糖心原创

Triangle

Course overview

This course is particularly suitable if you are interested in language learning and teaching. You may already have tried teaching languages, or would like to pursue a career in teaching. We explore key issues in English language teaching from multiple perspectives, including:

  • Second language acquisition
  • Motivation and group dynamics
  • Psycholinguistics
  • Discourse analysis
  • Corpus linguistics
  • Intercultural communication

Our compulsory modules will give you a grounding in quantitative and qualitative research methods and key issues central to the understanding of second language acquisition. This course shares some of the same modules as our MA Applied Linguistics, which you can choose as optional modules on this programme. These cover topics including:

  • Language teaching: speaking and listening
  • English vocabulary: teaching and learning
  • Psychology of language
  • Intercultural communication
  • Sociolinguistics of work

Hear from our staff

"Applied Linguistics is a very broad research area, so in terms of language learning, we look at it from different perspectives. What we're really proud of is research-led teaching, so all your module tutors are research active experts exploring topics such as second language acquisition, vocabulary teaching and learning, motivation and group dynamics, psychology of language, and many more."

Dr Pawe艂 Szudarski, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics

Read more from Pawel, including details of his research specialism.

Hear from our alumni

“My time at the 糖心原创 has been incredibly rewarding. The MA program deepened my understanding of Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching, and the teaching staff were always inspiring and supportive, encouraging me to think critically and explore new perspectives. Nottingham’s welcoming atmosphere made the experience even more enriching, both academically and personally.”

Yousef (MA Applied Linguistics and ELT, 2023 to 24)


“I really enjoyed my study life in UoN, because of patient and kind lecturers, helpful and considerate student service, gentle and hardworking classmates and beautiful and quiet university environment. I really love to have a walk and have a picnic in UON because it can refresh my mind. I am totally sure that you, new students, will learn a lot from lectures, and please cherish your one-year study experience which is great enough and is worthy to memorize in your whole life."

Xiaolu Liang (MA Applied Linguistics and ELT, 2023 to 24)

Why choose this course?

Ranked 10th

for grade point average among 92 universities, and 7th in the Russell Group

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Get involved

and attend research events with the Centre for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL)

Discover perspectives

Bring together research findings from linguistics, education and psychology as related to second language pedagogy

8th in the UK

for English

Top 100

university in the world

3rd in the UK

for top employers

The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research 2026

Course content

Pre-arrival reading lists will be sent out with registration information before you join your course, where available.

The total credits for this course are 180.

Part-time students will typically take three modules each academic year. You can take one in the autumn term and two in spring, or vice versa, depending on your preference and module choice.

The dissertation will take place over the final summer of your studies.

All classes take place during weekdays.

Modules

During the autumn term, you will take the following 20-credit core modules:

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

Explore various approaches of collecting and processing data, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

With a focus on the area of applied linguistics, you will be introduced to:

  • methods of collecting quantitative and qualitative data
  • questionnaire and interview design
  • the use of the statistical software SPSS in quantitative data analysis
  • qualitative data analysis and interpretation
  • best practices in presenting quantitative and qualitative results

This module is worth 20 credits.

 

"My favourite module was 'Advanced Research Methods in Applied Linguistics'. This module equipped me with the most essential methodological skills for researching applied linguistics and benefited both my MA and PhD studies in this field."

- Lefan Wang, 2019 graduate

Second Language Acquisition

This module focuses on Second Language Acquisition (SLA), an area of research which focuses on the process of learning a second language.

With many factors determining the success of language learners, we will study this process in detail and gain a better understanding of how second language competence is developed. You will be introduced to the main theories and findings from the field, related to topics such as:

  • The effects of age and individual learner differences
  • The influence of mother tongue on second language learning
  • The acquisition of grammar, vocabulary and other aspects of language
  • The role of language teaching in the classroom and in other contexts

We will draw on a diverse body of research to inform our discussion. We also analyse case studies of language learners and specific learning situations. Crucially, you will develop important research skills, culminating in the development of your own research proposal in the area of SLA.

This module is worth 20 credits. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 24 July 2026.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Dissertation

During the summer, you will complete a dissertation. You will be supervised by a member of staff with expertise in your chosen field.

Recent dissertation titles included:

  • 'Exploring the relationship between proficiency levels and anxiety in English language learning: A case study of an Indonesian university'
  • '‘I don’t want to do anything outside of class. I’m a good teacher’: Exploring the relationships between ELT teachers’ engagement and effectiveness'
  • 'L2 learners’ data-driven learning of different uses of verbal near synonyms'
  • 'Attitudes to and perceptions of shadowing in the EFL classroom'
  • 'Chinese international students’ oral fluency development during a period of study abroad'

This module is worth 60 credits.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Seminars
  • Group study

You are taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, providing opportunities for discussion of ideas with fellow students and teaching staff.

Support with the dissertation

You will attend workshops during the Spring term which go through the challenges of a larger-scale research project and the resources available to masters researchers. In addition, you will be assigned a supervisor in your subject area who will support you in developing your ideas and guide you through the process of preparing your dissertation over the Summer term.

How you will be assessed

  • Exams
  • Dissertation
  • Group presentation
  • Presentation
  • Data analysis
  • Lesson plans

Most modules are assessed by written work of varying lengths, corresponding with the content and weighting of the module.

Your course tutors provide detailed comments on assignments.

Towards the end of your studies, you will complete a dissertation. This is a major piece of independent research, and you will be allocated a supervisor who is a specialist in your chosen area. Your dissertation supervisor will provide advice, guidance and support throughout the research process.

Contact time and study hours

During the taught part of the programme, you will typically have six hours of face-to-face timetabled contact a week. Your tutors will also be available during office hours to discuss your work, address any issues, and help you develop your understanding.

糖心原创 hours

One credit is approximately 10 hours of student work, so a 20-credit module will be around 200 hours of work. On average, you will spend around 13 hours per module per week on structured independent study.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2027 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) in English language/literature or a related arts or humanities subject

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
Library facilities - School of English

Where you will learn

Library facilities - School of English

We offer:

  • manuscripts from the 12th-15th centuries and books in Old and Middle English, Old Icelandic, Viking Studies, and runology
  • the  library and archive
  •  DH Lawrence archive (containing Lawrence family papers, manuscripts, first editions, and books owned by Lawrence)
  • the Cambridge Drama Collection (over 1,500 items including plays and works about the British theatre from 1750-1850)
Benefit from three psycholinguistic labs

Where you will learn

Benefit from three psycholinguistic labs

Labs 1 and 2 have eye-tracking facilities, where you can examine the ways people interact with texts and what aspects of language are more difficult to process. Both labs also have PCs for behavioural research, such as reaction time studies or decision making studies.

Lab 3 is our psychophysiology lab, measuring things like moisture levels in the skin and facial muscle movements, which tell us about the degree and type of emotional responses to a text or other stimulus. Find out more about our labs.

Social Science and Arts Graduate Centre

Where you will learn

Social Science and Arts Graduate Centre

The Graduate Centre for postgraduate students in the Arts and Social Sciences is available on the first floor of Highfield House, next to the Trent Building. Accessible 24/7, this space provides computer stations, a social area with informal seating and areas where students can work individually or in groups. 

The Centre also offers support for students interested in developing their own ideas in the form of seminars, conferences, events, and socials.

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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, the sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MA
Home / UK £11,600
International £26,900

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

Books

You'll be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to buy your own copies of core texts. 

Funding

Funding opportunities for Faculty of Arts students

There are additional funding opportunities available to you as a Faculty of Arts student.

Other sources of funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or r茅sum茅, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the 糖心原创 include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

This course will develop a range of transferable skills, including:

  • written and oral communication skills
  • presentation skills
  • data collection and analysis
  • research design skills
  • organisation and time management

Our graduates enter a varied range of careers. These include:

  • English language teaching
  • working in Higher Education
  • marketing/PR/journalism
  • business and finance
  • the charity sector
  • local and national government
  • going on to do PhD study
Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" I am interested in understanding how we can take theoretical ideas and principles and apply this knowledge to support teaching and learning in specific contexts. I find this area fascinating because it brings together several very different fields of research (including linguistics, education and psychology), and it requires us to engage critically with each of them. "
Christine Muir, Assistant Professor in Second Language Acquisition

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This content was last updated on Friday 24 July 2026. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.