BA (Hons) English Language and Communication

The modern world is ever-changing, thanks to continual technological and cultural developments, and the English language is changing with it, becoming even more globally-used and more relevant to many new areas of work. Our course recognises this, giving you the skills and understanding that you’ll need in the English language and its use in communication across many emerging areas of work as well as more traditional ones.

By learning to systematically identify, describe and analyse spoken and written language phenomena, and critically evaluate the role it plays in shaping sociocultural norms, identities and realities in a range of public and private domains, as well as in relation to globalisation, mobility, sustainability and social justice, you’ll be ready to take on work in the world of politics, business and the media - or even as a social media influencer.

You’ll also pick up the all-important transferable skills that will further your opportunities in whichever field you choose to work, including problem solving, researching, creative thinking, persuasive writing techniques, rigorous examination of evidence, computer and digital skills, teamwork, and communication (including discussion and delivery of presentations to a range of academic, public and professional audiences).

Cambridge has a range of vibrant business and industry sectors, ranging from major publishing houses to technology companies, all of which require graduates with strong communication and analytic skills. With over 30 English language schools, Cambridge is the perfect place to study English. Our business and industry partners provide opportunities for live briefs, placements and volunteering positions, they also give you a vital network for your future employment and projects. If you’re interested in teaching English, you might also be able to take up part-time work with them, and further develop your skills at the same time.

Our team of expert lecturers will support you throughout your time at ARU, including Dr Vahid Parvaresh (co-author, Elastic Language in Persuasion and Comforting: A Cross-Cultural Perspective), Dr Bettina Beinhoff (Perceiving Identity through Accent – Attitudes towards Non-Native Speakers and their Accents in English), and Dr Sebastian Rasinger (co-author, The Cambridge Introduction to Intercultural Communication).

Why study English?

Gain Storycraft (PDF) – vital skills particularly valued by business leaders, including: narrative communication; empathy and perspective taking; critical analysis, synthesis and managing complex data; creativity and imagination; and digital skills. These capabilities better equip you to choose your own path, and access a huge range of employment opportunities. (Source: Centre for Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance (SKOPE) at Oxford University Department of Education)

The average graduate starting salary for English graduates is £18,000-£24,000, which compares well with subjects like Psychology (£18,000–£23,000), Law (£18,600–£23,000), Business Studies (£20,000–£26,000) and Chemistry (£19,000–£25,600). (Source: The Complete University Guide 2023)

Figures from the Department for Education show that English is the joint fourth subject for annual average wage growth at 6.2%. (Source: Qualified for the Future (PDF), The British Academy, p. 6)

English is a key contributor to the creative industries, the fastest growing part of the UK economy. 25% of SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy) graduates work in the creative sector, which is currently worth £84.1bn to the UK. By 2030, it’s expected that there will be 900,000 new jobs in this sector. (Source: Qualified for the Future (PDF), The British Academy, p. 22)