Overview
| This course is now also available as an Extended Master's that helps International students adjust to studying in the UK. |
An MA in Applied Linguistics is the best way to develop a deeper understanding of the many ways in which languages work and the many different fields to which the practical study of languages can be applied. Although the programme focuses on the English language, its theoretical and practical insights can be equally applied to other languages.
Why study Applied Linguistics at CCCU?
Participating in this course gives you the opportunity to strengthen your theoretical knowledge of all the formal aspects of the English language, while at the same time exploring how pervasive and powerful language use is in our societies. As part of your degree, you will see how language is used and researched in a variety of professional contexts; media, advertising, education, translation, healthcare and the law being some examples. The practical component of the degree will give you opportunities to put into practice what you have learnt in one or more of these professional areas.
Our Professional Practice module will provide you with workplace experience to demonstrate how Applied Linguistics theory, knowledge and research can be applied to understanding institutional and work-related settings (e.g. business, social services, health, and law & policing) and thus enhance your CV.
Further strengths of this course lie in the diversity of professional contexts that are analysed, which will help you decide in which direction you want to take your career.
You will:
- develop a sophisticated and systematic breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of linguistics in terms of language system and language use and its applications in applied linguistics;
- gain a systematic and critical understanding of relevant applied linguistics knowledge and theory in terms of language acquisition, communication and the social-cultural dimensions of language, as well as their applications in applied linguistics;
- apply a range of relevant knowledge and theory in applied linguistics to a workplace setting in terms of professional practice;
- evaluate, apply and critique a range of appropriate and ethically-considered methodologies for applied linguistics research, evaluation and evidence-based practice, demonstrating ability to argue for alternative and creative approaches;
- carry out a sustained piece of ethical empirical research which successfully applies linguistics knowledge and theory, data collection and analysis, which in so doing develops you as a researcher;
- become autonomous, independent and innovative in scholarship, demonstrating ability to deploy a range of learning resources for research and self-critical writing, take responsibility for personal professional development and engage in academic and professional communication with others.
Who is this course for?
The course is for everyone who loves languages and has an interest in how languages shape societies and professional practices.
It is particularly useful for those who wish to explore different professional contexts to make a better-informed decision regarding their future career. Moreover, it is invaluable for those who have got a career in mind or are already in a profession and wish to further their theoretical and practical knowledge of language and its application in their specific line of work.
Finally, the course is a stepping stone for anyone who wants to pursue an academic career, as the work done on this course often serves as a springboard for future research projects.
The MA Applied Linguistics will increase your confidence as a communicator and raise your awareness of how language shapes societies and professional practices. It will give you the skills and tools to analyse language use and exploit the full potentials of language and communication in a variety of professional contexts; media, advertising, education, translation, healthcare and the law being some examples.
Course Director
Entry requirements
A good undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) and two supporting academic/professional references. If English is not the first language an IELTS overall score of 6.0 is required, with no element below 5.5.
We recognise that some applicants may not meet these standard requirements, yet may be desirable candidates with other and appropriate skills and knowledge. In this case they may be offered the opportunity to complete an orientation module or a portfolio to demonstrate their ability to work at level 7. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.
The University accepts non-UK qualifications equivalent to those outlined above and confirmed through NARIC. For IELTS and other English Language requirements, please visit our dedicated IELTS web page.
Extended Master's for international students
An Extended Master's helps international students get familiar with Master's study through a preparation phase in the summer before the main course starts.
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
The programme uses lectures, seminars, a virtual learning environment, group work, practical work, individual and small-group tutorials and guided independent study. These are designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of subject-specific skills and important ideas in applied linguistics, and to develop cognitive and practical skills by applying this understanding to specific professional contexts.
Working with others and sharing experiences and perspectives with fellow students will deepen and refine your understanding of, and ability to assess and to explore the theories and ideas you encounter on the course. Through participation in discussion, both face-to-face and online, you will both refine your own understanding and develop communication and listening skills for effective collaboration relevant to professional life.
We also make use of a flipped classroom approach, whereby core learning is placed outside of class time to provide more time in class for critical discussion and practical group activities. A flipped approach provides you with opportunities to study module content at your own pace; develops and extends students’ independent learning and builds confidence for full engagement and participation in classroom discussion and activities.
Being required to produce regular assignments and presentations contributes significantly to your conscious organisation of material, encouraging connections between different theoretical and practical sides in the course content, making it more relevant to you. In this, we agree with Vygotsky that ‘Thought does not express itself in words, but rather realizes itself in them’.
How you’ll be assessed
Throughout the course your knowledge and skills will be informally assessed through a variety of learning activities. You will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment and may be actively involved in peer assessment.
Formally, the course is assessed solely through coursework, including portfolio work, reports, essays and presentations.
In the final trimester, with the support and guidance of an individual supervisor, you will write a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of Applied Linguistics.
There is no final exam.
Your future career
Graduates of this course will be able to pursue careers in a variety of industries, including advertising, media, publishing, education, translation and language consultancy for a variety of professional fields. Others may use this as a way to start their own business.
Students completing this MA might also go on to undertake a PhD in Applied Linguistics or a teaching qualification to take their practice into a school, FE or HE setting.
Fees
Government loans are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.
The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 456.
Tuition fees for this course
| UK | Overseas | |
| Full-time | £9,545 | £15,500 |
20% Alumni Discount
We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Master's by Research courses for eligible students.
Find out if you're eligible for the discount.
Important Information on Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.
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Postgraduate student links
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