Applied Linguistics and TESOL Lancaster University

Our MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL opens doors to a wide range of rewarding and intellectually stimulating careers around the world. Whether you’re looking to build on existing experience or enter the field for the first time, this programme will give you a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills - making you a competitive candidate across language-related industries.

Why Lancaster?

• Linguistics at Lancaster is one of the largest disciplines of its kind in the UK, with expertise across a wide range of language, linguistics and language education fields
• Internationally recognised for excellence in teaching and research, with 3 specialist laboratories and 11 research centres
• Earn a degree that combines Applied Linguistics and TESOL, giving you expertise in both areas
• Enhance your career prospects by deepening your understanding of linguistic theory and its real-world applications
• No teaching experience? No problem. We welcome students from all backgrounds, including those new to English language teaching

Language in action

Are you passionate about language, how it is learned, and how it can be taught effectively? If you want to explore both the theoretical foundations of language and its practical applications in teaching and learning, our MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL is designed for you.

You’ll develop a strong foundation in second language acquisition and teaching methodologies, while exploring how linguistic theory applies in practice—across areas like digital communication, AI and literacy, language policy, multilingualism, and sociopolitical discourse.

Expert teaching

Lancaster University is home to one of the largest and most dynamic Linguistics and English Language disciplines in the UK. Our MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL reflects the breadth and depth of our world-leading research and teaching expertise.

Our teaching is grounded in the latest developments in applied linguistics, second language acquisition and second language teaching. You’ll gain a solid foundation in research methods and techniques used in both applied Linguistics and TESOL. You’ll develop key skills - from qualitative and quantitative enquiry to methods of data collection and analysis. This rigorous training will prepare you to critically engage with research and apply findings to your own professional or educational contexts.

Tailor your degree

Choose from a wide range of modules and explore your interests in greater depth. These include topics such as:

• Curriculum design
• Online language teaching
• Content-based approaches to education
• Corpus linguistics in language teaching
• Pragmatics and interaction
• Sociolinguistics
• Language policy
• Multilingualism

Your academic journey will culminate in a dissertation on a topic of your choice, approved and supported throughout by a member of our expert staff. This is your chance to demonstrate your research skills and specialist knowledge - and to make a meaningful contribution to the field.

Structured support

At Lancaster, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. If you are returning to education or unfamiliar with UK academic conventions, we will help you develop key skills in academic writing, reading, presentation and critical thinking. We want you to feel confident and well-prepared to succeed.

Broaden your horizons

Beyond the classroom, you’ll be part of a vibrant and inclusive community. You’ll be encouraged to engage with our specialist research centres and take part in student-led events, university societies and academic networks. These opportunities are a great way to build connections, exchange ideas and enrich your experience.

We also offer exciting opportunities to collaborate internationally. You may be able to take part in a summer school or study visit with at one of our partner universities abroad. These experiences allow you to immerse yourself in another culture, broaden your academic and social horizons, and potentially gather data for your dissertation.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact Lancaster University to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.