Applied Linguistics

MA Applied Linguistics

Part-Time Programme

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

• Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck for over 30 years, making this one of the oldest departments in the world, by leading researchers in the field.
• Interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach, with staff expertise in a wide range of sub-disciplines, from humanities to social sciences and life sciences.
• Strong research culture with a large number of MPhil/PhD students.

This programme is designed to train qualified students and experienced people interested in working professionally with language. It will enable you to carry out intensive study of both applied and theoretical aspects of linguistics and undertake empirical and/or theoretical research into language and language behaviour. We offer research supervision in a variety of sub-disciplines: second language acquisition; bilingualism; sociolinguistics; psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics; pragmatics; linguistic analysis; cross-cultural communication; translation studies. Your dissertation can cover one or more of these areas.

We are committed to an ongoing programme of innovation in teaching and research, which makes extensive use of a sophisticated IT base. Staff specialise in research into various aspects of language use and language functions in both the individual and society at large. Teaching and research are characterised by a strong cross-linguistic perspective, with academic staff combining an interest in the theoretical underpinnings of their various disciplines with an awareness of the practical implications of those disciplines. All academic staff are active in state-of-the-art teaching and research, and applied linguistics at Birkbeck enjoys a strong international reputation for quality teaching and research.

Requirements:

• You are normally expected to have an upper-second-class honours degree or above (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject and/or professional training and expertise.
• If English is not your first language, you will need an English language qualification (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 575, computer-based TOEFL 233, or equivalent) completed within the last two years, unless evidence is provided that you have completed a degree in an English-speaking university.
• An interview may be required.
• A written book review of no more than 500 words may be requested to support your application.
• You must provide two references, at least one should be an academic reference.