on the ba english language and literature programme, develop an understanding of english as a living and dynamic global language whilst exploring a diverse range of literary texts from britain, america and beyond.

the university's teaching in english language places a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-life situations, and on transferable skills such as problem-solving, team-working and data-analysis. students will learn about how to research issues in the social sciences and how to conduct fieldwork. they will enhance their knowledge of grammar and phonetics as well as learning about how language is used in different social settings, how language is acquired by children and adults, and how our uses of english are being re-shaped by the media. 

in first year, students study six modules, three in english language (english language and society, sounds, grammar and meaning and one optional module e.g. globalisation and language) and three modules in english literature (genre and context, research and criticism, and a choice of either poetry in english, creative writing or persuasive writing). the second year modules in english language build student's skills in grammar, phonology and sociolinguistics. in literature, students choose modules that range from renaissance lyric poetry to contemporary fiction.

in the third year, module choices are more diverse and specialised: from editing the renaissance to class matters, from english in the world to child language development and language and migration. 

university of reading's innovative placement scheme gives students the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts. students can also take a placement module on languages and literature in education and in the media.