English Linguistics (Distance Learning) - MA
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
The MA in English Linguistics is a flexible distance-learning course. You can work at your own pace fitting your study around work and other commitments. The course is well established, having been introduced in 1992, but it continues to evolve. It’s now delivered via the University’s virtual learning environment with guided content being developed exclusively for MA students.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Distance Learning
- Award MA
- Start date September 2025, January 2026
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
The MA in English Linguistics is a flexible distance-learning course. You can work at your own pace fitting your study around work and other commitments. The course is well established, having been introduced in 1992, but it continues to evolve. It’s now delivered via the University’s virtual learning environment with guided content being developed exclusively for MA students.
What's covered in this course?
This course will enable you to develop advanced analytical skills and in-depth linguistic knowledge, and to gain experience as an independent researcher.
It begins with the Language Description module, designed to give you confidence in working with the essential building blocks of linguistic analysis: grammar, morphology, and phonology. You will then study the module Data, Theory & Method, which covers topics such as hypothesis testing, the role of linguistic theory, data collection, academic referencing and research ethics. The module will help you critique theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches and further develop your analytical skills.
The following modules focus on a wide range of applied linguistics topics, such as Sociolinguistics, Second Language Acquisition and Corpus Linguistics, which will enable you to tailor your studies to your individual interests and career aspirations. The final module is Major Project, which involves writing a dissertation and completing a piece of original research on a topic of your choice.
One of our key strengths is that the course is taught by leading authorities on the subjects covered. Our teaching staff are active researchers who publish world-leading journal articles, chapters and books. This research feeds directly into the MA learning materials.
You will be fully supported by a tutor assigned to you when you begin each module who can be contacted by email. There is no requirement for you to attend the University and the are no scheduled sessions online either, which means that you are fully in charge of your schedule and can complete the course irrespective of your location or time zone.
Course structure
The course is designed to be completed in one year, two years or three years.
If you leave the course without completing successfully 180 credits, you may be entitled to be awarded an exit award of either Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) providing you have passed the relevant modules for these stages.
For the PGCert award, you need to complete 60 credits for two core modules: Language Description (40 credit module); Data, Theory & Method in Linguistics (20 credit module).
For the PGDip award, you need to achieve a further 60 credits by completing the following three modules (20 credits each): Sociolinguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Corpus Linguistics.
For the MA award, you also need to complete the 60 credit Major Project (Dissertation)
The course gives a broad overview of linguistics but also allows for in-depth study in a chosen area during the MA stage. I particularly enjoyed the incredibly well-structured online lessons, the freedom to progress at my own pace and the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for academic writing and conducting research. I found assignments original and relevant to module goals, and the support during the dissertation stage was second to none. The skills I gained during the course have already paid dividends in my writing career, giving me confidence in my latest book endeavour The Origins of Language: An Introduction to Evolutionary Linguistics (Palgrave Macmillan).
Joanna Dornbierer-Stuart
Why Choose Us?
- Our teaching staff are expert researchers in English Language and Literature. 94% of research in English at BCU was judged to be either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in REF2021.
- You'll be given support and guidance from our dedicated team of staff throughout.
- The MA is delivered entirely through distance-learning with no requirement for you ever to attend the University.
- The course is designed for maximum flexibility, with a generous time limit of 6 months for each module (16 months for the dissertation) and a 5 year maximum enrolment period overall.
- Fees are charged on a modular basis as you progress through the course, with no up-front costs.
- This is a chance for you to study a subject you love at your own pace, anywhere in the world.
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
Essential Requirements
Essential |
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You would normally have a UK or internationally recognised honours degree, or its equivalent, in any relevant subject. |
An alternative would be an ordinary degree/teaching certificate and two to three years' teaching experience. |
Extra information for EU/International students
Essential |
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For anyone who has studied at undergraduate level in a non-English-speaking country, we also require an English Language qualification equivalent to a British Council IELTS score of 7.0. |
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MA
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 2-5 years
- £1,022 per 20 credit module
Award: MA
Starting: Jan 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 2-5 years
-
TBC
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MA
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 2-5 years
- £1,022 per 20 credit module
Award: MA
Starting: Jan 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 2-5 years
-
TBC
Fees
Fees are displayed per 20-credit module.
The cost of each 40-credit module = 2 X 20-credit modules.
The cost of each 60-credit module = 3 X 20-credit modules.
Personal statement
You’ll need to submit a personal statement as part of your application for this course. This will need to highlight your passion for postgraduate study – and your chosen course – as well as your personal skills and experience, academic success, and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
If you are applying for a stand alone module, please include the title of the module you want to study in your Personal Statement.
Not sure what to include? We’re here to help – take a look at our top tips for writing personal statements and download our free postgraduate personal statement guide for further advice and examples from real students.
Course in Depth
Modules
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
This introductory module is designed to provide you with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in linguistic analysis which will serve as the foundations for your study throughout the course. The module assumes no prior knowledge of linguistic analysis and is designed to guide you through the process step by step.
During the module, you will examine the main features of the pronunciation of English and of the grammar and vocabulary of the language. You will gain experience in phonetic transcription, and in the analysis of words (morphology) and of sentences (syntax). The module provides you with a framework and a terminology for talking about and describing key features of English phonology and lexico- grammar.
As with all modules on this course, learning and teaching is individual by distance learning. Prescribed textbooks are accompanied by additional materials made available through the University’s virtual learning environment to guide you through your study. Non-assessed exercises are provided so you can practise applying the knowledge you acquire to the skills of analysis. The module tutor is available by email to answer any queries you might have and to give feedback on the exercises you complete, so you know at several points during the module how you are performing.
This module is designed to help you develop core skills in linguistic research which are vital for your work on the subsequent optional modules and dissertation, and which are also transferable to the workplace or further study. During the course of the module, you will be guided through the whole research process, from conducting a literature review and developing a hypothesis, to collecting and analysing data and writing it up in an appropriate way. The module also covers important practical topics such as academic referencing, fieldwork techniques and research ethics.
You will begin by considering fundamental questions such as what we mean by ‘language’ and the distinguishing features of human language. You will gain an overview of the general field of linguistic research, exploring key definitions and the forms linguistic research might take, before choosing a case study on a specific linguistic sub-field that interests you. Throughout, you will be urged to think critically about concepts you may have taken for granted previously. You can expect to read from a wide range of sources, exploring what has been written about your chosen subject area and reporting critically on the assumptions, observations, and interpretations of the authors. You will undertake some data collection yourself, interpret it, compare your findings with those previously published, and discuss problems of method that you encounter. In many cases, your case study will involve the application of theory to the understanding of practical problems.
Learning and teaching is individual by distance learning. There is no set textbook for this module as you will be encouraged to personalise your learning by choosing a linguistic case study of interest to you. Most of your work will be on your chosen case study and on a preparatory exercise. The suggested case studies are of various types but for each there is a detailed online guide on how to proceed. You may adapt the case studies, or offer an alternative in consultation with the module tutor. The tutor is available by email to answer any queries you might have and to give feedback on the exercises you complete.
This module introduces you to the field of sociolinguistics and the wider study of language in society, drawing on a range of foundational and contemporary literature about variation in language. You will learn about the different approaches within sociolinguistics, including qualitative and quantitative methods, alongside an understanding of how language varies according to social factors such as class, gender, and age. You will design and deliver a research project investigating a sociolinguistic topic of your own choosing and will develop a thorough grounding on how to collect sociolinguistic data in an ethically responsible way and how to analyse and present your research findings. This module will ultimately allow you to critically evaluate different approaches to the study of linguistic variation and apply your knowledge in designing a research project to investigate language in society.
You will develop your knowledge through a series of online resources which are followed by individual practical activities where you will apply your understanding of the field. These include: close readings of relevant texts, application of theoretical and contextual knowledge, and so on. Your formally taught sessions will be supported by pre-sessional learning activities delivered via Moodle and post-sessional reflection on what you have learned. Your wider independent learning will be characterised by the development of your creative and critical knowledge of the field which will be supported by the application and development of your research skills.
The module provides an introduction to the study of Second Language Acquisition, with particular focus on the main theoretical constructs used in current research and pedagogical approaches. You will study a range of approaches to second language acquisition and develop the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate research methods and potential pedagogical applications. At the end of the module, you will be able to use terminology appropriately, synthesize the most relevant ideas, and evaluate the advantages and weaknesses of various research studies. You will develop the understanding and knowledge necessary for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of linguistics, cognitive studies and pedagogy.
As with all the modules on this programme, learning and teaching is by distance learning, with resources adjustable to your individual needs and availability. The module handbook guides you through relevant topics in conjunction with recommended reading. The handbook includes exercises, which encourage you to reflect on and interact with the knowledge you are acquiring. The module tutor is available by email to answer any queries you might have and to give feedback on the exercises you complete, so you know at several points during the module how you are performing.
This module will provide a broad introduction to up-to-date theory, methods, and tools in Corpus Linguistics – a field of linguistics that uses computers to investigate and analyse large collections (corpora) of language data. The module emphasises the practical experience and application of aspects covered in the module and you will be encouraged to apply your learning to suitable language data during assessment.
The module will begin by covering the development of the field of Corpus Linguistics, which includes a broad focus on how Corpus Linguistics has been and may be applied to the analysis of language variation and change. Issues concerning corpus construction (data collection, annotation, etc.) will then be covered highlighting how different kinds of corpora can be used to address the requirements of different kinds of research before focussing on the kinds of software tools and methods that can be used to analysed these corpora. Latterly, the module will focus on the use of corpora and Corpus Linguistic methods to address research questions in a range of linguistic disciplines. The first half of the module will concentrate on theory and methods, and the second half will focus on application. Student progress will be continually monitored throughout the course with quizzes taking a central role in the consolidation of knowledge.
As with all modules on this programme, learning and teaching is individual by distance learning. Prescribed textbooks are accompanied by additional materials made available through the University’s virtual learning environment to guide you through your study. Non-assessed exercises are provided so you can practise applying the knowledge you acquire to the skills of analysis. The module tutor is available by email to answer any queries you might have and to give feedback on the exercises you complete, so you know at several points during the module how you are performing.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practical outcome with accompanying reflective, critical and contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be relevant to your programme and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area.
This module is an opportunity for you to develop skills which will contribute to the acquisition of key. BCU graduate attributes; creative problem solvers, enterprising, professional and work ready and global outlook. In the context of the creative and cultural industries and at this academic level, this means an ability to: create work which is of a professional standard relevant to the discipline; undertake successful project planning to a professional standard, which may include budgetary and other relevant constraints; innovate and experiment; to self-evaluate and reflect critically on your work, situating your practice within the context of relevant academic/professional debates within your chosen medium.
Download course specification
Download nowProgramme structure
The maximum registration period on the programme is 60 months (five years). Application may be made to suspend registration if you are unable to continue for a period. This is called a temporary withdrawal. If you do take a temporary withdrawal, you should be aware that the time you take out is counted as part of the maximum registration period. There is no minimum registration period.
If you leave the course without completing successfully 180 credits, you may be entitled to be awarded an exit award of either Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) providing you have passed the relevant modules for these stages.
For the PGCert award, you need to complete 60 credits for two core modules: Language Description (40 credit programme module); Data, Theory & Method in Linguistics (20 credit programme module).
For the PGDip award, you need to complete a further 60 credits by choosing 3 optional modules from the following list (20 credits each): Analysis of Spoken Discourse, History of the English Language, Second Language Acquisition, Sociolinguistics.
For MA award, you also need to complete the 60 credit Major Project (Dissertation).
Successful completion of the five 'taught' modules, including Language Description and Data, Theory & Method and three of the optional modules, enables you to progress to the dissertation stage. The additional successful completion of a dissertation qualifies you for the award of Master of Arts in English Linguistics (total of 180 credits).
Further Study
There are a number of opportunities to consider upon completing your MA course. Popular options include MPhil or PhD studies.
For further information on courses contact Birmingham City University Choices. Tel: 0121 331 6295. Email: choices@bcu.ac.uk, or go direct to the courses section of the website.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Although the programme is not designed to train students for a specific career, you will develop knowledge and practical skills that will enhance your employability and help you to progress in a wide range of careers. The key transferable skills you will gain on the MA programme are as follows:
- communicating in writing in a fluent, concise and precise manner; constructing substantial pieces of prose using appropriate register and style.
- abstracting and synthesising information; collecting, analysing and manipulating data of diverse kinds.
- recognising problems and developing problem-solving strategies, and evaluating their effectiveness.
- working independently; demonstrating initiative and self-motivation; having effective organisational skills and time management.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Out international students
More than 50% of the students on this programme are from outside the UK. All students, wherever they are in the world, have the same access to materials, the same support from tutors and pay the same fees.
Facilities & Staff
Our English Linguistics course is delivered through the Moodle online learning resource, with online study materials to guide you through the appropriate topics, as well as providing links to other resources. You will also need textbooks, and a full reading list is provided with each module syllabus.
Although it is taught by distance learning, you will still have regular contact with your module tutor by email or telephone. We also offer optional periodic seminar talks where you can meet the course team, along with your fellow students.
Our staff
Dr Tatiana Grieshofer (formerly Tkacukova)
Reader in Language and Law
Dr Tatiana Grieshofer (formerly Tkacukova) is Reader in Language and Law at Birmingham City University. Tatiana’s empirically driven quantitative and qualitative research explores a wide range of language and communication related topics within family, civil, tribunal and criminal legal settings, with a specific interest on the interplay between...
More about TatianaProfessor Andrew Kehoe
Professor of Corpus Linguistics
Andrew Kehoe is Professor of Corpus Linguistics and REF Unit of Assessment Lead for English (UoA27). He has qualifications in both English and Computer Science, and has for over 20 years worked on a series of UKRI-funded projects in the field of Corpus Linguistics: the automated analysis of patterns and trends in large text collections to discover...
More about AndrewMatt Gee
Research Fellow in Corpus Linguistics
Matt Gee works in the field of Corpus Linguistics, developing research and teaching tools as a member of the Research and Development Unit for English Studies. This includes the WebCorp suite of online search and analysis tools, which are designed to treat the web as a source of linguistic data. WebCorp Live refines the results returned...
More about MattDr Robert Lawson
Associate Professor in Sociolinguistics
As an award-winning academic with 15 years of experience investigating the relationship between language and society, Dr Robert Lawson has produced world-leading research with tangible real-world benefits, as well as establishing new research paradigms in media linguistics and applied language studies. Dr Lawson completed his ESRC-funded PhD thesis...
More about Robert