English Language & Linguistics is a very,
very, broad area of study. It ranges right
the way across from formal linguistics to
things like semantics, pragmatics, phonetics and phonology,
social linguistics, all the
way across to slightly more humanities-type subjects,
such as the language of literature,
language of the media, semiotics, stylistics,
and also teaching English as a second language.
English Language & Linguistics as a degree
is absolutely fantastic; it is so diverse and
language really underpins everything.
Kent is an international university. It prides
itself on being the UK's European university,
and we have a very international campus with
over 120 different languages spoken.
I came on an Open Day and just completely
fell in love with it. People say that you
know when you find the right university and
it sounds really clichéd, but I knew straight  away.
Walking round the campus I felt so at
home.
We also have a very well-equipped Linguistics
Laboratory,
including recording software, data analysis software.
We are a very research active department as
well. All our members of staff publish and
are active in their disciplines. In fact Modern
Languages and Linguistics at Kent came third
in the country during the last Research Excellence
Framework.
So, all of your teaching and learning will be research-led.
I think the best thing for me was the breadth
of modules that we have. Some are more scientific,
like phonetics and phonology, but you also
get the more creative side of language and
linguistics, such as creative writing and stylistics, and writing in the media.
Any graduate job that you would be interested
in doing will require a good command of the
English language. By the time you finish our
programme, you will certainly have that.
A vast majority of our students actually go
into media-type careers,
so professional writing, journalism, publishing, and editing.
When I started at university it was always
my plan to be a teacher, but one of my modules,
Writing in the Media, required me to
write a pitch to a magazine. I got in touch
with Doctor Who Magazine, because I am a big fan.
That led to some work experience and
as a result of the work experience, they have actually
offered me a job as an Editorial Assistant.
We are a friendly department, we are an international
department, we are a vibrant department.
I love working here and I am sure you will love
learning here too.
