Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching MA

Program Overview

The Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching MA at the University of Nottingham equips aspiring and current language teachers with in-depth knowledge in second language acquisition, motivation, psycholinguistics, and corpus linguistics. The program offers optional modules in specialized areas like intercultural communication and the psychology of language, preparing graduates for diverse careers in teaching, research, and other fields where language skills are essential. Its high ranking in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 reflects the program's academic rigor and research focus.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching MA program at the University of Nottingham is designed for current or aspiring language teachers. The program explores key issues in English language teaching from multiple perspectives, including:

• Second language acquisition
• Motivation and individual learner differences
• Psycholinguistics
• Discourse analysis
• Corpus linguistics
The program's compulsory modules provide a grounding in quantitative and qualitative research methods and key issues central to understanding second language acquisition. Students can also choose optional modules covering topics such as:
• Language teaching: speaking and listening
• English vocabulary: teaching and learning
• Psychology of language
• Intercultural communication

Outline:

The program consists of 180 credits, typically completed over 12 months for full-time students or 24 to 36 months for part-time students.

Core Modules:

• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
• Second Language Acquisition

Optional Modules:

• English Vocabulary: Teaching and Learning
• Intercultural Communication
• Language Teaching: Speaking and Listening
• Psychology of Language
• Business and Organisational Communication
• Cognition and Literature
• Consciousness in Fiction
• Dramatic Discourse
• Language, Gender and Sexuality
• Research Methods: Corpus Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics of Work

Assessment:

Most modules are assessed by written work of varying lengths, corresponding with the content and weighting of the module. Students also complete a 14,000-word dissertation.

Teaching:

Students are taught in small seminar groups, with opportunities for discussion and development as researchers. The program also includes a Dissertation Preparation Day, peer mentoring, and access to three psycholinguistic labs.

Careers:

Graduates of the program enter a variety of careers, including:

• English language teaching
• Higher education
• Marketing/PR/journalism
• Business and finance
• Charity sector
• Local and national government
• PhD study

Other:

The program is ranked 10th for grade point average among 92 universities and 7th in the Russell Group, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

Home/ UK: £9,250 International: £22,600