Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA, PGDip, PGCert
1-2 years, full- or part-time
If you already have at least one year’s TESOL experience, our MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL 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. With optional modules and a dissertation, you can customise your degree towards your professional interests and boost your career. You can also take the opportunity to gain a CELTA qualification* alongside your MA.
Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £21,400
Taught by Education
Contact
+44 (0)116 252 3656
EDenquiries@le.ac.uk
School of Education website
Course description
Course description
On the MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL (campus-based), you will broaden and deepen your understanding of core areas of linguistics and its application to language learning and teaching. You will gain in-depth knowledge about language structure and language use, and learn how to analyse language using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course also supports you in developing a critical awareness of approaches and issues in relation to the teaching and learning of English.
Through your choice of option modules and dissertation topic you can customise your degree towards your professional interests. You will be taught by our academic team who are highly experienced EFL teachers as well as internationally recognised experts in their research fields.
Based in our lively, international campus, in one of Britain’s most multicultural cities, you will learn in a supportive environment with your fellow students and staff, engaging in a range of face-to-face taught activities including lectures, seminars, guest talks and reading groups.
Research Methods and Dissertation, with an assessed proposal, allows you to focus on a particular area of interest or expertise. You will conduct a small-scale research study based on a topic of your own choice, developed under the guidance of your supervisor.
*You will also have the opportunity to complement your studies by taking the widely-recognised CELTA teaching qualification, run in collaboration with our English Language Teaching Unit at the University of Leicester. We offer a 50% discount on this internationally recognised level 5 ELT award offered by Cambridge Assessment, dependent on eligibility and successful interview.
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 taster 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
- At least a relevant second class honours degree - or its equivalent from a non-UK university (GPA 3.0 or above)
- You should normally be a teacher or working in the English Language Teaching field with one year's teaching experience.
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. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
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 September 2025
- MA: £10,950
- PGDip: £7,295
- PGCert: £3,645
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £21,400
- PGDip: 14,250
- PGCert: £7,125
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our degrees are highly valued by educational employers and our MA qualification 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, more demanding jobs on completion of the programme.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Related courses
What our students say
Saudi Arabia to Leicester: My TESOL and Applied Linguistics journey at the University of Leicester
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:
- Continuing Professional Development for English Language Teachers
- Technology Enhanced Language Learning
- Corpus Linguistics and Language Learning
- Materials Design and Development
- Migration, Superdiversity and Language
- Psychological Issues in Language Learning
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:
- Continuing Professional Development for English Language Teachers
- Technology Enhanced Language Learning
- Corpus Linguistics and Language Learning
- Materials Design and Development
- Migration, Superdiversity and Language
- Psychological Issues in Language Learning
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
- Analysing Language in Social Contexts
- Exploring Grammar and Pronunciation: From Theory to Practice
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?
In-built flexibility: tailor your degree to your own interests and professional needs with your choice of optional modules and dissertation topic.
Learn from tutors with international reputations and expertise in researching and developing ELT teachers’ skills and competencies.
Study with students from around the world in one of the UK’s most multicultural cities.
We offer a 50% discount on the internationally recognised CELTA teaching qualification, subject to eligibility and a successful course application.
Teaching and learning
Comprehensive, research-informed module materials will deepen your knowledge of applied linguistics and develop skills in language analysis.
You will learn in a supportive environment with your fellow students and staff, studying through a range of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including lectures, live webinars and moderated discussion boards.
You will also have full access to our support services, as well as our virtual learning environment 'Blackboard' which offers a wide range of study support material. You will have the opportunity to join an interactive online community of fellow students around the world.
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
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification MA | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification MA | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification PGDip | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification PGDip | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Applied Linguistics and TESOL | Qualification PGCert | Duration 1-2 years, full- or part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
