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Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL course provides theories and methods in teaching English as a second language. It also develops your research skills, enhancing your professional performance in the future.

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Start date(s):

  • September 2024

Overview

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will build on your interest in learning and teaching a foreign or second language. You will be guided by renowned researchers with extensive teaching experience.

As part of this degree, we will address some of the following questions:

  • What are the key cognitive and social processes of learning a second or foreign language?
  • How do people teach and learn in the classroom and in wider settings?
  • How do teachers and learners engage effectively with technology?
  • How can teachers use critical reflection to improve their practices?

This Applied Linguistics and TESOL course is available to:

  • those with teaching experience (in-service)
  • those without teaching experience (pre-service)
  • lecturers at higher education institutions

Our range of optional modules will allow you to build your own course to match your individual interests.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you'll be familiar with key theories and current developments in applied linguistics and TESOL. In particular, you'll develop your knowledge of:

  • practical language learning and teaching practices
  • teacher development
  • cognitive and social processes of language learning
  • second language use in and outside the classroom
  • teaching methodology

You will also produce a dissertation, in which you carry out your own research project. We will support you along the way.

The knowledge gained on this course can help you with a career in teaching and/or research into language use, learning and teaching.

The Applied Linguistics and TESOL course consists of three main parts:

  • compulsory modules (60 credits)
  • optional modules (60 credits)
  • research project (60 credits)

Optional modules include a wide range of modules in TESOL and applied linguistics, as well as linguistics and education. You can build the course to match your individual interests and/or future career needs.

Most modules last one semester.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

Research project

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme is designed to support your development over the course of the year.

Semester 1 modules will provide you with a foundational knowledge of key areas of TESOL. These include language learning, language teaching and language awareness. Semester 2 modules will allow you to build on this. You will select specialist topics suited to your interests and professional needs.

Through class discussion and assessment, you will reflect on your own learning and development throughout your studies.

As part of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme, you'll carry out a research project (dissertation). This gives you the chance to explore teaching and learning issues by collecting and analysing your own data. You will have various forms of support to carry this out.

You will take a Research Methods in Applied Linguistics module. We will introduce you to various research methodologies. These include questionnaire-based statistical analysis, conversation analysis, research interviews and more.

You will be assigned a supervisor. This will be an experienced researcher who will guide you through the processes of your dissertation.

All students will have access to workshops and other activities at the Writing Development Centre, based at the Newcastle University Library.

International students using English as a second language will have access to various in-sessional modules from INTO Newcastle University. INTO offers modules specifically designed for our students, such as Writing for TESOL. They also offer various modules on dissertation writing skills in semester 2.

Your future

What can you do with an Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA degree?

This Master's course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to enrich your understanding of languages and language teaching and learning. This will support you if you wish to begin, or return to, a career in language teaching.

You will gain various transferable skills, such as data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

Graduates of this programme progress to a variety of fields, such as:

  • teaching English as a second or foreign language in private and public schools, colleges and universities
  • teaching English for Academic Purposes at universities in the UK and abroad
  • private tutoring
  • further studies and research, such as a PhD in Education, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL
  • publishing for English teaching and other materials
  • university administration

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences (ECLS), you will have access to the ECLS Resource Centre. The centre is based in your building (King George VI Building). It has a computer cluster and a range of educational and teaching materials and texts.

You can attend tailored academic writing courses for Applied Linguistics and TESOL students using English as a second or another language. These are part of INTO Newcastle University’s In-Sessional English support programme. This programme includes modules on Writing for TESOL, Intensive Dissertation Writing, and 1-to-1 Writing Tutorials. We work with INTO to give our international students the support that they need to thrive on our course.

You will also have access to ilab: learn. This is a laboratory for developing and using state-of-the-art digital technology for education.

We also work very closely with the University's Student Wellbeing Services to ensure you get the support you need. Our School has its very own Student Wellbeing Advisor. They are an invaluable initial point of contact if you experience wellbeing-related issues.

We appreciate that your interest in learning languages may extend beyond the programme. You can take free language classes with the University Wide Language Programme (pending permission from the Degree Programme Director). You can study French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic or another language.

Additionally, the University's Language Resource Centre provides many free services to help your language learning and cross-cultural communication.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

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You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days
  • webinars

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We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Deborah Elliott
Programme Secretary
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6377
Email: TESOL@ncl.ac.uk

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