MSc Applied Linguistics

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University of Edinburgh

Comments about MSc Applied Linguistics - At the institution - Edinburgh - Scotland

• Objectives
  he programme offers a linguistic perspective on real-world problems of language in use, with relevance to a wide range of professional interests. Aims of the programme are to: * educate language professionals with relevant critical and analytical skills; * prepare students for employment in the various spheres of social life where linguistics knowledge and skills play a significant part; * help students develop interest in working at the interface between linguistics and other disciplines; * prepare students for further study (PhD) in Applied Linguistics.
• Entry requirements
  Entry Requirements The two minimal entry requirements are: a good first degree, preferably in Linguistics; substantial practical experience as a language professional. In addition to the supporting documents requested on the application form, candidates are asked to submit a personal statement.
• Academic title
  MSc Applied Linguistics
• Course description
  MSc/Diploma in Applied Linguistics
  
  Academic interests
  
  In Applied Linguistics, we draw on knowledge about language, how it works and how it is used in order to contribute to real life issues. We examine language use in a variety of social settings (e.g. language use in everyday conversation, in educational settings, in medical settings, etc.). We focus on language variability (e.g. bilingualism, accents, dialects, etc.) versus social diversity (e.g. gender, class, ethnicity, etc.). And we consider how knowledge about language as it is actually used in real social settings can (be made to) impact on people's lives.
  
  The Diploma/MSc in Applied Linguistics has been designed specifically to foster these and similar interests.
  
  Curriculum
  
  The programme divides into two parts: a taught component, corresponding to the Diploma, and a dissertation component. Progression to dissertation is conditional on successful completion of the taught component. The dissertation requirement, if successfully met, leads to the award of the MSc in Applied Linguistics.
  
  The taught component of the programme divides into two parts. The first part, conveniently termed core courses, introduces students to the basic concepts, issues and methods in Linguistics. This part of the programme is compulsory. In the second part of the taught component, conveniently termed options, each student chooses from a pool of available courses and, under guidance, tailors a programme to suit their particular interests.
  
  The dissertation consists of a piece of independent research of around 15,000 words intended to demonstrate knowledge of the literature and research skills in a particular area of Applied Linguistics.
  
  The list of courses for current academic year are:
  
  Core courses
  
      * Introduction to Sociolinguistics1
      * Introduction to Discourse Analysis2
      * Introduction to Language Research
      * Introduction to Applied Linguistics3
      * Introduction to Syntax4
      * Introduction to Phonology
      * Introduction to Semantics
  
  Option courses
  
      * Special Topics in Sociolinguistics5
      * Language and Identity in Bilingual Settings6
      * Discourse Studies 7
      * Topics in Grammar and Discourse
      * Crosscultural communication 8
      * Pragmatics
  
  Learning Outcomes
  
  At the end of the programme, students are able not only to discuss issues of language description but also to use the knowledge they have acquired to address real-life problems such as the teaching of languages and the use of language(s) in specific institutional contexts.
  
  How You Will Be Taught
  
  You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and self-study tasks. Assessment is by examination, essays and projects. Supervision is available for projects and dissertations and pastoral care is available throughout the programme.
  

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