Program Overview

MPhil in Education (Research in Second Language Education)

Overview

The MPhil in Education (Research in Second Language Education) adopts a broad definition of the term "second language education". It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of languages in schools and communities as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a second, foreign, or additional language across the world. A special feature of the course is its broad-based training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research.

Course Aims

The main aims of the course are as follows:

• to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;
• provide training in research methods appropriate to education;
• advance students capacity for professional reflection and judgment;
• cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• an understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Continuation to PhD

Continuation to the PhD from Masters programmes within the Faculty of Education is not automatic, and students wishing to do so must submit a PhD application by the usual deadline.

Key Information

• Duration: 9 months full-time
• Study Mode: Taught
• Degree: Master of Philosophy
• Faculty: Faculty of Education

Dates and Deadlines

• Applications open: September 3, 2025
• Application deadline: February 26, 2026
• Course Starts: October 1, 2026

Funding Deadlines

• Course Funding Deadline: December 3, 2025
• Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025

Similar Courses

• Education (Research in Second Language Education) PGCE entry only, MEd
• Linguistics: Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, PhD
• Education, PhD
• Education, EdD