English Language and Linguistics MA

Program Overview

English Language and Linguistics MA

Overview

The English Language and Linguistics MA explores the linguistic features of English from theoretical, applied, synchronic, and diachronic perspectives. Our course will enable you to understand and evaluate critically a wide spectrum of ideas in the study of the English language, particularly in connection with linguistic variation in terms of space, time, communicative context, and linguistic contact. It will also equip you with the intellectual perspectives and scholarly skills to conduct independent research.

Course Structure

The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.

Core Modules

• Dissertation: Development, execution, and writing-up of an independent research project on a topic chosen by you. All students will attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance. (60 credits)
• English Worldwide: This module examines in detail English in its multiple varieties and multiple uses in the world: native, nativised, and non-native varieties, regional variation within larger speech communities, use by monolinguals and multilinguals, and register differences according to use and user. Furthermore, it gives you the opportunity to carry out original empirical work relating to the concepts and methods they are acquiring. (20 credits)
• Language and Learning: Description and Analysis: This module introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in the description and analysis of language with specific reference to English language teaching. The module also introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in language learning with specific reference to second language acquisition and the implications of these concepts for the language teacher. The module is divided into two units: the first on language description and analysis; the second on language learning. (40 credits)
• Multilingualism: Concepts and Applications: This module introduces you to the major theoretical frameworks for studying language contact by exploring the different processes, causes, types, effects, and outcomes that emerge from contact contexts: e.g., bilingualism, pidginization, creolisation, diglossia, borrowing, code-switching, linguistic change. The module adopts a cross-linguistic perspective and will include contexts ranging from dominant language ecologies to cases of severe language endangerment. (20 credits)

Option Modules

• Analysing Spoken and Written Discourse: This module offers a range of different linguistic tools for exploring texts. They are analysed for lexical and grammatical cohesion, metonymy and metaphor, and register and thematic progression (Hallidayan functional grammar). Texts are also analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA). You will acquire a theoretical understanding of the main approaches to discourse analysis, and the practical skills for carrying out these analyses on real texts. You will also gain a broader awareness of how written discourse is constructed by comparing it to spoken discourse, and by discussing it in terms of more general semiotic and communication theories. (20 credits)
• Language and Gender: This module critically considers different approaches to the sociolinguistic study of language and gender. This includes knowledge of theoretical frameworks used to understand why and how sex and gender can be viewed as significant social categories in relation to language use. The module also aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to carry out independent empirical investigations in the field of language and gender research. (20 credits)
• Language in Society: You'll critically explore concepts and issues in sociolinguistics; research methods; languages and factors such as age, class, gender, ethnicity; language variation, choice, planning, change; language in face-to-face interaction. (20 credits)
• Languages for Specific Purposes: The module introduces you to Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The module examines the different requirements in terms of needs, aspirations, and appropriate modes of instruction and assessment, of different types of language learner. It will enable you to add to your existing ELT knowledge and experience, and to engage meaningfully in relevant LSP/ESP developments. (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including English language, linguistics, or TESOL.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
• Once you have applied, you’ll be asked to work on the following assignment: 'Every attempt to count how many languages are spoken in the world is fundamentally flawed, and the results of all such attempts are doomed to be inaccurate.’ In no more than 1500 words, discuss the statement above with reference to (a) current theoretical approaches regarding the notion of language; (b) empirical evidence drawn from existing initiatives seeking to quantify linguistic diversity within a given geographical area; and, (c) multilingualism research.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £9,900 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £18,000 (Price per academic year)
• Alumni discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply.
• Funding: There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE) for UK students and various schemes for international students.
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment methods include submitted coursework such as essays, reviews, and exercises – there are no formal exams.

Research Groups

• Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
• Find out more about our research groups related to this course: HOMELandS (Hub on Migration, Exile, Languages and Spaces), Westminster Forum for Languages and Linguistics.

Supporting You

• Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support, and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills.
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits, and visas.
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events, and more.

Course Location

• Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
• Our Humanities subjects are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities, and our Regent Street Cinema.