Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA
Start in: September 2022
Our 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.
Overview
Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will improve or update your knowledge and understanding of teaching English as a foreign or second language.
It has a strong emphasis on:
- language learning
- interaction in second language classrooms and wider settings
- teacher development
- engagement in learning and with technology
The 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
You'll be taught by expert staff with experience of teaching English around the world. Our range of optional modules allow you to build your own course matching your individual interests
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
What you'll learn
By the end of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA you'll be familiar with current developments in applied linguistics and TESOL. In particular, you'll develop your knowledge of:
- language learning
- features of communication in a range of settings
- teaching methodology
Most modules last one semester.
The 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.
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.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Modules
Compulsory modules
General route
You take the following compulsory modules:
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (20 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Technology route
You take the following compulsory modules:
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (20 credits)
Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) (20 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
All students must take two modules from the following list:
English Language Teaching Methods (20 credits)
Language Awareness (20 credits)
Language Learning (20 credits)
Teaching English for Academic Purposes (20 credits)
How you'll learn
We deliver modules through a mix of:
- online lecture videos and activities
- online interactive lessons
- in-person small group teaching
- in-person small group workshops
We use a variety of teaching methods to:
- support your learning experience
- develop your learning potential
- prepare you for real-world challenges
Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your practice. Weekly independent study tasks allow you to engage with and contribute to sessions and seminars.
If you choose to study part time you will take up to 80 credits during your first year. During second year you will complete the remaining credits and conduct your research project.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- courses
- groups
- notifications
- messages
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- our University Student Services Team
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Our staff have experience of teaching around the world. They are actively involved in research and we incorporate relevant research findings into the course content. Dr Elaine Lopez leads the course.
Your development
Research project
As part of the course you'll carry out a research project. This encourages you to explore teaching and learning issues through collecting and analysing data. Our research methods module will provide you with a range of research tools and training.
To ensure a positive learning experience, a variety of support is available, focusing on:
- expectations
- critical thinking
- academic writing
Your future
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.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Subject to COVID-19 restrictions, you'll have access to:
- the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences' resource centre
- iLaB
- the University Library
- computer clusters and IT services
- a tailored academic writing course for TESOL
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
- additional costs
- living costs
- tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
How to apply
Using the application portal
The applicant portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the applicant portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
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
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
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