MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL (DL)

  • Mode of study: Part time distance learning
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Entry requirements for 2013 entry: A good honours degree or equivalent, plus initial teacher training and a minimum of three months full-time, relevant, teaching experience.
  • IELTS score: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.5.
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Find out more:

Tel: +44(0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)

All applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure a place, but full applications (including supporting documents, copies of qualifications and references) should be submitted by:

  • 1 August 2013 for September 2013 intake

Any application, full or incomplete, received after these dates may be considered for the following intake.

Course overview

The MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL by distance learning is a programme offered by the School of Languages and Area Studies, based on the successful classroom-based programme, which has been running for 25 years. The course shares the same philosophy, units of study and teachers as the campus-based version and has been designed as a flexible programme (a part time, distance learning course), to enable you to study at a pace that suits you.

The course is ideal for practising ELT/EFL/TESOL teachers who wish to continue their professional development and improve their career prospects. As well as thoroughly reviewing developments in the field, this flexible course allows students to develop their expertise in areas of personal interest. It offers the perfect way to extend knowledge and understanding of learning and teaching while upgrading qualifications.

For detailed information, please consult the Course Pathway Guide.

Course content

Your study

  • Theory & Practice of TESOL
  • Theory & Practice of Applied Linguistics
  • Dissertation/Major Project
  • 2 options from:
    • Using Technology and Corpora in Language Teaching and Research
    • World Englishes
    • Analysing, Evaluating and Writing Materials
    • Independent Learning 

Please note. All optional units are subject to staff availability and student demand.

Exit levels

The credit system creates a flexible framework in which you can graduate with one of the following awards, depending on the number of credits gained:

  • MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL: 180 credits
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics and TESOL: 120 credits
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics and TESOL: 60 credits

Teaching and Assessment

Study materials are available via our virtual learning environment. The materials are supported by discussion forums, allowing students to analyse arguments, contribute ideas and ask questions. Tutors monitor and contribute to the forums and are also available to offer guidance to students on an individual basis via email or phone.

Assessment for each unit mirrors the assessment for the campus-based version of the course. Most units are assessed through at least two pieces of coursework (typically essays), amounting to 6000 words in total for the unit. There are no final exams that require attendance in Portsmouth. 

Career prospects

Graduates will be able to progress to jobs in higher education in their own country or elsewhere, or continue on to undertake doctoral research in teaching and related fields. Possession of a Master's qualification is often viewed as a requirement for promotion to a more responsible position in either the private or public sectors or to diversify a career into areas such as educational management, materials evaluation and production, teacher education or external assessment.

Facilities and features

Course materials are available online only in the majority of cases. You will be recommended to purchase key texts, but other sources, including books and journals, are  available electronically. There is also a variety of support mechanisms to help you access electronic books and journals. These range from written documents to video  materials, and include support from University library staff. However, we do recommend that you have access to library facilities in your area, where possible.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL (DL) are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)
Tel: +44(0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk