MA Applied Linguistics
Birmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
GBP 10,530 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for UK students full-time | £25,290 for international students full-time
Introduction
Are you interested in learning how the English language works? How it may be analysed and how you learn languages?
The MA in Applied Linguistics is a programme that allows you to develop expertise in specific areas of linguistics, such as corpus linguistics, cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis and/or language pedagogy. The programme combines a range of core modules and optional modules to ensure that you develop a solid foundation in the discipline area whilst also having the flexibility to pursue your own specific research interests.
This highly flexible programme is ideal for language professionals, or for those intending to become language professionals, in a range of possible careers.
We also offer a distance learning programme over 2.5 years. For more information see Applied Linguistics MA (Distance Learning).
Why Study This Course?
- Flexibility – choose from a variety of modules on offer which will allow you to specialise and study areas of the discipline which interest you the most.
- Outstanding teaching – learn from experts in the use of corpora in various fields, such as English language teaching, historical linguistics, language and literature, grammar, language processing and discourse analysis.
- Excellent reputation – The Department of English Language and Linguistics is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. You will be taught by experts in the field, with a range of interests and specialisms. The University has also been ranked as one of the world's top 50 institutions to study English Language and Literature in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- Access to fantastic resources – as an English Language and Linguistics student at Birmingham, you will have free access to the 450-million-word Bank of English corpus, and to the hardware, software and data resources held at the Centre for Corpus Research. You will also have access to resources such as the Academic Writing Advisory Service and the Bank of Assessed Work to help with transitioning to postgraduate studies or if you are returning to the world of academia.
- A vibrant and active postgraduate community – take part in a range of exciting conferences, seminars and social events. There is always something happening in the Department.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships and Studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. To discover whether you are eligible for any award across the University, and to start your funding application, please visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database
Postgraduate Loans
Government-backed Masters loans are available to help UK and EU students to finance their studies. For those starting courses after 1 August 2020, loans are available of up to £11,836 for Masters students in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment, and application information are available on the UK government website.
Curriculum
Core Modules
You will study two core modules:
Describing Language
This module provides a grounding in the analysis of the lexis and grammar of English. You are introduced to essential concepts and terminology in the field and gain practice in analyzing naturally-occurring language using the models (e.g. pattern grammar) discussed. There is some emphasis on the application of such analysis to the study of language in a social context.
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
This module aims to provide you with a grounding in approaches to and methods of research in Applied Linguistics.
You will also have to choose two of the following modules:
- Discourse, Culture, and Intercultural Communication
- Psychology of Language
- Sociolinguistics
Optional Modules
You will then choose two optional modules in your second semester from a range which typically includes:
- Bilingualism and Multilingualism in the TESOL Classroom
- Corpus-Assisted Language Learning
- Corpus Linguistics
- Globalization and Language Education
- Issues in Intercultural Communication
- Language and New Media
- Language, Power, and Identity
- Using Literature to Teach the English Language
Dissertation
In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.
The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities, especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a programme of College-specific career events.
You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:
- Receive one-to-one career advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
- Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
- Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
- Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV
- What's more, you will be able to access our full range of career support for up to 2 years after graduation.
Postgraduate Employability: English Language and Linguistics
Birmingham's English Language and Linguistics postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication. They also develop crucial skills in organisation, time management, analysis and interpretation of information.
Many of our graduates enter roles for which their programme has prepared them, such as becoming a language analyst or data scientist. Others use their transferable skills in a wide range of occupations including teaching, research administration and events.
Program delivery
We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring, and summer terms.
As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each of the first two terms, followed by your dissertation. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules across each year, followed by your dissertation.
Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.