Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

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.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

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, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience 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, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

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.

Course content changes

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.

Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA modules

Modules

On this Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA programme, all candidates must complete 180 credits. These include the following compulsory modules:

• Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (20 credits) (semesters 1 and 2)
• Dissertation (60 credits) (semester 3)

You will also take at least two further compulsory modules from the following list:

• English Language Teaching Methods (20 credits) (semester 1)
• Language Learning (20 credits) (semester 1)
• Language Awareness (20 credits) (semester 2)

The remaining credits will be completed by taking some of the following optional modules on the MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL:

• Discourse Analysis (20 credits) (semester 1)
• Technology Enhanced Language Learning (20 credits) (semester 1)
• Teaching Languages Online (20 credits) (semester 2)
• Spoken Interaction in Language Learning and Testing Contexts (20 credits) (semester 2)
• TESOL for Young Learners (20 credits) (semester 2)
• Thinking Skills in ELT (20 credits) (semester 2)
• Reflective Practice and Second Language Teacher Development (20 credits) (semester 2)

Students are also permitted to take up to 20 credits from modules available on the MA Cross-Cultural Communication:

• Language & Intercultural Pragmatics (20 credits) (semester 1)
• English in the World (20 credits) (semester 1)
• Multilingualism, Language Planning, Policy, and Identity (20 credits) (semester 2)
• Sociolinguistics (20 credits) (semester 2)
• Multimodal Communication (20 credits) (semester 2)

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

We deliver modules through a mix of:

• online lecture videos and activities
• online interactive lessons
• in-person lectures
• 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 your second year, you will complete the remaining credits and conduct your research project.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral presentation
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

• a lesson plan
• peer feedback

Student Support

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:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

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

We have an international team of academics with experience in teaching, examining, and teacher training in China, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, Spain, France and more.

Our staff are actively involved in research on second language learning and teaching, and second language use in and outside the classroom. We regularly incorporate research findings and our own teaching experiences into each module.

Dr Chris Leyland is the Degree Programme Director for the course. You can find more details about the rest of the Applied Linguistics staff here.

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

The Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA 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 skills, and team working.

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

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

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 2023 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

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

Deposit

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.

Funding deadlines

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

Select your country

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application 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 application 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.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events