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Language Testing (Distance) at Lancaster University - UCAS

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our programme aims to meet the needs of professionals who have responsibilities for language testing and evaluation at institutional, regional or national level. The programme gives you the opportunity to develop a solid grounding in language test design, construction and evaluation, and in research design. Through the programme, we aim to support you in creating testing and evaluation policies within your own context that conform to international standards of validity and reliability. MA With orientation to launch the course, five online modules, and a dissertation, our programme is designed for part-time study over two years. We also offer opportunities to base your coursework and dissertation project on issues within your own educational or professional context. Programme content considers the major developments in language testing in recent years and reflects current thinking and good practice. The programme starts with compulsory orientation in late September and runs over two academic years, ending with submission of dissertations in September two years later. Each taught module lasts one academic term. The five modules are usually taken in this sequence:

  • Language Test Construction and Evaluation
  • Exploring Language Constructs for Language Testing
  • Issues in Language Testing
  • Research Methods for Language Testing
  • Statistical Analysis for Language Testing
The part-time, web-based programme aims to provide flexibility so that you can study alongside work and personal commitments. We follow sound pedagogical principles for the provision of distance education and provide group-level and individualised support and feedback. PgCert The PG Certificate programme starts with compulsory orientation in late September and runs for one academic year, ending with submission of the assignment for the third module in September one year later. Each taught module lasts one academic term. The three modules are taken in this sequence:
  • Language Test Construction and Evaluation
  • Exploring Language Constructs for Language Testing
  • Issues in Language Testing
The part-time, web-based programme aims to provide flexibility so that you can study alongside work and personal commitments. We follow sound pedagogical principles for the provision of distance education and provide group-level and individualised support and feedback.

Assessment method

Assessment is by coursework and a dissertation.


Entry requirements

2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study. Additional Requirements: You will need to have three years of teaching experience and a current post with responsibility for language test design, construction and evaluation. We may consider alternative language teaching or testing backgrounds. We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in listening and speaking. We also consider other English language qualifications.


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 information about fees and funding please visit our website: www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding.
Language Testing (Distance) at Lancaster University - UCAS