BA English and Communication Studies
Our programme, one of the first established in our department, builds on a 20-year legacy at our partner institution, the University of Liverpool. It offers exceptional curricular flexibility across all years of study, allowing students to access courses from three departments.
September 2025
Full time
Three or four years
Available
Suzhou
XJTLU undergraduate students earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally respected University of Liverpool degree.
Knowledge and skills
By the time you graduate, you will possess:
- interdisciplinary expertise to critically analyse linguistics, literature, and translation and interpreting, along with media and communication studies such as journalism and public relations, digital media, and film studies;
- a strong command of core theories and analytical methods associated with linguistics, literature, and translation and interpreting;
- critical awareness of the cultural aspects of media and communication, including intercultural and mass communication, global media, and journalism, explored through the three main media and communication areas, namely, journalism and public relations, digital media, and film studies;
- the ability to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world challenges in journalism and public relations, digital media, film studies, and linguistics; and
- intellectual, interpersonal, and technical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Our BA English and Communication Studies offers students a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges English studies with media and communication. This dual focus prepares graduates for broader postgraduate pathways and career success across diverse fields, including education, publishing, journalism, and corporate communication.
Tanjun Liu
Programme director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.
Core Modules
Optional Modules
Core Modules
Optional Modules
Optional Modules
The BA English and Communication Studies programme has provided me with valuable opportunities to explore diverse academic fields and gain multifaceted perspectives on the world. The close connection between English studies and communication studies allows me to integrate insights from both disciplines, helping me identify my areas of interest while developing interdisciplinary approaches. Additionally, attending lectures by professors from various fields has given me a more comprehensive understanding of related issues, fostering my interdisciplinary thinking and critical analysis skills. These skills enable me to connect academic knowledge with real-world scenarios, offering me a clearer sense of my place in a diverse society.
Yushu Yin
Alumna, BA English and Communication Studies
Careers
Graduates will be attractive candidates in globalised workplaces and may be employed in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, or film making. They will also be well prepared for positions such as management trainee, professional translator or interpreter, teacher of English as a foreign language, and roles in retailing, computing, or librarianship. Additionally, the programme provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study in English language, English literature and communications.
Overview
Our programme integrates AI technologies into English and communication studies, giving you dual competitive advantages in the digital age.
As a student of the BA English and Communication Studies programme, you will take cutting-edge modules across three departments: Applied Linguistics, Literary and Translation Studies, and Media and Communication. All modules incorporate advanced instructional content and maintain close alignment with current industry trends and technological developments.
The programme’s unique flexibility allows you to combine English specialisations – such as linguistics, literature, or translation and interpreting – with media and communication tracks, including journalism and public relations, digital media, and film studies. By tailoring your degree in this way, you will develop a distinctive academic profile with strong career advantages – whether you pursue postgraduate research or roles in language, education, media, or global communication.
Why should I study English and Communication Studies at XJTLU?
By studying this programme, you will: