Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA, PGDip, PGCert, by distance learning
2 years
If you already have at least one year’s TESOL experience, our MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL (distance learning) will broaden and deepen your understanding of linguistics and its application to language learning and teaching. Explore how English works and how to analyse it. Choose optional modules that align with your professional interests and boost your career options. Join a thriving community of professional ELT teachers and learn with comprehensive, research-informed module materials.
Course information
UK fee £12,100
International fee £12,100
Taught by Education
Admissions and course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry
Course description
Course description
The MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL (distance learning) is for experienced English language teachers who want to build on their existing knowledge and skills and expand their professional horizons. You'll study a wide range of advanced topics which broaden and deepen your understanding of core areas of linguistics and how they apply to language learning and teaching. The modules will challenge you intellectually and help you develop a critical awareness of contemporary approaches and issues in relation to the teaching and learning of English. You'll explore language structure and language use in some depth and learn to analyse language in context, using a range of up-to-date research methods.
You can customise your degree towards your own professional interests and career goals through your choice of option modules and dissertation topic. The Research Methods and Dissertation module (with an assessed proposal) equips you with the skills necessary to conduct a small-scale research study and builds a solid foundation for those who want to go on to doctoral studies.
We recognise the demands of working and studying at the same time. For that reason, our distance learning course is structured to provide you with the support you need, and allow you to study flexibly and offering the option to take breaks in your studies (if you need to). Your course tutors are highly experienced ELT professionals who are also internationally recognized academic experts in their research fields. This course combines their expert subject knowledge and their extensive experience of distance and online learning.
What's the difference?
For the MA you will complete all core modules and two optional modules, plus a dissertation. For the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) you will complete all core modules plus two of the optional modules. For the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) you will complete two out of three core modules.
Try our free online course
If you’re interested in finding out more about the field of applied linguistics and how it relates to TESOL, you could try our free, online course Introduction to Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- 2:2 or above in a relevant subject, or equivalent.
- You should be a teacher or already be working in the English Language Teaching field with one year's full time teaching experience.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
The previous completion of certain courses will allow you to apply for Accredited Prior Learning (APL). All applications are considered on a case by case basis.
- Holders of the University of Leicester PGCert in Teaching English for Academic Purposes are exempted from 30 credits corresponding to two of our optional 15-credit courses: English for Specific Purposes, and Course and Syllabus Design.
- Holders of the Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are exempted from 30 credits corresponding to the first block: Second Language Teaching and Learning.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with at least 6.0 in each component score. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in October 2025 or April 2026
- MA: £12,100
- PGDip: £8,060
- PGCert: £4,030
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
International Students
Starting in October 2025 or April 2026
- MA: £12,100
- PGDip: £8,060
- PGCert: £4,030
Find out more about how to pay and scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our degrees are highly valued by educational employers and our MA qualifications will help you to raise your profile when seeking to advance your career as a language teaching professional. The field of English Language Teaching is increasingly competitive and many organisations see a Master's level qualification as an essential requirement. An MA from the University of Leicester indicates to employers that you have up-to-date knowledge and have developed critical and transferable skills that will equip you to take on a more senior role in the language teaching programme of any educational institution. Indeed, many of our past MA students have gone on to gain promotion or move into new demanding jobs on completion of the programme.
Shannon, MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL by distance learning
Our Career Development Service is here to support you – by email, phone or skype – with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience and more. From registration to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
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Course structure
MA modules
MA modules
Core modules
- Teaching and Learning a Second Language
- Exploring Grammar and Pronunciation: From Theory to Practice
- Analysing Language in Social Contexts
Plus Research Methods and Dissertation
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Teacher Education
- Technology Enhanced Language Learning
- Corpus Linguistics and Language Learning
- Materials Design and Development
- Course and Syllabus Design
- English for Specific Purposes
- Intercultural Communication
- Migration, Superdiversity and Language
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
PGDip modules
PGDip modules
Core modules
- Teaching and Learning a Second Language
- Exploring Grammar and Pronunciation: From Theory to Practice
- Analysing Language in Social Contexts
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Teacher Education
- Technology Enhanced Language Learning
- Corpus Linguistics and Language Learning
- Materials Design and Development
- Course and Syllabus Design
- English for Specific Purposes
- Intercultural Communication
- Migration, Superdiversity and Language
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
PGCert modules
PGCert modules
Choose two modules from:
- Teaching and Learning a Second Language
- Exploring Grammar and Pronunciation: From Theory to Practice
- Analysing Language in Social Contexts
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Learn from tutors with international reputations and expertise in researching and developing ELT teachers’ skills and competencies.
One of the first distance learning providers of an MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL, our innovative and interactive online course is developed by academic staff highly experienced in distance learning.
Our distance learning degree is flexible; choose from a wide range of optional modules to suit your interests and professional goals. Explore a topic in detail with your dissertation.
You will study using a range of online learning materials including video lectures, live webinars, and tutorials and collaborative activities. You will be supported by a dedicated personal tutor and have access to our Centre for Academic Achievement.
Teaching and learning
We understand most of our students are combining academic study with work or other external commitments, so the course structure offers the flexibility to study at your own pace, while also providing structure and opportunities to work with fellow students and staff.
When you start your degree, you will be allocated a personal tutor (usually for the duration of the course), who works with you on a one-to-one basis, supporting you with your studies and with helping to plan your assignments. The module convenors and e-moderators also provide expert guidance on individual modules, through formative online activities, moderated module discussions and live webinars. The course content has been developed by our expert academic staff who also teach on our campus based courses. It is delivered through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard, and includes a wide range of learning materials and resources incorporating the affordances of educational technology, such as recorded lectures, podcasts, collaborative activities through tools such as padlet and wikis and annotated e-reading lists. We also use Teams for our live, interactive events such as webinars or research talks. Through these activities, you will have the opportunity to join a supportive interactive web-based community of fellow students around the world.
As well as all the resources in Blackboard, you will have access to the University’s digital library which includes a wide range of e-journals and e-books. You are also welcome to come and use our campus library and other facilities any time you can come to Leicester. You will also have the support of specialised staff in the University Library’s distance learning service who can arrange postal loans for books.
Learning support
Who can you turn to when you have questions or need support?
- Personal tutor (for the taught modules and general support)
- Supervisor (for the dissertation)
- Module convenor (for each module)
- Student advisors (throughout the programme)
- Programme leader (throughout the programme)
- University counselling and welfare service (when you need it)
Key dates
Start date: 7 April 2025
Application deadline for April 2025 start: 17 March 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification MA | Duration 2 years by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification PGDip | Duration 1-2 years by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification PGCert | Duration 1-2 years by distance learning | Start Dates April and October each year | Availability Apply Now |
I felt that I had the input, guidance and support necessary to pursue areas which were of interest to me and useful for my current and future career. I have no doubt this MA will positively influence my teaching and career development for many years to come.