English Language and Special Educational Needs

English language as an academic discipline is the scientific and humanistic study of language itself, rather than the practice of using English in professional or creative contexts. It examines how the English language is structured, how it varies across social groups and regions, how it has changed historically, and how it functions in different communicative settings. Combining this with special educational needs extends the programme into educational practice, focusing on how learning differences affect how children and young people engage with language and literacy, and how educators can respond effectively.

At Liverpool Hope University, this four-year full-time programme, which includes a foundation year, grounds the study of English language in one of the UK's most linguistically diverse cities, drawing on Liverpool's distinctive accents, dialects, bilingual heritage, and historical linguistic influences. You will explore the structures, histories, and uses of language, developing both the theoretical understanding and the analytical skills that linguistic study demands. The special educational needs element introduces you to the field of inclusive education, examining how learning difficulties, language disorders, and diverse cognitive profiles affect educational experiences and outcomes, and how support can be effectively designed and delivered.

The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, giving you substantial professional and international experience alongside your academic study. With a typical entry tariff of 88 UCAS points and a foundation year, the route is designed to be accessible.

Graduates from English language and special educational needs programmes are well placed for careers in teaching, including support for learners with diverse needs, speech and language therapy (typically requiring further professional training), educational psychology, literacy support, community language work, and roles in the voluntary sector working with children and young people. The linguistic analysis skills developed during the degree are also valued in publishing, copywriting, and communications. Postgraduate study in education, linguistics, speech and language therapy, or special educational needs is a natural continuation.