Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

Lancaster University

Take your MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL in one of the best Linguistics Departments in the world. We are placed 3rd in the QS World Rankings 2024.

Why Lancaster?

Join a department at the forefront of research in linguistics with 3 specialist laboratories and 11 research centres and groups

Study applied linguistics and TESOL at the same time to achieve a degree in two subjects

Get started with no experience – we welcome students who haven’t taught English before

Boost your employability by advancing your expertise in linguistics theory and application

Receive ongoing support with academic study skills

Visit one of our international summer schools or work on your dissertation at a partner university

This course is for you if (1) you want to advance your knowledge about both practical applications of linguistics and theoretical aspects, or (2) you want to learn more about language learning and teaching. With our expert insights into the world of linguistics and second language teaching, you’ll learn how theories about language can be applied in specialised contexts, such as education, business, media and communication.

Diverse expertise

As one of the largest linguistic departments in the country, we’ve designed this course to reflect the diversity of our world-leading research and expertise. Our teaching is informed by recent research, so you’ll always be up to speed with the latest developments in the fields of linguistics and language teaching.

You’ll shape your studies with a range of optional modules covering curriculum design, language testing, teaching language online, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and more. You’ll also complete a dissertation that showcases your extensive knowledge and is tailored to your own interests.

Supporting your studies

If you’re returning to education or you’re not familiar with academic conventions used in UK, we’ll provide the support you need via our Postgraduate Academic Study Skills module. We will help you to polish your academic reading, writing and presentation skills, sharpen your critical thinking skills and help you to work more effectively.

Outside the lecture theatre, we encourage you to join our diverse departmental research centres, vibrant student and university societies to share ideas, socialise and make friends.

You may have the opportunity to visit one of our partner universities or attend an international summer school, where you can experience the local culture, enhance your academic knowledge, develop social and communicative skills, and potentially work on your dissertation.

Careers

Our MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme equips you with advanced theoretical knowledge, specialised techniques, and a wide range of transferable skills.

You’ll be prepared for careers in language-related industries such as:

Language teaching (English as a second language, English as a foreign language, other languages)

Curriculum & materials design

British Council roles

Language consultancy

Translation

Publishing

Research

If you enjoyed carrying out your own research, you might decide to pursue PhD study and work towards making your mark in the fields of applied linguistics or TESOL.