English Linguistics (Distance Learning) - MA

The MA in English Linguistics is a flexible distance-learning programme. You can work at your own pace fitting your study around work and other commitments.

The programme is well established, having been introduced in 1992, but it continues to evolve. It’s now delivered via the Moodle virtual learning environment with interactive content being developed exclusively for MA students.

What's covered in the course?

This programme 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’ll then study Data, Theory & Method, covering topics such as hypothesis testing, the role of linguistic theory, data collection, academic referencing and research ethics. There are optional modules too, covering topics such as sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, spoken discourse analysis, and the history of the English language. In choosing three of these modules you can tailor your studies to your individual interests and career aspirations. The final dissertation is a piece of original research on a topic of your choice.

One of our key strengths is that the programme is taught by leading authorities on the subjects covered. Our teaching staff are active researchers who, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, publish world-leading journal articles, chapters and books. This research feeds directly into the MA learning materials.

You’ll be fully supported by a tutor assigned to you when you begin each module who can be contacted by email or telephone. There’s no requirement for you ever to attend the University, but there are ample opportunities for you to do so if you wish.

This is a staged qualification, meaning you can choose to exit with either a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or you can continue to the MA stage.

Why Choose Us?

• The course is taught by leading authorities in the field. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework judged that 76.3 per cent of the books and articles written by School of English lecturers were either world-leading or internationally excellent, putting us in the top 20 English departments in the country.
• 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.

Essential Requirements

Extra information for EU/International students

Programme 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 5595. Email: choices@bcu.ac.uk, or go direct to the courses section of the website.

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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.

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

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:

• Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
• Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
• Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
• Learn 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.

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.