English Language and Linguistics MA

Course summary

The English Language and Linguistics MA aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of the linguistic features of English from a wide range of perspectives: theoretical and applied, synchronic and diachronic. It will enable you to understand and evaluate critically a wide spectrum of ideas put forward in the study of the English language (particularly in connection with linguistic variation in terms of space, time, communicative context and linguistic contact) and will equip you with the intellectual perspectives and the scholarly skills that will prepare you to conduct independent research.

The English Language and Linguistics MA is suitable for students who have taken English language and/or linguistics modules at undergraduate level, and others who have taken allied disciplines such as psychology, philosophy or TESOL. It is of particular interest to those wishing to pursue further study and those teaching English who wish to gain a further qualification and investigate recent and current developments in the field.

If pursuing the degree full-time, you will study 180 credits in one academic year; if part-time, you will normally complete 180 credits in two academic years. You will study four core modules (including a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of English language and/or linguistics), as well as two modules from the list of options. The core module Language and Learning: Description and Analysis equips you with all the necessary theoretical and analytical tools you need to describe and analyse language with specific reference to English language teaching. The two core modules, Multilingualism, Concepts and Applications and English Worldwide examine linguistic variation and contact in English and other languages from a wide range of perspectives, both historical and present-day, and many of the options complement this approach. You can explore TESOL issues as part of your options.

The teaching is mainly through weekly two- or three-hour sessions for each module, which include tutorials, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. There is also independent self-directed study, and you will be prepared for the dissertation via structured sessions in research methodology. Assessment methods include submitted coursework such as essays, reviews and exercises; there are no formal examinations.

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline including English language, linguistics or TESOL. Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference. If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster.