Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

An Applied Linguistics postgraduate degree will enhance your own classroom practice and career development by giving you the chance to explore the latest theories in topics such as second language acquisition and social discourse.

Our online linguistics qualification will teach you to conduct your own research, and help you gain transferable skills for your future career such as compiling and analysing qualitative and quantitative data and developing your critical-evaluative skills. You will then put to these skills to use on your own research project at the end of the course.

When you play an active role in our research seminars and conferences, like the Identities in Language conference, the British Association for Applied Linguistics conference or the SymPol conference on linguistic (Im)Politeness, you’ll have the chance to engage with other students and scholars of linguistics studies.

Our online Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA generally takes just over two years to complete. You will be given two years teaching time, however you will also have additional time to submit your Major Project – either one or two trimesters.

Core modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

Second Language Acquisition

This module will focus on the major themes that have emerged from literature on second language learning over the last three decades. You’ll examine some of the research on the second-language acquisition process, look critically at reports of second-language research, and examine some of the theories which endeavour to interpret research evidence. You will be encouraged to use your own language learning and experience of teaching linguistics to assess the relative merits of such materials.

Discourse in Society

The relationship between language and society, and the construction of discourse in various domains, is key to any study of linguistics. This module explores sociological and sociolinguistic models and theories, such as speech communities, communities of practice and ethnolinguistic vitality. You’ll undertake research with a particular focus on social variation and stratification across various linguistic levels (phonology, lexicon, syntax). You’ll explore the notion of discourse in its linguistic use, its construction in society, and its impact on our wider understanding of language. This online linguistics course will enhance your transferable skills, such as methods for the collection and transcription of data. Discourse in Society with teach you various approaches to linguistic analysis, and these methods and approaches will then be put into educational and institutional contexts for the evaluation of the relevant social spheres.

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

This module will provide you with an introduction to research methods in preparation for the MA dissertation. It will familiarise you with the basic processes of conducting research, including general methodological approaches as well as research ethics. You’ll analyse and discuss both qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop your critical-evaluative skills in a way that will set you up for your future career.

Materials and Course Design

Develop your teaching skills through the exploration of the factors involved in the design of language courses and teaching materials, reflecting on one possible process of course design. You will start with an analysis of the context in which the course will take place, the needs of the learners, and current theories of language and language learning. Following this will be a consideration into how course content can be selected and ordered in a principled way, how assessment relates to course design, and how and when courses should be evaluated. Finally, you will consider the evaluation, adaptation and creation of course materials.

Classroom Theory and Practice

You will examine current research on modern classroom operations, exploring key concepts and issues through relevant professional and academic literature. A more practical element will be realised through filmed observation of teachers in practice. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your teaching and learning experience; analysing and discussing your beliefs and attitudes towards learning and teaching.

Major Project

This module will support you in the preparation and submission of a master’s dissertation, allowing you to undertake in-depth research into a topic that reflects your academic interest.

Assessment

You’ll show your understanding of theoretical issues and their practical application through a combination of portfolios, classroom observation tasks and critical essays. After completing your final module, you’ll also research and prepare a 15,000-word dissertation.

Dr Sebastian Rasinger

Sebastian is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and the Course Leader for the MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL. His primary research interests fall into two main areas. The first of these is second language acquisition and urban multilingualism, with a particular focus on language use and its impact on linguistic development and the emergence of ethnic and cultural identity. The second of his research interests involves the representation of minority groups in public discourse, using both corpus analysis and methods derived from Critical Discourse Analysis. A chapter on this topic has also been published in an edited volume on 'Research Methods in Linguistics' (2010. ed. L. Litosseliti. Continuum).

Sebastian is a Fellow of the HEA and a member of the editorial boards of The Asian EFL Journal and The European Journal of Applied Linguistics and TEFL.

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA can be studied 100% online or you can study at our Cambridge campus. If you would prefer to study on campus all teaching takes place in the evening allowing for flexibility around your other commitments.

You’ll study online through Canvas, our world-class Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC or tablet, both at home or on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.

On successful completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

To help you land your dream job, our Employability Service will work with you throughout your time at ARU and after you graduate.

We offer:

• careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
• help with your CV, job searches, applications, and interview preparation
• an online portal packed with useful careers resources
• our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

A good honours degree (or equivalent), normally in a related subject. Applicants with professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

If you have completed a level 7 teaching qualification, such as a PGCE, Cambridge DELTA or DipTEFL within the last five years, we may be able to accredit this towards your course.

You will be required to obtain a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University

If you have lived outside of the UK for 6 months or more within the last 5 years, then you will need to provide a police check from the country/countries previously resided in

If you are completing placements overseas you will be required to obtain a police check/certificate of good conduct from the relevant country

If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use our online Learning Management System (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £7,250.

The tuition fees you pay each year for the Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will be £3,625. The course is studied over 2 years with additional time (1 or 2 trimesters depending on your start date) to submit your Major Project.

Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Funding

Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. These are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. ARU is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.

Studying your MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL at ARU will give you the flexibility you need to learn on a schedule that suits your other responsibilities. Our online master’s in TESOL is perfect for anyone wishing to teach English as a second or other language, as a TESOL qualification will open up a range of positions for you to apply for when progressing with your career.

The online nature of this Applied Linguistics & TESOL MA means that you can still work while you study if you choose. So not only will you be able to continue to develop your teaching skills, but you will also be able to apply your newly acquired knowledge on the go.

Our expert tutors are passionate about linguistics, and eager to introduce new researchers and academics to their specialised field of education. The continued diversity of language and the rise of globalisation means that there is an increasing need for language teachers, and our driven team are determined to ensure that everyone receives the language education that they deserve.

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is a modern qualification that encompasses TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). TEFL is usually used to describe teaching English abroad where English is a foreign language, while TESL is a qualification that enables you to teach English to speakers of foreign languages who are currently living in a country where the native language is English. 

Although TESOL and TEFL are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. However, with our TESOL qualification, you’ll gain relevant experience in both teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English as a second language, both of which are increasingly important in the ever diverse globally orientated world.

The study of Applied Linguistics will give you a deeper understanding of the real-life applications of linguistics. This is increasingly vital in an ever globalised and linguistically diverse world. 

Applied Linguistics combines research into second language acquisition and the theoretical study of linguistics with sociocultural and socioeconomic issues that can affect how different students learn a new language. 

Studying Applied Linguistics is an important step in developing your teaching skills and improving your cross-cultural communication abilities. Our distance learning linguistics degree will set you up for a wide range of career options. This course is ideal for those pursuing a career teaching English as a second or foreign language, but also has the capacity to enhance your employability in industries such as audiology (as a deeper understanding of speech can be beneficial to those working on hearing disorders and speech therapies), and translation.

When you study our distance learning Applied Linguistics course, you will be encouraged to use your own experience of both learning a language and delivering linguistics learning to others in order to assess the existing research into linguistics studies. 

You will be taught a variety of approaches to linguistics analysis, and introduced to sociological theories and their impact on language learning. Our Applied Linguistics master’s will also advance your teaching skills through study of course design and classroom practices, allowing you to deliver language lessons that will benefit students from all walks of life.

At Anglia Ruskin University, we are experts when it comes to delivery of online learning, and we work tirelessly to ensure that you receive all the support you need to achieve the success you’ve always dreamed of. 

You will study though Canvas, our world class Learning Management System, which is designed to give you access to your course from anywhere in the world, whether you’re on a mobile, tablet or PC device. Canvas allows you to receive support from your tutors and keep in contact with your university peers whenever you need them and wherever you are. 

At ARU, our team are on hand to offer you all the support you need and aid you in the completion of your education. Your future employability is important to us, so we have developed an in-depth careers advice programme to ensure that you’ll be fully equipped to achieve your goals.