MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition

at University of Oxford

The MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition is a popular course which will introduce you to the key issues within the field of applied linguistics with a focus on topics relating to second language learning. The topics represented within the course draw from some of the related disciplines within applied linguistics such as psycholinguistics, education (language teaching/learning), linguistics, and sociolinguistics.

The MSc is taken full-time over one year. The course consists of six taught modules assessed by written assignments and one research dissertation. All taught modules take place in Michaelmas and Hilary terms. In Trinity term the focus of study is the dissertation. In addition to the compulsory assessed modules in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms, students attend non-assessed modules in research methods, quantitative data analysis, and critical reading.

The course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to reflect and further develop your understanding of both theoretical and practical considerations in the field of language learning and teaching. It will encourage you to develop a broad theoretical base reflecting current research in applied linguistics and related disciplines. Additionally, this course makes links between the different disciplines which contribute to our knowledge of language learning and issues related to language pedagogy.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a discipline preferably related to the field of applied linguistics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Publications

Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic 

7.5    

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£15,270

Overseas    
£30,910

Graduate destinations

Past students from the Department of Education have gone on to academic and research careers at universities in the UK (eg Oxford, Edinburgh, Warwick, UCL, King's College, St. Mary's, Liverpool) and across the world (eg Stanford, Princeton, MIT, Hong Kong, Chile), or are employed across a wide range of other sectors such as policy for government departments or NGOs, international organisations such as OECD, think tanks and administration at local and national levels. The department’s ‘Conversations with Alumni’ feature includes interviews with two DPhil alumni on their career paths after Oxford.