Overview
Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will build on your interest in learning and teaching a foreign or second language. You will be guided by renowned researchers with extensive teaching experience.
As part of this degree, we will address some of the following questions:
- What are the key cognitive and social processes of learning a second or foreign language?
- How do people teach and learn in the classroom and in wider settings?
- How do teachers and learners engage effectively with technology?
- How can teachers use critical reflection to improve their practices?
This Applied Linguistics and TESOL course is available to:
- those with teaching experience (in-service)
- those without teaching experience (pre-service)
- lecturers at higher education institutions
Our range of optional modules will allow you to build your own course to match your individual interests.
Hear more from our graduates about our programme and their Newcastle experience
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
By the end of this course, you’ll be familiar with key theories and current developments in applied linguistics and TESOL. In particular, you’ll develop your knowledge of:
- practical language learning and teaching practices
- teacher development
- cognitive and social processes of language learning
- second language use in and outside the classroom
- teaching methodology
You will also produce a dissertation, in which you carry out your own research project. We will support you along the way.
The knowledge gained on this course can help you with a career in teaching and/or research into language use, learning and teaching.
The Applied Linguistics and TESOL course consists of three main parts:
- compulsory modules (60 credits)
- optional modules (60 credits)
- research project (60 credits)
Optional modules include a wide range of modules in TESOL and applied linguistics, as well as linguistics and education. You can build the course to match your individual interests and/or future career needs.
Most modules last one semester.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
How you’ll learn
We deliver modules through a mix of:
- online lecture videos and activities
- online interactive lessons
- in-person lectures
- in-person small group teaching
- in-person small group workshops
We use a variety of teaching methods to:
- support your learning experience
- develop your learning potential
- prepare you for real-world challenges
Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your practice. Weekly independent study tasks allow you to engage with and contribute to sessions and seminars.
If you choose to study part time you will take up to 80 credits during your first year. During your second year, you will complete the remaining credits and conduct your research project.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
- a lesson plan
- peer feedback
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
We have an international team of academics with experience in teaching, examining, and teacher training in China, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, Spain, France and more.
Our staff are actively involved in research on second language learning and teaching, and second language use in and outside the classroom. We regularly incorporate research findings and our own teaching experiences into each module.
Dr Chris Leyland is the Degree Programme Director for the course. You can find more details about the rest of the Applied Linguistics staff here.
Your development
Research project
Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme is designed to support your development over the course of the year.
Semester 1 modules will provide you with a foundational knowledge of key areas of TESOL. These include language learning, language teaching and language awareness. Semester 2 modules will allow you to build on this. You will select specialist topics suited to your interests and professional needs.
Through class discussion and assessment, you will reflect on your own learning and development throughout your studies.
As part of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme, you’ll carry out a research project (dissertation). This gives you the chance to explore teaching and learning issues by collecting and analysing your own data. You will have various forms of support to carry this out.
You will take a Research Methods in Applied Linguistics module. We will introduce you to various research methodologies. These include questionnaire-based statistical analysis, conversation analysis, research interviews and more.
You will be assigned a supervisor. This will be an experienced researcher who will guide you through the processes of your dissertation.
All students will have access to workshops and other activities at the Writing Development Centre, based at the Newcastle University Library.
International students using English as a second language will have access to various in-sessional modules from INTO Newcastle University. INTO offers modules specifically designed for our students, such as Writing for TESOL. They also offer various modules on dissertation writing skills in semester 2.
Your future
What can you do with an Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA degree?
This Master’s course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to enrich your understanding of languages and language teaching and learning. This will support you if you wish to begin, or return to, a career in language teaching.
You will gain various transferable skills, such as data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Graduates of this programme progress to a variety of fields, such as:
- teaching English as a second or foreign language in private and public schools, colleges and universities
- teaching English for Academic Purposes at universities in the UK and abroad
- private tutoring
- further studies and research, such as a PhD in Education, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL
- publishing for English teaching and other materials
- university administration
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 150 for Linguistics – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences (ECLS), you will have access to the ECLS Resource Centre. The centre is based in your building (King George VI Building). It has a computer cluster and a range of educational and teaching materials and texts.
You can attend tailored academic writing courses for Applied Linguistics and TESOL students using English as a second or another language. These are part of INTO Newcastle University’s In-Sessional English support programme. This programme includes modules on Writing for TESOL, Intensive Dissertation Writing, and 1-to-1 Writing Tutorials. We work with INTO to give our international students the support that they need to thrive on our course.
You will also have access to ilab: learn. This is a laboratory for developing and using state-of-the-art digital technology for education.
We also work very closely with the University’s Student Wellbeing Services to ensure you get the support you need. Our School has its very own Student Wellbeing Advisor. They are an invaluable initial point of contact if you experience wellbeing-related issues.
We appreciate that your interest in learning languages may extend beyond the programme. You can take free language classes with the University Wide Language Programme (pending permission from the Degree Programme Director). You can study French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic or another language.
Additionally, the University’s Language Resource Centre provides many free services to help your language learning and cross-cultural communication.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:
• English language and/or literature
• English Education
• TESOL
• English teaching methodology
• English linguistics
• English translation and interpretation
• Business English
If you do not have one of the listed degrees, or have a lower degree classification, we will consider your application if:
– you have at least two years of full time English language teaching experience
– you provide a strong rationale in your personal statement to demonstrate how this course will enable you to achieve your career ambitions in the fields of Applied Linguistics and/or TESOL.
