Applied Linguistics MA

Summary

This programme is intended for anyone interested in the application of language research to language pedagogy, and for teachers of English who wish to upgrade their professional standing. All students on this programme are introduced to the 400 million-word Bank of English corpus, an invaluable collection of authentic language data against which theory, intuition and pedagogic materials can be measured.

We also offer a distance learning programme over 2.5 years. For more information see Applied Linguistics MA (Distance Learning)|.

Key facts

Type of Course: Taught, continuing professional development

Duration: 1 year full-time

Start date: September 2012

Entry requirements

Learn more about entry requirements|

International students
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements|

Standard English language requirements| apply

Contact details

Ms Sheila Brady
Postgraduate Administrator
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3239/5695/5696
Fax: +44 (0)121 414 3298
Email: s.a.brady@bham.ac.uk|

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Fees and funding

Fees for 2010–11 were: MA – £5,100 (UK/EU full time), Diploma – £4,500 (UK/EU full time). Please check with the Centre for the latest fees information.

Learn more about fees and funding| 

Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs are available. For further information please email the College of Arts and Law Graduate School artsandlawgraduateschool@contacts.bham.ac.uk|. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the School directly or email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk|

Programme overview

You study four modules:

  • Describing Language
    This module includes the study of lexis and of Systemic-Functional grammar. This gives you the tools to describe and analyse language in a range of settings.
  • Social and Psychological Aspects of Language 
    This module includes courses on both Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics. You will look at issues of language in society, focusing on the linguistic and political implications of language variation and languages in contact. In Psycholinguistics, you are introduced to the study of first and second language acquisition and cognitive models of language.
  • Discourse Culture and Communication 
    This module covers aspects of how spoken and written discourse is organised, how it varies, and how it may be described and analysed. There is a strong focus on issues of culture and communication. As an alternative to this module, you may choose to take the Discourse for Teachers module from the MA in TEFL/TESL.
  • Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 
    This module includes a course in methods and approaches to research in Applied Linguistics. In addition, you will select one option from the range on offer and apply what you have learned to a small research project.

You then choose two optional modules:

  • Bilingual Dictionaries and Terminology
  • Business English
  • Cognitive Linguistics and Language Learning
  • Computer Assisted Language Learning
  • Corpus Linguistics
  • Discourse for Teachers
  • English as a Global Language
  • English for Specific/Academic Purposes
  • Forensic Linguistics
  • Genre Analysis
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Language and Literature
  • Language Teaching Observation and Practice
  • Management of Innovation
  • Media Literacy
  • Teacher Training

Please note that availability of optional modules can vary from year to year.

In addition, there are two non-assessed components in the programme. All students take a short course – Introduction to the Bank of English, which introduces them to the 400 million-word Cobuild Bank of English corpus, an invaluable collection of authentic language data against which theory, intuition and pedagogic materials can be measured

You will also complete a 12,000 word dissertation.

Related links

Back to top

Apply now