 and A3) in the second and third year.
Knowledge of A1-A5 is acquired through lectures, seminars, independent reading and coursework.
A4 is developed in particular in the second-year module Approaches to History.
A5 is the focus of the third-year special subject and the third-year independent project if undertaken.
A6-A8 are developed on the LG components of the course through a range of methods which typically include the use of lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email/web consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding on the HR components of the course is continuously assessed through coursework and examination.
Essays are the principal form of coursework assessment for History, supplemented by a range of other assessments which may include document analyses, reviews, and other shorter assignments; assessed presentations and oral contributions; and in-class tests.
The independent project tests knowledge of A5 in particular through a 12,000 word dissertation.
History examinations are principally unseen, essay based, of two or three hour duration.
A6-A8 are assessed on the LG components by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Assemble, synthesise and analyse primary and secondary historical data
B2: Formulate and answer historical questions
B3: Explain historical events, contexts and change with reference to social, political, economic and cultural forces and factors
B4: Reconstruct the mentalities of past societies
B5: Formulate and present ideas and arguments, using historical evidence
B6: Abstract and synthesise information from a range of linguistic sources, identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant
B7: Make observations and generalisations about aspects of the structure, or use or teaching of English, using appropriate analytic techniques
B8: Critically evaluate contrasting theories/accounts/explanations/approaches in relevant linguistic work, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data or practice
Learning methods
Learning methods B1-B5 are introduced and developed on HR components through in-class discussions, essays, and other written and oral assignments.
The teaching environment of seminars and classes, which emphasises student-focused discussion, enables students to develop all nine skills through discussion and practice, and to receive feedback from peers and tutors.
B6-B8 are developed on LG components through a range of methods which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email/web consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff
Assessment methods
B1-B5 are assessed on HR components through the usual means of coursework and examination: a variety of types of coursework across the history curriculum assess skills specifically.
B6-B8 are assessed on LG components by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Critically read and evaluate primary historical sources
C2: Critically read and evaluate secondary historical sources
C3: Gather, process and synthesise information from a number of bibliographic sources
C4: Plan, undertake and present an independent piece of work which involves reviewing existing work on a given topic, making use of standard referencing conventions
C5: Utilise specialised techniques for the collection, analysis, evaluation and presentation of relevant materials, data or behaviour
Learning methods
On HR components, C1 and C2 are developed through participation in seminar discussion, focusing on prepared readings or set questions; preparation of written work and oral presentations in history modules develops skills C1 and C2.
The final-year project, if undertaken, enables students to take skills C1 and C2 to a higher level.
C3 and C4 are developed on LG components through a range of teaching and learning methods which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email/web consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff
Assessment methods
All skills are assessed through the usual means of coursework and examination.
In particular, on HR components, C1 is assessed by document analysis, and C2 by essays.
C3-C5 are assessed on LG components by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate ides effectively using oral and written means including essays, other written work, oral presentations or contributions
D2: Make appropriate use of information technology to research and present materials
D3: Make and understand basic numerical and statistical generalisations about data
D4: Analyse and explain data, materials or behaviour, understand and produce answers to essay questions, and manage work timetables effectively
D5: Participate effectively as a member of a group to the benefit of oneself and others
D6: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management, using feedback from tutors to improve written and oral work and reflect on progress
Learning methods
Information technology is taught through independent learning supported by the university's online key skills package and the Computing Service.
Use of email and the internet is part of effective course participation and students are required to check their university email account at least once a week during term-time.
Students are required to submit all coursework in word-processed form.
The use of electronic library catalogues and other relevant electronic bibliographic resources and the use and interpretation of relevant material via the internet is introduced in the first year.
Students build on these skills in subsequent years.
Where relevant, students are encouraged to use, present or evaluate information provided in numerical or statistical form.
Problem-solving, communication, working with others and improving own learning and performance are implicit throughout the degree.
Assessment methods
On HR components, key skills are assessed through the usual methods of coursework, including evaluation of seminar performance, and also for D1, D4 by examination.
Management of work timetables is assessed by the requirement that students meet coursework deadlines and deadlines in the preparation and submission of their final-year project, if undertaken.
The coursework journal for HR211 requires students to reflect on their progress.
D5 is assessed through role-play activities and presentations in language classes.
On LG components, key skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.