Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

You’ll explore the latest theories in topics such as second language acquisition and social discourse and have the chance to apply these to your own classroom practice and curriculum development.

You will also learn to conduct your own research, compiling and analysing qualitative and quantitative data and developing your critical-evaluative skills. These skills will be put to use on your own research project at the end of the course, as well as in your future career.

Outside of the course, you’ll have the chance to attend, and take part 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.

Our online Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA generally takes just over 2 years to complete. The course is taught over 2 years but you have additional time to submit your Major Project.

Core modules

Second Language Acquisition

You’ll 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 teaching experience to assess the relative merits of such materials.

Discourse in Society

You’ll examine the relationship between language and society, and the construction of discourse in various domains. You’ll explore sociological and sociolinguistic models and theories, such as speech communities, communities of practice and ethnolinguistic vitality, with a particular focus on social variation and stratification across various linguistic levels (phonology, lexicon, syntax). You’ll explore the notion (or notions) of discourse in both its linguistic and wider meaning, and its construction in and through society and language use. You'll study methods for the collection and transcription of data, and discover various approaches to linguistic and discourse analysis. These methods and approaches will then be put into context and used in the analysis of the relevant social spheres and domains, such as educational or institutional discourse.

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.

Materials and Course Design

You will explore 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. You will move on to consider 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, and analyse and discuss your beliefs and attitudes towards learning and teaching.

Major Project

This module will support you in the preparation and submission of a Masters dissertation, allowing you to explore in-depth a particular 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: 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; and 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 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.

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 £7,035.

The tuition fees you pay each year for the Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will be £3,517.50 over 2 years. 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.