You will study four core modules, three optional modules and complete a 15,000-word dissertation.
In addition, there are two non-assessed components in the programme:
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All students will take a short course – Introduction to the Bank of English – which introduces you 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
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You may also take a course in Academic Writing. Those whose first language is not English are particularly encouraged to follow this course.
You will do a total of six assessed pieces of coursework over the year. For assessment purposes, one of the modules you take during the spring term will be ‘linked’ with the Research Methods module – that is, you will produce a piece of work in the field covered by that module, but with a particular focus on research methods.
Your four core modules are as follows:
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 Syllabus and Materials Design 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 will also choose your three optional modules from a range which may include the following:
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Business English
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Computer Assisted Language Learning
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Cognitive Linguistics and Language Learning
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Corpus Linguistics
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English as a Global Language
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English for Specific/Academic Purposes
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Genre Analysis
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Intercultural Communication
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Language and Literature
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Language and New Media
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Language and Politics
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Management of Innovation
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Media Literacy
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Teacher Training
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Teaching Young Learners
Please note that availability of optional modules may vary from year to year.
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2013/14 are as follows:
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Home/EU: £5,760 full-time
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Overseas: £13,200 full-time
Part-time programme fees are one half of the full-time programme fees.
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.