English Language studies focus on the structure, functions and contexts of use of English. Students learn about the sound systems and grammatical systems of English, and how English varies in different historical, geographical and social contexts.
The Certificate in Arts (CertArts) is designed for you if you want to study at university level without having to commit to several years of study. It is also an option if you want to take a few courses for interest or study part-time.
To find out more see the Qualifications webpages, or contact one of our staff members.
By the end of your degree, you will have acquired knowledge of the structure, functions and contexts of use of English. You will know about the sound systems and grammatical systems of English, and you will understand how English varies in different historical, geographical and social contexts.
See all English Language courses.
Skill development
English Language provides a foundation for careers which require advanced communication skills and/or a detailed understanding of how English works, such as teaching, management, marketing, the media, and publishing.
The goals of the major in English Language are to equip students with knowledge of:
- The structure of the English Language, including its sound systems and its grammatical systems.
- The history of English, including the linguistic changes that took place in the transition from Old English to Middle English to Modern English.
- The history of English in New Zealand, including knowledge of what early New Zealand English was like, and how it has changed over time.
- The social contexts of English across the world, including how it varies according to different geographical and social settings.
How is the major in English Language structured?
For the major in English Language, you need a total of 135 points. 105 points come from the following five core courses:
The remaining 30 points can be gained by taking EITHER (a) a further 30 points at 200-level or above from the available Linguistics courses, OR (b) a further 15 points (200 level or above) from the available Linguistics courses and 15 points (200 level or above) from the courses available in the English Department.
How is the minor in English Language structured?
For the minor in English Language, you need a total of 75 points from the ENLA courses listed above, at least 45 of those points much be at 200 level or above.
NB: The ENLA courses above are also coded as LING courses (e.g. LING101 and ENLA101 is the same course). You obviously can’t do the same course twice, so if you have done LING101 you can credit it to either the Linguistics major or the English Language major.
Is a major in English Language the same as a major in English?
No. The major in English Language is run by the Linguistics Department, and in it we focus on how the language works, and how it varies in different contexts, and how people use English for different purposes.
The major in English is run by the English Department, and focuses on English literature. Of course, the two areas are closely related, and there are a number of ways to connect to the two areas of study in your programme. For example, you could double major in English Language and English (or major in one subject and minor in the other).
Also, as part of the English Language major, it is possible to substitute one of the optional Linguistics courses for a course available in the English Department. You would still graduate with a major in English Language, but you would have built in a course on English literature as well.
Is it possible to double major in English Language and Linguistics?
Yes, it is possible, but any given course is only allowed to contribute to a single major. To double major in English Language and Linguistics, you would need to pass the following courses, and a course from the English Department:
The Graduate Diploma in Arts offers people who hold a bachelors degree in a major in an unrelated area the opportunity to study arts in-depth, choosing from over 30 subjects.
The GradDipArts is designed for graduates seeking to qualify for entry to postgraduate qualifications in arts, to change career direction, or to extend or upgrade their existing qualifications.
Find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Arts on our Qualifications webpages or contact a staff member for advice.
More information
- See the Subject page for more details about studying English Language.
