Ranking
Top 30
QS World Rankings 2024
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Course overview
Advance your understanding in the study of language and take English teaching to the next level. Our flexible distance learning PGCert fits around your life so you can learn while working anywhere in the world.
This course is for you if you’re interested in studying for a shorter period of time compared to the full Masters in Applied Linguistics by Distance Learning. You'll discover how to apply language research to a variety of careers, including English language teaching, so you're ready to advance your career as a language professional.
Course structure
The course runs over 18 months part-time. There are several course start dates available – October, December, February, April or July.
Course highlights
Study anywhere in the world with a global Top 30 department for Linguistics (QS World University Rankings 2024).
You can study at your own pace and in your own time on this flexible distance learning course. We've designed it to fit around your work and other commitments. You'll self-study over 18 months using interactive course materials created by our experts in linguistics.
- Successfully completing the PGCert enables you to progress onto the MA Applied Linguistics
- Study online and develop your career without leaving your job
- Access electronic resources through our library e-resources to support you studying online
Choose a start date that suits you with multiple entry points during the academic year.
18 month course covering 3 modules fits flexibly around your work.
Real life application - you'll gain skills and knowledge to use in your teaching.
Join a global online community
We'll support you throughout the PGCert. You’ll have a personal tutor who will provide advice and answer questions along the way. What's more, you can meet other students and academics in person at one of our summer schools. We hold summer schools in Birmingham and Japan which include extracurricular seminars on linguistics.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Applied Linguistics. You'll study online using our University's 'virtual learning environment' and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.
- Virtual learning environment course materials: including aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, and details of assignments.
- Resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions whenever suits you.
- Course handbook introducing you to the team, so you know who to contact if you have any questions or need guidance during the course.
- Consult academic staff in Birmingham via Zoom.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules. Modules run every six months of the course.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discourse Analysis | 20 |
| Sociolinguistics | 20 |
Students will be required to complete one option from those available. An indicative list of options is provided in the list below:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Corpus Linguistics | 20 |
| Functional Grammar | 20 |
| Lexis | 20 |
| Second Language Acquisition | 20 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2.1 Honours degree
English Language or Linguistics
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject like English Language or Linguistics.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry. Please include details of your current and/or previous employment in your application.
English language requirements
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 scholarships
- £1,260
per module (October 2024 - July 2025)
- £1,304
per module (October 2025)
This programme is charged per module.
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2024 - July 2025: £1,260 per module
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2025 - July 2026: £1,304 per module
Students who start between October 2024 and July 2025 will continue to pay module fees at the rates shown here throughout the duration of this course. An invoice will be issued for each module, at the time that you register onto that module.
A fee is also payable for the dissertation (worth 60 credits) and this is charged at the applicable rate for the academic year in which it is submitted. As a guide, dissertation fees are £3,912 for October 2025 entry.
Paying your tuition fees
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadlines for this programme are as follows:
- Entry point: 1 October – application deadline 1 September
- Entry point: 1 December - application deadline 1 November
- Entry point: 1 February – application deadline 1 January
- Entry point: 1 April – application deadline 1 March
- Entry point: 1 July – application deadline 1 June
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.