Applied Linguistics

Entry requirements

We usually require a first or second class undergraduate honours degree, with at least 57% in modules related to Linguistics/ English language, or equivalent from a university outside the UK in a subject related to Education, English, Languages or Linguistics. Those with other qualifications and relevant work experience may also be considered.

Months of entry

February, September

Course content

Our MA Applied Linguistics course is an ideal option for graduates who wish to develop a career in the language-related industries including publishing, media, teaching and translation. Choose to start in September or the following February.

Reading's Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has 60 years of excellence in the field. David Crystal OBE (awarded for services to the English language, 1995) set up the first linguistics degree at the University of Reading, and sociolinguistics was born at Reading.

This course provides up-to-date and critical knowledge of applied linguistics taught by top scholars in the field through training in established and cutting-edge research methodologies. We’re in the top 150 universities in the world for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

This programme connects theory with practice in real-world settings and offers flexibility and variety through a wide choice of optional modules to suit individual needs and academic interests. A standout feature of our programme is the opportunity to enhance your teaching credentials and global employability by gaining a prestigious CELTA qualification. This is offered by a local partner of ours, based in Oxford. If you decide to pursue this opportunity, you will benefit from a promotional rate.

Our specialist areas of research include discourse analysis, professional communication, sociolinguistics, phonetics and phonology, corpus linguistics, testing and assessment; second language acquisition, intercultural communication, multilingualism, language teaching and creativity, language curriculum design, EFL teacher training, child language development, language and migration, and world English.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).