MA Applied Linguistics

Course overview

The MA Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading is designed to help you understand how language works and how linguistic knowledge can be applied to real-world language-related issues. The course combines linguistic theory, research methods, and practical applications. You study areas such as language structure, language and society, language learning, communication, and research. Key areas include: Foundations of Language Study — understanding English grammar, phonetics, phonology and the structure of language. Principles of Applied Linguistics — exploring major theories and how applied linguistics addresses real-world problems. Sociolinguistics — examining the relationship between language and society, including identity, variation and migration. Research Design Methods — learning how to design and conduct linguistic research. Optional specialist modules — you can explore areas such as second-language learning, discourse analysis, corpus linguistics, language testing, intercultural communication and child language development. Dissertation — an independent research project where you investigate a topic in applied linguistics. The programme is particularly relevant if you're interested in English language teaching, language learning, research, communication, language policy, discourse, or pursuing further academic research.

Course details

Degree level

Master's

Duration

1 year

Intake

February 2027

Tuition fee

£26,450 / year

Initial deposit

The initial payment is 50% of the tuition fee after the scholarship deduction.

City

Reading

Country

England

Campus

Whiteknights Campus

About this information

The details on this page have not yet been checked against the official course page by our team. Fees, intakes and requirements can change, so always confirm them on the official course page before you apply.

Not recorded here yet: Pakistan-specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

Main English Requirements

Only the tests listed here are shown as accepted for this course.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Normally a second-class undergraduate honours degree in a subject related to Education, English, Languages or Linguistics, with at least 57% in modules related to Linguistics/ English language, or equivalent from a university outside the UK in a subject related to Education, English, Languages or Linguistics. Those with other qualifications and relevant work experience may also be considered.

Scholarships & discounts

If the academic qualification is equivalent to a UK First-Class degree (CGPA 3.6–4.0), the scholarship is £10,000. For a UK 2:1 equivalent degree, the scholarship is £9,000. For a UK 2:2 equivalent degree, the scholarship is £4,000.

Pre-CAS interview

Required

No — no Pre-CAS interview is required, according to the information we hold

Course modules

The compulsory modules listed for 2026/27 are: Foundations of Language Study Phonetics and phonology English grammar Sounds, syllables, stress and intonation Verb and noun phrases Principles of Applied Linguistics Applied linguistics theories Research methods Real-world language problems Language learning, policy, healthcare, professional communication etc. Research Design Methods Research design Research techniques Research questions and hypotheses Conducting academic research Sociolinguistics Language and society Social identity Language variation Migration, education, citizenship and other social issues Dissertation Independent original research project. Optional modules You can choose from options such as: Second Language Learning Principles Approaches to Discourse Analysis Child Language Development Intercultural Communication Introduction to Corpus Linguistics Language and Migration Issues in Language Skills Teaching Language Testing Principles Neuroscience of Language Language in Professional Communication The university specifically says optional modules can change and cannot guarantee that every optional module will be available to every student