Our MA Applied Linguistics programmes are designed to meet the academic and professional needs of anyone interested in how language, especially the English Language, works in the world.
The course aims to provide you with a grounding in key linguistic concepts and models so that these can be applied top analyse a range of spoken and written data. Specifically, we aim to provide you with a solid foundation in the structure of the English language - with opportunities for the application of theoretical linguistic concepts and to develop expertise in at least two specific areas of applied linguistics. We also aim to provide you with knowledge of research skills and methods to enable you to undertake further research.
The MA courses
We offer six different MA Applied Linguistics related courses - allowing you to tailor your MA programme to your area of interest. Each MA course has a core module which you must successfully complete. Your dissertation must be focused on an area relevant to your specific MA course.
The six MA courses we offer are:
- MA in Applied Linguistics (no core module)
- MA in Applied Linguistics Corpus Linguistics
- MA in Applied Linguistics Forensic Linguistics
- MA in Applied Linguistics Literary Linguistics
- MA in Applied Linguistics Sociolinguistics
- MA in Applied Linguistics TESOL
Core modulesThere are five core modules:
- Lexis
- Grammar
- Analysing Spoken and Written Discourse
- Research Methods I and II
- Dissertation
Elective ModulesYou will pick one module from the following:
- Forensic Linguistics (core for Forensic Linguistics)
- Corpus Linguistics (core for Corpus Linguistics)
- Literary Linguistics (core for Literary Linguistics)
- Language Variation & Change (core for Sociolinguistics)
- Theoretical Concepts of Translation Studies
- Translation and the Representation of Cultures (only for Literary Linguistics)
- Independent Study
- TESOL Theory into Practice (only for TESOL).
Normally a good UK Honours Degree (minimum of an upper second class) in English Language, Linguistics or a related discipline or an overseas degree recognised by Aston University, plus two references.
Applicants for the MA in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) should also have a minimum of two years, full-time teaching experience.
International students whose native language is not English and have not completed a full degree programme taught in English, will also need to obtain:
- An overall IELTS score of 7 with a minimum of Band 7 in Speaking and Writing and Band 6.5 in Reading and Listening, or
- TOEFL score of 620 paper-based test (with TWE of 5.0), 260 computer-based test (with TWE of 5.0) or 105 internet-based test with a minimum of 25 in Writing and Speaking and 23 in Reading and Writing.
Modules are delivered via a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods. You will take part in interactive seminars, presentations, individual research and group work as well as attending lectures and tutorials. For the MA in Applied Linguistics (Forensic Linguistics) there are opportunities for visits to courtrooms and analyse legal transcripts.
Assessment is by written assignments, essays, written text analyses and class presentations.
The taught element of the course is complemented by a substantial piece of research leading to the completion of a dissertation in a student’s particular area of interest. Wherever possible, students are encouraged to present their findings to the Applied Linguistics community (e.g. via local seminars, conferences, journals).
This course helps you to develop team working skills, presentation and communication skills, as well as research and report writing skills. Your IT skills will also benefit from use of our newly refurbished IT Facilities.
Graduate opportunities include research; teaching; working in the media; public relations and a host of other opportunities requiring excellent communication skills.
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