Applied Linguistics (Taught)

About this course
Study the fundamentals of language and explore contemporary issues in teaching methodology on our MA Applied Linguistics degree. We are ranked 6th in the UK for Linguistics as per Times and Sunday Times 2025. Join a leading research institution and advance your expertise in applied linguistics theory and practice. The MA is delivered by our Centre for Linguistics, Language Education and Acquisition Research (CLLEAR).

Investigate current theories in language training and learning, and discover how to apply these insights to real-world teaching contexts. This degree will open paths to teaching opportunities in the UK or launch your career overseas as an experienced language professional.

As a language professional in education, you'll develop a comparative perspective on language education policy and practice, learn skills to challenge and innovate within your field, and undertake research in diverse applied language specialisms.

Your future career
You'll gain subject-specific and employability skills that will prepare you for rewarding careers as a language teacher, language teaching educator, applied linguistics researcher, or in related fields including education consulting, language assessment, or further academic study.

Key features of this course
At Southampton you'll:
• study the theories and contemporary developments in language learning and teaching, with practical application to your own pedagogical context
• learn from experienced academics who combine theoretical expertise with direct experience in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching, applied linguistics research, sociolinguistics, and cultural studies
• choose from a range of specialist modules including corpus linguistics, digital education, task-based language teaching, intercultural communication, and language policy
• undertake an independent research project on a topic aligned with your professional interests, closely supervised by an academic specialist

Further information
This one-year full-time master's degree comprises taught modules and a substantial independent research dissertation. You'll study over 12 months, with the first 9 months devoted to taught content and research preparation, and the final 3 months dedicated to your independent research project. This master's degree is ideal if you have studied English, linguistics, or modern languages at undergraduate level and possess teaching experience in language education. Visit our course page for a full list of modules and detailed entry requirements.

Compulsory modules include: Dissertation; Second Language Training; Introduction to Research in Applied Linguistics. Optional modules include: Assessment of Language Proficiency; Autonomy and Individualisation in Language Learning; English as a World Language; Language and Intercultural Communication; English as medium of instruction in global education.

For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/applied-linguistics-for-language-teaching-masters-ma#modules

We'll assess your knowledge through: individual and group projects and presentations, through workshop activities, written assignments, and the dissertation.