When you study with us you will become part of our postgraduate community, made up of students from both taught and research courses. This gives you opportunities to network and expand your understanding of applied linguistics. In your first year you can choose the modules which will most benefit your specific research topic. You will study alongside students from related courses including TESOL MA and Language and Social Justice MA. While carrying out the research project, you will be offered supervision support by a member of our teaching team with research expertise and/or interest in the same or similar field.

Our expertise in Applied Linguistics at York St John University is wide ranging and you could be working with one of many specialist experts. Our research includes:

• Ideologies relating to multilingualism and language variation in schools
• Plurilithic Englishes and English as a lingua franca
• The construction of gender and sexuality identities in the classroom
• Language and ecological justice
• Language policy as it relates to refugees and asylum seekers
• The experiences of deaf people working in higher education
• Second language teaching and learning of East Asian languages
• Home language policies and practices of multilingual, migrant families

How you will study

This course is studied part time over 2 years. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.

You will study:

• 1 optional module in the first semester of first year
• 1 compulsory module in the second semester of your first year

Your second year will be spent on your Thesis.

Modules

Teaching and learning

In your first year you will study a theoretical module and a research methods module. The order you study these in depends on whether you start on January or September, but they work equally well in either order.

Each of the taught modules in your first year will include 3 hours a week of class time. Your independent study will include reading and preparation for the classes as well completing assessments.

You will be assigned a supervisor when you have completed the Research Methods module. The majority of your supervision meetings will be in the second year of the course. At this stage your focus will be on the 120 credit Thesis, a substantial piece of independent research. You will have access to the University Postgraduate Research Skills Programme during your second year. Your supervisor will help you to apply for and secure ethical approval for the research, and give feedback on a draft of your thesis.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

The assessments are designed to best suit the theoretical content of your research, and will vary between modules. You will normally be assessed via 2 or more of the following:

• Data analysis
• An essay
• A review of a journal article
• A report
• Self reflection
• A video presentation

One of the assessments for the Research Methods module is a 3000 word research proposal. For this you will develop and extend the 500 word research proposal that you submitted in your application.

Qualifications

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, but you can provide evidence of relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered.

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you may be eligible for entry on the basis of Recognition of prior learning (RPL). We also consider applications for entry with advanced standing.

International students

Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students. 

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for this postgraduate course in the 2024 - 2025 academic year is:

• £3,500 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International students

Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students. Discover the other courses we offer.

Funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Applied Linguistics take you?

This MRes will give you experience of carrying out research at an advanced level. You may want to continue this research path by continuing onto a PhD. The expertise you gain in Applied Linguistics could also enhance a career in:

• Teacher of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) teacher.
• A political party
• Local government
• Policy development
• The Civil Service (they offer a Fast Stream graduate scheme)
• Political and social research
• Charities

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £8,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2019)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.