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Applied Linguistics at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course options

2026 - 2027
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Open days

15Oct
The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Online Learning Essentials
Virtual and digital
19Nov
The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Virtual Open Days
Virtual and digital

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 it is 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
We focus on language variability, for example, bilingualism, accents, and dialects versus social diversity (such as gender, class, ethnicity). We also 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 interdisciplinary 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. This programme is unique in allowing you the freedom to draw on these resources. You can also take advantage of the interdisciplinary department and draw on teaching and research both elsewhere 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. Unlike other programmes in applied linguistics, one topic that we do not concentrate on is teaching pedagogy. If you are primarily interested in the teaching side of applied linguistics, please see:
  • MSc in Language Education
  • MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Similarly, this MSc programme focuses on linguistics, not English language. If you are primarily interested in English language, please see:
  • MSc in 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. Our Linguistics and English Language department is home to academics leading research into a wide range of topics. You will also 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.

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

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

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