Program Overview

Program Overview

The Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA program is designed to provide advanced training in the theory and techniques of applied linguistics, with an option to specialize in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). The program is ideal for experienced language teachers, language-related professionals, and scholars interested in applied language research.

Course Description

This course provides essential academic and professional training in the systematic study of language education, language learning, and language teaching. The degree is suitable for those looking to develop their knowledge and skills at an advanced level before progressing to doctoral research.

Modules

The program includes a range of modules, such as:

• Second Language Acquisition and Learning
• Dissertation (Language and Linguistics)
• Research Methods
• Current Issues in Applied Linguistics
• Research Dissertation Practice
• Teaching Practice 1
• Language Teaching Methodology
• Practitioner Research and Development
• Teaching Reading and Writing
• Discourse and Genre Analysis
• Teaching Listening and Speaking
• Teaching Vocabulary, Grammar, and Discourse
• Materials and Course Design
• Advances in TESOL
• Teaching English for Specific Purposes
• Intercultural Communications

Pathways

The program offers two pathways: Applied Linguistics and TESOL. Students can choose to specialize in one of these areas, depending on their interests and career goals.

Duration and Attendance

The program is full-time and lasts for one year.

Teaching and Assessment

Students will be taught by a dedicated team of experts and will spend around eight hours a week in lectures, seminars, and workshops. Assessment depends on the module but includes essay assignments and classroom coursework tasks.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program will have expert-led training in applied linguistic research and research skills, preparing them for advanced careers in language and language teaching. They can also work in business, publishing, translation, and interpreting.

School of English

The program is offered by the School of English, which is a research-intensive school with an international perspective on English studies. The school encourages students to get involved and apply their academic learning, working in partnership with external organizations.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is a 2:1 undergraduate honors degree in a relevant subject, such as Didactics, Education, English, English Language, English Teaching (TESOL/TEFL/ELT), Linguistics, Modern Languages, or Pedagogy. International students must also meet the English language requirements, which are IELTS 7 (with 6.5 in each component) or University equivalent.

Fees and Funding

The fees for the program are:

• Home (2026 annual fee): £11,905
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £26,320 There are also scholarships available, such as the Ragdoll Foundation - School of English Postgraduate Scholarships, which offers two scholarships worth £10,000 each for home fee-paying students. Additionally, overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount.

Conclusion

The Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA program at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive and advanced education in applied linguistics, with a focus on TESOL. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in language teaching, research, and related fields, and provides a range of modules and pathways to suit different interests and career goals. With its research-intensive approach and international perspective, the School of English is an ideal place to study applied linguistics and TESOL.