English Language and Linguistics MA

Program Overview

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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

• Duration: 1 year
• Attendance: Full-time - September 2025, Part-time day - September 2025, Full-time - January 2026, Part-time day - January 2026, Full-time - September 2026, Part-time day - September 2026
• UK Fees: £9,700 *
• International Fees: £17,500 *
• Alumni Discount: See details
• Campus: Regent, Central London

Course Summary

The MA is for you if you've taken English language and/or linguistics modules at undergraduate level, or if you've studied allied disciplines such as psychology, philosophy or TESOL. It's of particular interest if you're wishing to pursue further study, or if you're teaching English and wish to gain a further qualification and investigate current developments in the field.

If studying the degree full-time, you'll complete 180 credits in one academic year; if part-time, you'll normally complete 180 credits in two academic years. You'll study four core modules (including a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of English language and/or linguistics), as well as two modules from the list of options.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Careers

A Route to an Academic Career

Studying our MA will give you sophisticated analytical skills and a widely applicable knowledge base, which will enable you to study at MPhil or PhD levels.

Choose from a Variety of Career Paths

Our course prepares you for a variety of careers involving language and communication, particularly in the creative and cultural industries.

Employers Around the World

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Graduate Employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

• BBC
• Bergahn Books
• Hamdard University, Bangladesh
• Kingston Grammar School
• The Pratt Institute, New York

Job Roles

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

• Content writer
• Copy editor
• Editorial assistant
• Production assistant
• Proofreader
• Research assistant
• Teacher in mainstream schools
• Teacher of English to speakers of other languages

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

Course Leader

Dr Petros Karatsareas

Petros is Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the School of Humanities. He specialises in multilingualism focusing on the languages of the UK’s minority ethnic communities. He explores the factors that play a role in intergenerational transmission and maintenance, looking specifically at ideologies of monolingualism, attitudes towards multilingualism, and attitudes towards non-prestigious linguistic varieties. He addresses these issues based on his research on London’s Greek Cypriot diaspora.

Course Team

• Dr Andrew Caink - Principal Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
• Dr Charles Denroche - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
• Dr Petros Karatsareas - Reader
• Dr Jonathan Kasstan - Lecturer in French and Linguistics
• Dr Heather Pagan - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
• Dr Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
• Dr Sean Sutherland - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
• Dr Anand Syea - Reader in English Language and Linguistics
• Professor Louise Sylvester - Professor of English Language

Why Study This Course?

Fantastic Central London Location

You'll be studying in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, within easy reach of London's unrivalled library, cultural and archive resources.

Develop Advanced Critical Skills

As well as enhancing your ability to apply theoretical perspectives to texts, you'll develop advanced skills in argument, synthesis and critical expression.

Enhance Your Employability

We place particular emphasis on employability and while studying the MA, you'll also benefit from careers workshops and support.

What Our Students Say

Radia Md Harun Al Rashid

English Language and Linguistics MA - 2023

As an international student, I chose Westminster for its acclaimed linguistics program and diverse, inclusive community. The experience was deeply rewarding, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my dream career as a lecturer.

Entry Requirements

UK

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

Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

EU and International

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

Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Fees and Funding

UK

UK tuition fee: £9,700 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

International

International tuition fee: £17,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Teaching and Assessment

How You’ll Be Taught

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. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

• Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
• Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How You’ll Be Assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

• Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
• Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

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.