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Overview
Go beyond grammar and vocabulary and understand how language works in the real world with this Master's degree in Applied Linguistics.
You’ll uncover the mechanisms behind human communication, delve into the process of language acquisition, learn a range of research methods and analyse how language influences various professional environments.
This course will help you think about how language shapes our interactions at work, in courtrooms or during crises. You'll study topics like analysing language patterns, using language data for teaching and research, understanding how we learn second languages, and even applying linguistic skills to forensic investigations.
By delving into these areas, you'll develop valuable skills that can be applied to various careers. Whether you're interested in teaching, research, law, civil service, publishing or communication roles, this MA equips you with the tools to thrive in a wide range of professional settings.
Looking to explore linguistic theories and uses of language in teaching and beyond?
You may be interested in our MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
Or, do want to focus on teaching English to speakers of other languages?
You can also choose to study our MA TESOL.
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £10,900
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £5,450 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £3,630 per year
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £10,900
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £5,450 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £3,630 per year
- Full-time: £17,900
- Part-time: £8,950 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £10,900
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £5,450 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £3,630 per year
Modules
Full-time
Core modules in this year include:
- Analysing Language in Social Contexts - 30 credits
- Corpus Linguistics - 30 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Second Language Acquisition - 30 credits
- Communication in Professional Contexts - 30 credits
- Forensic Linguistics: Authorial Investigations and Perpetrator Identification - 30 credits
- Communication for Justice: Interviews, Crisis and Courtroom Strategies - 30 credits
- Dissertation Project - 60 credits
- Professional Portfolio - 30 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How to apply
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2025
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) - 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) - 2 years
Distance learning
Apply now (Full-time) - 1 year
Start this course in January 2026
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) - 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) - 2 years
Distance learning
Apply now (Full-time) - 1 year
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
Finalising this course
All our courses go through a rigorous approval process to make sure they’re of the highest quality. This includes a review by a panel of experts, made up of academic staff and an external academic or professional with specialist knowledge.
This course is in the final stages of this process and is open for applications. If any details of the course or its approval status change after you apply, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and will be here to discuss your options with you.