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.

Duration and Fees

• Duration: 2 years
• UK Fees: £4,950 per academic year
• International Fees: £9,000 per academic year

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 20 credits

Option Modules

• Analysing Spoken and Written Discourse
  • This module offers a range of different linguistic tools for exploring texts.
  • 20 credits
• Language and Gender
  • This module critically considers different approaches to the sociolinguistic study of language and gender.
  • 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).
  • 20 credits

Admission Criteria

• 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.

Careers

• A route to an academic career
• Choose from a variety of career paths
• Employers around the world
• Graduate employers: BBC, Bergahn Books, Hamdard University, Bangladesh, Kingston Grammar School, The Pratt Institute, New York
• Job roles: Content writer, Copy editor, Editorial assistant, Production assistant, Proofreader, Research assistant, Teacher in mainstream schools, Teacher of English to speakers of other languages

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application
• Assessment methods: coursework (essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation), practical (presentations, podcasts, blogs)
• Data from the academic year 2024/25

Research Groups

• HOMELandS (Hub on Migration, Exile, Languages and Spaces)
• Westminster Forum for Languages and Linguistics

Supporting You

• Study support: workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources
• 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.