Applied Linguistics
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, English Language or another relevant subject (e.g. Translation Studies, TEFL/TESL/TESOL, English Literature, Communication Studies).
Relevant professional experience can also be considered for entry.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Do you want a solid foundation in linguistics and the freedom to explore your passions? Develop your expertise in the areas of language study that interest you the most.
Embark on your journey as a language professional, or gain the skills to enhance your current career. You'll develop critical and analytical skills, preparing you for further academic research or for a professional role involving linguistics.
We also offer a distance learning programme over 2.5 years. Find out more about our MA Applied Linguistics by Distance Learning.
At Birmingham, we explore the boundaries of linguistics and their application in the real world.
Our academics specialise in fields including corpus linguistics, cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis and language pedagogy.
Our research isn't just theoretical. You'll learn from experts uncovering how linguistics impacts daily life and society, from applied linguistics and second language acquisition to figurative language and uses of metaphor.
Whichever fields you choose to explore, you'll be part of a world Top 30 Linguistics department that's renowned for research excellence (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Explore linguistic theories in various contexts, from media and culture, to globalisation, and power and identity.
- Take advantage of our research specialisms and discover second language acquisition and TESOL alongside core modules in applied linguistics.
- Be part of a thriving English Language and Linguistics department, with opportunities to attend research talks, summer schools and conferences.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Applied Linguistics.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiries