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Gain the skills to progress in your language teaching career on our MA Applied Linguistics with TESOL, designed for experienced English language teachers.
This course is for you if you have more than a year's professional language teaching experience. Whether you're looking to develop as an English Language teacher or take on a training or management role in education, you'll gain the confidence, skills and techniques to take the next step in your career.
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.
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Join a course designed for experienced language teachers like you.
We offer this advanced level of study so you can build on your current skills and expertise. Develop your knowledge of linguistics, from how the English vocabulary works to the differences between written and spoken language. You'll discover how to apply this knowledge to enhance your language teaching.
Join a World Top 30 Linguistics department that's renowned for research excellence (QS World University Rankings 2024).
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.
With a range of optional modules available, you can explore different areas of applied linguistics, such as intercultural communication, corpus linguistics, or globalisation and language education. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge or explore fields new to you, our academics are on hand to share their expertise. You won't just deepen your understanding of how language works - you'll discover how to apply this knowledge in the classroom and become a more effective educator.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
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 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 |
---|---|
LM Describing Language | 20 |
LM Syllabus Design and Language Teaching | 20 |
Students should choose one of the following:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Psychology of Language | 20 |
LM Sociolinguistics | 20 |
Students should choose two options from those available. An indicative list of options is provided below.
Students must choose either LM Classroom Research Methods or LM Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Classroom Research Methods | 20 |
LM Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | 20 |
Students must choose the following module:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Dissertation | 60 |
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.
BTEC qualifications not accepted for this course
in a 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.
To apply, you'll also need at least one year’s language teaching experience. If you have less than a year's experience, you can study our MA TESOL programme instead.
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:
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.
Full-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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.
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:
Employers our Linguistics and Communication graduates have worked for include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into 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.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse 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.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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.