Overview
This course is suitable for prospective and experienced language teachers and language professionals who have an interest in second language learning and teaching in classroom contexts and at wider national and international levels.
The programme gives you the opportunity to develop a solid understanding of second language learning theories, language teaching pedagogies and classroom-based research. We aim to equip you with up-to-date knowledge and skills that will enable you to work in a variety of language teaching contexts. The programme is entirely web-based and allows you to focus your coursework on issues and problems pertinent to your own professional contexts.
During the course, you will work together with fellow students from different parts of the world in a supportive online learning environment.
On successful completion, this course allows progression to one of our Master level courses: MA in TESOL with Language Testing (one year teaching / assessment experience is required) or MA in TESOL with Corpus Linguistics (no teaching experience is required).
Careers
This course will prepare you for careers that include:
- Language teacher
- Language support assistant / coordinator
- Developer of language teaching materials
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a language/linguistics-related subject or one with a number of language/linguistics-related subjects. No teaching experience is required.
We also welcome applicants from other subject backgrounds with linguistic knowledge commensurate with an undergraduate degree
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements
We accredit the Diploma in English Language Teaching (DELTA) qualification or equivalent (e.g. Level 7 Diploma in TESOL) as prior learning. It counts 20 credits and exempts students from LING531, Trends and Issues in Language Teaching Methodology. Applicants whose prior learning is accredited receive a 10% reduction in fees. Students need to request accreditation at the point of application to the programme. Credit will be awarded for learning that has taken place within the last five years immediately prior to the start of the course. Credit may also be awarded in cases where a TESOL qualification has been awarded more than five years ago but where the applicant can provide evidence that their learning has continued in a professional or similar context since then.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in listening and speaking. We also consider other English language qualifications.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Core
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Second Language Acquisition (distance)
In this module we will consider how different theories of learning in general and language learning in particular can inform language pedagogy and classroom practices. We will also explore how different types of learners approach the task of language learning since without understanding how our students as individuals function in a language classroom, language teaching cannot be effective. The major aim of the module is to provide you with the knowledge necessary for being a reflective teacher who is able to analyse and evaluate the learning and teaching process based on a state-of-the art understanding of what second language learning entails.
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Second Language Classroom Research (distance)
This module aims to develop your ability to interpret, evaluate and apply methods for investigating instructed second language learning, This includes ways to collect, transcribe, describe, code, analyse and discuss data, preparing you to carry out empirical investigations for your dissertation. In this module you will learn how to: identify research problems and questions; decide on appropriate and feasible methods of answering research questions; choose, design, and/or adapt data elicitation measures, and pilot-test them effectively; ensure that research is valid and reliable; address ethical concerns involved in conducting research with human participants; collect, transcribe, describe, code, and analyse data; understand mixed-methods classroom research, triangulating different perspectives; use a variety of tools for data collection and analysis; analyse and critique research designs in the published literature.
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Trends and Issues in Language Teaching Methodology (distance)
This module will enhance your knowledge and understanding of various second language teaching methods, trends in their development and issues associated with their use. As we progress through the module, you will have multiple opportunities to apply new knowledge to your specific educational contexts, reflect on your teaching practice and critically evaluate it.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Fees and Funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2024/25 entry fees have not yet been set.
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2024-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2023-entry applicants as guidance.
Check our current list of scholarships and bursaries.
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English Language, Linguistics and TESOL
- Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA
- Corpus Linguistics (Distance) MA
- Corpus Linguistics (Distance) PgCert
- Discourse Studies MA
- Intercultural Communication MA
- Language and Linguistics MA
- Language Testing (Distance) MA
- Language Testing (Distance) PgCert
- Linguistics PhD
- Linguistics (by thesis and coursework) PhD
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) with Corpus Linguistics (Distance) MA
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) with Language Testing (Distance) MA
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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