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Language Testing (Online) at Lancaster University - UCAS

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2026 - 2027
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Course summary

Advanced skills for professionals with responsibility for language testing and assessment at institutional, regional or national level. Lancaster University is one of the best places in the world to study language testing, and we offer a full set of UK-accredited academic qualifications. This postgraduate level Diploma helps you develop a solid grounding in language test development and evaluation, and in research design. An ideal stepping-stone to advance your career. Why Lancaster?

  • Study at a university with a global reputation for excellence in language testing, and one of the only universities worldwide to offer full qualifications in this area
  • Explore current thinking and good practice, and engage with recent developments in language testing research
  • Gain language testing skills and knowledge and develop research skills
  • Access Lancaster University’s extensive online resources and interact with peers and your tutors via our virtual learning site
  • Follow in the footsteps of award-winning graduates who lead test development and research projects around the world
  • Join this 100% online programme from anywhere in the world, regardless of your time zone — ideal if you're a working professional wanting to advance your knowledge
Your future in language testing Do you want to understand how language tests work and how second language learning and assessment is researched? Establish a foundation in language test development and evaluation, as well as research design? Explore technical and practical issues faced by language testing professionals? On our part-time, online Postgraduate Diploma in Language Testing you will develop the skills and knowledge to progress in language testing and assessment. We’ll explore major recent developments in language testing and discuss current thinking and good practice. By the end of your studies, you’ll be confident in developing assessments and policies for your context that meet international standards. Expert teaching Lancaster has a worldwide reputation for excellence in language testing. We rank very highly in international and national rankings for Linguistics. Staff members have led and contributed to numerous language testing projects, including national test development projects in many countries and international test development and assessment projects in English and other languages. You will benefit from their expert tuition. Flexible. Supportive. Collaborative. The programme is delivered via Lancaster’s high-quality virtual learning site. You will have access to the University’s extensive online library resources and custom-made learning materials. You will have the flexibility to study alongside your work and personal commitments from anywhere in the world. You’ll always feel supported, thanks to close interaction with your tutors, detailed feedback on your work, and opportunities to collaborate and share experiences with other students. What will I study?
  • Our Diploma programme is designed for part-time study over two years. You will complete four online modules:
  • Designing Language Tests: Techniques and Constructs
  • Current Topics in Language Testing
  • Doing Research in Language Testing
  • Statistical Analysis for Language Testing
You’ll have the opportunity to base your coursework on issues within your own educational or professional context. In each module you will engage with tasks and targeted reading on specific topics, perhaps introduced with short video lectures. Tasks may include individual responses and reflection or more practical work, for example, evaluating test items. Your tutor will provide thorough, tailored feedback on these tasks. For each module, you will also participate in work on one or two more substantial tasks, involving preparation in a small group of students. These tasks create the input for other students to review and comment on.

Entry requirements

2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study.

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 (Online) at Lancaster University - UCAS