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Applied Linguistics at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This programme offers a linguistic perspective on real-world problems of language in use, with a strong emphasis on developing skills and knowledge that can be applied in a wide range of professional settings. In Applied Linguistics, we draw on knowledge about language, how it works and how its used in order to contribute to real-life issues. We:

  • examine language and other communicative modes in a variety of social settings such as everyday conversation, educational settings, medical settings, digital and social media
  • focus on language variability; for example, bilingualism, accents, and dialects versus social diversity (such as gender, class, ethnicity)
  • consider how knowledge about language as it is actually used in real social settings can impact people's lives
Key research areas This programme will help you gain intellectual and practical skills to engage in applied linguistics research, either for its own sake or as part of inter-disciplinary research. This highly flexible MSc draws on the University of Edinburgh’s unparalleled research expertise in Linguistics. Linguistics and English Language at Edinburgh has access to a wide breadth of research themes, with the greatest theoretical depth that you will find anywhere. This programme gives you the flexibility to choose courses and research topics to suit your academic interests and goals. The department has multiple overlapping research groups, covering everything from meaning and grammar to language evolution. Linguistics & English Language is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). What will I learn You will:
  • explore how language and other communicative modes are used in a variety of social situations - for example, in everyday conversation, in educational settings, or on digital and social media
  • compare language variability - for example, bilingualism, accents, dialects - with social diversity such as gender, class, or ethnicity
  • examine how knowledge and uses of language can impact people’s lives
You can also take advantage of the interdisciplinary department and draw on teaching and research in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences and within other relevant Schools. Is this MSc for me? This programme provides and enhances your skills to engage in applied linguistic research. It provides an excellent preparation for further research and knowledge as an applied linguistics specialist, whether you choose to pursue this further in academic research or in a professional career. Please note, unlike other programmes in applied linguistics, one topic that we do not concentrate on is teaching pedagogy. Similarly, this MSc programme focuses on linguistics, not English language. Reputation, relevance and employability The programme benefits from a long and respected academic tradition. Edinburgh was the first UK university to offer a programme in Applied Linguistics. You will be taught by world-leading experts. You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select option courses and attend research seminars across different disciplines. Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals. We have an excellent reputation amongst employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and we have a high academic job placement record. Find out more about our community The School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences is home to a large, supportive and active student community, hosting events and activities throughout the year which you can join. As a postgraduate student, you will have access to a range of research resources, state-of-the-art facilities research seminars and reading groups.

Modules

See our website for detailed programme information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

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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

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
Applied Linguistics at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS