Ranking
Top 40
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
Advance your understanding in the study of language and take English teaching to the next level. Our flexible fully online course fits around your life so you can learn while working anywhere in the world.
This course is for you if you're interested in applying language research to language teaching methods and want to advance your career teaching English.
Course structure
This part-time course runs over 2.5 years. There are several course start dates available – October, December, February, April or July.
We also offer a full-time, on-campus programme over one year. For more information see Applied Linguistics MA.
Module 1
Module 1
Year 1, months 1 - 4
You’ll take one module every four months from your start date.
Module 2
Module 2
Year 1, months 5 - 9
You’ll take your second module from months 5-9 of the programme.
Module 3
Module 3
Year 1, months 9 - 12
You'll take your third module from months 9-12 of the programme.
Module 4
Module 4
Year 2, months 13 - 17
You'll take your fourth module from months 13-17 of the programme.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation at the start of your second year.
Module 5
Module 5
Year 2, months 17 - 20
You'll take your fifth module from months 17-20 of your programme.
During your fifth module you are assigned a supervisor for your dissertation and carry out research for your chosen topic.
Module 6
Module 6
Year 2, months 20 - 30
You'll take your sixth module in months 20-24. In the final six months you're assigned a dissertation supervisor and you'll produce your dissertation.
Course highlights
Study anywhere in the world with a global Top 40 department for Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2025).
You can study at your own pace and in your own time on this flexible fully online course. We've designed it to fit around your work and other commitments. You'll self-study over 2.5 years using interactive course materials created by our experts in linguistics.
- Advanced level of study designed for teachers of English.
- Study online and develop your career without leaving your job.
- Access electronic resources through our library e-resources to support you studying online.
- 100%
Online study. A flexible learning alternative for working professionals around the world.
- #1
Most targeted university of top UK employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
- Top 40
A global top 40 department for Linguistics
Join a global online community
We'll support you throughout the MA. You’ll have a personal tutor who will provide advice and answer questions along the way. What's more, you can meet other students and academics in person at one of our summer schools. We hold summer schools in Birmingham and Japan which include extracurricular seminars on linguistics.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on what life is like as an online student.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Applied Linguistics. You'll study online using our University's 'virtual learning environment' and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.
- Virtual learning environment course materials: including aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, and details of assignments.
- Course handbook introducing you to the team, so you know who to contact if you have any questions or need guidance during the course.
- Consult academic staff in Birmingham via Zoom.
- Dissertation - you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run every four months of the course and the final six months are for researching and writing up your dissertation.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2026/27 Session
For information about which year each module should be taken please speak to your department
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discourse Analysis | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Lexis | 20 |
| Sociolinguistics | 20 |
Students must choose 60 credits from the following:
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2.1 Honours degree
English Language or Linguistics
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject like English Language or Linguistics.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry. Please include details of your current and/or previous employment in your application.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £1,304
per module (October 2025-July 2026)
- £1,360
per module (October 2026)
This programme is charged per module.
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2025 - July 2026: £1,304 per module
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2026 - July 2027: £1,360 per module
Students who start between October 2025 and July 2026 will continue to pay module fees at the rates shown here throughout the duration of this course. An invoice will be issued for each module, at the time that you register onto that module.
A fee is also payable for the dissertation (worth 60 credits) and this is charged at the applicable rate for the academic year in which it is submitted. As a guide, dissertation fees are £4,080 for October 2026 entry.
Paying your tuition fees
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
The deadline for applications is one calendar month ahead of your desired entry date, to allow adequate time for your application to be processed. Application deadlines for this programme are as follows:
- Entry point: 1 February – application deadline 1 January
- Entry point: 1 April – application deadline 1 March
- Entry point: 1 July – application deadline 1 June
- Entry point: 1 October - application deadline 1 September
- Entry point: 1 December - application deadline 1 November
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include strong written and verbal communication, organisation skills, time management and analysing information.
Our Linguistics postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Project Manager', 'Senior Editor' and 'English as a Second Language Instructor' in organisations such as Duolingo, Kaplan International Languages and Out of Nothing Pictures.
The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey. As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers.
Why study online?
Studying online allows you to study at your own pace and fit your studies around your other commitments. All whilst enjoying the same level of support and access to experienced academic staff.
How does online learning work?
All of your learning materials for our online courses can be accessed in your own time, on our user-friendly virtual learning environment. This is accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to supporting you throughout your exciting online learning journey.
Visiting campus
As an online student, you are able to access all of our on-campus facilities. Take advantage of our library, the Sports and Fitness centre or make use of our collaborative learning spaces.