MA Applied Linguistics  MA Applied Linguistics Birkbeck, University of London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1563773744Birkbeck-University-1.jpg

This unique Master's in applied linguistics and communication is taught by leading specialists in multilingualism and multiculturalism. Applied linguistics has been taught at Birkbeck since 1965, making this one of the oldest departments in the world. The most recent external examination of our programme reported that ‘there are very high levels of professionalism and real quality in teaching. Students taking this course are getting the best in terms of professional practice and support. They are also allowed to develop their own interests and demonstrate independence of both skills and knowledge.’

The core modules introduce you to qualitative and quantitative research methods for undertaking your own empirical and/or theoretical research into language and language behaviour in the form of an extended literature review or dissertation, and to sub-domains of applied linguistics such as first and second language acquisition, intercultural communication, language pedagogy and assessment, language impairment, language policy and language and identity. You are also able to choose from a suite of option modules.

The programme is also unique in offering you a choice between two dissertation pathways: an empirical research investigation of an aspect of language teaching and learning or an independent library-based project on a relevant topic of your choice.

The programme is suitable for people who wish to further their career prospects and professional development, and those who have an interest in doctoral research and aspire to work in higher education. The MA is an internationally recognised higher professional qualification.

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.

We will review every postgraduate application to Birkbeck on its individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place and allow enough time for the application and enrolment process. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

COURSE SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Usually at least a second-class honours degree or above, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject and/or professional training and expertise.

A short admissions task of no more than 500 words may be requested, to support your application.

You must provide two references, at least one of which should be an academic reference.

INTERNATIONAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement for international students is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification.

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. Some courses may require higher scores, particularly in the following subject areas:

• arts management
• cultural studies
• development studies
• film and media
• geography
• history
• law
• organizational psychology
• psychology.

Please carefully check the Course-Specific Entry Requirements on your chosen programme for details of higher English language entry requirements.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

If you are not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration.
• Courses of less than six months' duration.
• Pre-sessional English language courses.

International students who require a Tier 4 visa should apply for our full-time courses (with the exception of modular enrolment certificates of higher education and graduate certificates), as these qualify for Tier 4 sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.