Ranking
Top 30
QS World Rankings 2024
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Course overview
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.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time. If the course is available part-time then this pattern will be spread over two years.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are three hours of contact time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning your dissertation topic during term one.
Course highlights
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.
Dedicated hardware, software and data resources available at the Linguistics Research Laboratory.
Expand your networks and meet linguistics researchers at the annual Sinclair Lecture.
Opportunities to enhance your learning with our annual corpus linguistics summer school and regular research events.
Freedom to pursue your interests
You'll join a department buzzing with research activity where you can study a range of fields in applied linguistics. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge or explore fields new to you, our academics are on hand to share their expertise. The combination of core and optional modules means you'll develop a thorough knowledge of linguistics with the freedom to pursue your interests.
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.
- 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.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26 session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Describing Language | 20 |
| Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | 20 |
Students should choose two of the following modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Discourse Culture and Intercultural Communication | 20 |
| Psychology of Language | 20 |
| Sociolinguistics | 20 |
Choose two from the following:
Students must take the following module:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
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
in Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, English Language or another relevant subject
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.
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
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include strong written and verbal communication, organisation skills, time management and analysing information.
Linguistics and Communication graduates enter many roles, including:
- Secondary School Teacher
- Digital Communications Officer
- TESOL Tutor or Language Tutor
Employers our Linguistics and Communication graduates have worked for include:
- Regional councils/schools in the UK and worldwide
- Further Education colleges
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.