Course summary
Are you interested in the relationship between language and society, or in how language is organised in the mind? Do you want to learn more about how vocabulary works, or about the differences between spoken and written language? Are you interested in how such knowledge might be useful to the design and execution of language learning programmes? This programme is designed for experienced teachers – with more than a year’s professional language teaching experience – wishing to develop their knowledge of linguistics and understand its potential applications in language teaching. We aim to equip students with the linguistic and pedagogic knowledge, the research and analytic skills, and the confidence necessary to develop their careers in English language teaching, and/or to move into areas such as teacher-training or ELT management.
Modules
You will study four core modules and two optional modules before completing your 15,000 word dissertation. Core modules You will study four core modules which include: Describing Language, Syllabus Design & Language Teaching, Research Methods in Applied Linguistics You will also take one of the following: Sociolinguistics or Psychology of Language Optional modules You will also choose two optional modules from a range which typically includes: Bilingualism and Multilingualism in the TESOL Classroom, Business Discourse and Communication, Corpus Assisted Language Learning, English as an International Language, Issues in Intercultural Communication, Language and Politics, Language and Gesture, Language and New Media, Language, Gender and Identity, Language Teaching Training, Lexicography, Psycholinguistics in TESOL
Assessment method
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. You will complete the programme with a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Entry requirements
We usually require an upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, English Language or another relevant subject (e.g. Translation Studies, TEFL/TESL/TESOL, English Literature, Communication Studies). Appropriate work experience will also be taken into consideration. Applicants for this programme must also have at least one year’s language teaching experience.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Sponsorship information
Scholarships may be available to home and international students.
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT