Study

At Surrey, you can choose from a wide range of challenging courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level to suit your interests and your future plans. Working together with experienced staff in a cosmopolitan atmosphere, you will be able to realise your full potential in preparation for joining an increasingly mobile international workforce.

In our Bachelors programmes, you will be encouraged to develop your linguistic and cultural skills through exciting and innovative approaches to learning, as well as through our integrated programme of placements.

Our well established Masters programmes in translation (including audiovisual translation), interpreting and translation studies allow you to further develop your linguistic and cultural skills to build bridges between languages and cultures. These programmes can also lead to our growing doctoral programme.

Languages are the key to human understanding: why not join us in exploring the exciting opportunities which they offer in the modern world?

We also offer pre-sessional English courses for students who do not have the level of English language required to join a degree programme directly, or for students who meet their degree programme requirements but wish to improve their English and study skills before the start of the programme.

Our English language courses are taught by highly experienced, professional tutors who combine state-of-the-art teaching methods with up-to-date insights from linguistic research. The classes give you the opportunity to increase your confidence by improving your English skills and meeting fellow students. This will maximise your chances of academic and professional success and help you make the most of your time at Surrey.

The School of Literature and Languages is also a British Council accredited test centre for the internationally recognised International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

In addition, we also offer an English Language Support Programme (ELSP), which provides tailored English language support to all Surrey students registered on undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Learning and teaching in English and languages

Learning and Teaching are central concerns within the School of English and Languages, and all our academic staff are dedicated to providing the best possible student experience. There are some differences between the two sides of the School, due to the different nature of the subject, and student numbers. However, across the School, students benefit from regular contact with enthusiastic staff, using a range of teaching techniques.

In Languages, student numbers are small, and therefore class sizes are small. This ensures that students benefit from regular opportunities to interact with tutors and with each other. Teaching is also typically conducted in the target language, thus giving students greater exposure to the target language than is common in many Modern Language departments.

In English, where student numbers are higher, teaching is conducted via lectures and seminars, enabling students to learn through listening and participating. In the final year, all teaching is conducted via seminars, reflecting increased student involvement. In Creative Writing, workshops form an important part of the teaching and learning process.

Assessment methods are varied, particularly in Languages, where students are assessed on the four language skills through written, oral and aural tests, as well as written assignments and presentations. Each form of assessment has its own marking criteria, and students receive written and oral feedback.