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In our BA English Language and Literature program, you'll gain insight into English as an evolving global language while studying diverse literary works from Britain, America, and other regions.
Our English language instruction focuses on practical applications of theory and developing valuable skills like analytical thinking, collaboration, and data interpretation. You'll master research methodologies in social sciences and fieldwork techniques while deepening your understanding of grammar, phonetics, and sociolinguistics. The program examines language acquisition, social communication patterns, and media's influence on modern English. With over 50 years of academic distinction, Reading's Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics ranks among the world's top 150 institutions for these disciplines (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2022).
The curriculum balances English literature and language studies equally. Our literature offerings reflect a century of groundbreaking research, featuring both classic authors like Shakespeare and Dickens alongside contemporary global voices such as Sylvia Plath and Samuel Beckett. Specialized pathways in creative writing, publishing, or children's literature allow you to pursue your interests with faculty guidance. According to the 2022 National Student Survey, 92% of students praised our department's teaching clarity.