English Language

The MA in English Language offers students the opportunity to investigate language in its social and cultural contexts. Students explore the English language from several perspectives: language variation and language attitudes, language and identity, language in interaction and cross-cultural communication.

Course structure

The programme is designed for both full-time and part-time students. Modules are taught across the two semesters, usually in nine sessions per semester. The sessions are held on a weekly basis and are timetabled to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. The programme offers opportunities for study within a flexible framework that can fit in with students' professional and personal commitments.

In addition, students are expected to work independently and engage with reading and research in their subject area. Students are offered support through tutorial supervision and the university's online virtual learning environment.

Career and progression opportunities

Career and further study opportunities for students could be in the following areas: linguistics, philosophy of language, linguistic anthropology, politics, sociology, forensic linguistics, speech therapy, sign language, journalism, writing, English language teaching.

Requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary

For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing.

Degree and/or experience:

Applicants should normally have an undergraduate honours degree (usually at 2:1 level or above), or equivalent in a relevant subject area, such as: linguistics, English language, English literature, philosophy, sociology, politics, or related areas such as history, cultural theory, teaching English as a foreign language. Applicants without these backgrounds will be considered on the basis of appropriate experience in one of the above areas, or some professional experience in teaching English, demonstrating some familiarity with linguistic analysis and metalanguage. Applicants without a good first degree, or without these backgrounds, may be required to provide written evidence (for example an assignment from a form of a training course, or an essay set by the admissions team) of their analytical and reflective skills in writing. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate that they are capable of undertaking masters-level study, in particular commitment to sustained academic work.

Mode of Attendance : Full - time