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Research Applied Linguistics (by distance learning)

Key information

Registration dates: There are two registration dates every academic year - October and April. Deadline for applications for April 2012 enrolment is 23 January 2012.

Prospective applicants are advised that we currently have no places available on this programme in the area of TESOL. Applications for other areas of applied linguistics, such as sociolinguistics, forensic linguistics, corpus linguistics and discourse analysis, will still be considered.

Distance learning available: Yes

Part-time available:  Yes

Fees (2011/12):
UK/EU students: £3,370 per year 
International students: £5,225 per year

Duration:
These fees apply to students who complete the PhD in 4 years. After this time, a fee of £2,613 per year (international students) or £1685 per year (home students) will apply. The maximum time allowed for completion is 6 years.

Fees (2012/13):
UK/EU students: £3,570 per year 
International students: £5,540 per year

Duration:
These fees apply to students who complete the PhD in 4 years. After this time, a fee of £2,770 per year (international students) or £1785 per year (home students) will apply. The maximum time allowed for completion is 6 years.

Application & contact:
Daniel Thomson, Research Officer
School of Languages and Social Sciences
Email: lss_research@aston.ac.uk  
Tel: +44 (0)121 204 3972
Fax: +44 (0)121 204 3766

How to apply

Studying by distance learning

Introduction

This innovative new distance learning research programme in the area of Applied Linguistics builds upon our extensive experience in distance learning masters programmes.
 

This programme aims to

  • deepen your knowledge of key issues at the forefront of the interdisciplinary field of applied linguistics;

  • enhance your knowledge of a range of research traditions, methods and techniques relevant to your academic and professional development;

  • enable you to design and implement a research project that makes an original contribution to the field of applied linguistics in terms of new knowledge, applications or understanding;

  • encourage and promote learning, personal development and self-awareness;

  • develop the capacity for reflective, critical and independent thought and action in relation to your studies.


Jump to:

Programme structure
Research methods
Research staff 

How to apply
Programme Director

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Programme structure

The programme is designed to meet the needs of individual students. You will be given a individually-tailored learning pathway, in consulation with the Programme Director and potential supervisor, based on previous experience and qualifications.

During the first two years (of the part-time programme), all students will complete core Research Methods training. Depending on prior experience a student also may be asked to complete a subject specific element from the areas of Applied Linguistics, Forensic Linguistics and TESOL. This will give practice in carrying out a small-scale, subject-specfic research project.

All students must submit a qualifying report before the end of their second year in order to be admitted to the award of either MPhil or PhD.

Students who successfully complete the qualifying report will then study Academic Preparation and complete a 60,000 word thesis.

Subject-specific elements in TESOL: Course and Materials Design, Methodology, Analysis of Written Discourse, Analysis of Spoken Interaction, Grammar and Lexis.

Subject-specific elements in Applied Linguistics: Analysis of Spoken and Written Discourse, Corpus Linguistics, Grammar, Lexis, Literary Linguistics, Language Variation and Change.

Subject-specific elements - in Forensic Linguistics: Introduction to Forensic Linguistics (by distance learning or by summer school); Linguistic investigation and evidence, Linguistic disadvantage in legal contexts.

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Research methods

Research Methods underpins the whole programme.  You will be introduced to the key research traditions in applied linguistics, to research ethics, to the main research methods used to collect data and to the principles and practice of data analysis.  You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of research methods and this will be assessed through a portfolio submission.   
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How to apply


Deadline for applications for April 2012 enrolment is 23 January 2012.

Entry requirements and application procedures are the same as for on-campus programmes, but please note that you do not need a full research proposal for this programme. You should send an outline of your proposed area of research, making sure you cover all the areas listed below. Your outline should be written in continuous prose and be between one and three sides of A4 (excluding references). 

  • The topic of your research

  • The research setting (the socio-cultural and/or physical context)

  • The proposed research questions (no more than 4)

  • The reasons why your research is important – please explain (a)why you want to undertake this research, (b) how it relates to existing research and (c) what makes it original.

  • The areas of the literature you intend to consult

  • The methods of data collection you intend to use

  • Arrangements you need to make for data collection (possible problems of accessing the research site, for example)

  • Any ethical issues you need to address (if your research involves human participants)

  • A list of references you have consulted so far


    Find out how to apply
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Programme Director

Dr Sue Garton is the programme's course director.

Research staff

Refer to the subject area pages for details of our research staff and their specialisms.

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