MA English Linguistics
The course consists of a series of modules followed by a dissertation. Successful completion of each module will gain you a number of credits. As you progress through the course, the accumulation of credits will allow you to gain a series of staged qualifications as follows:
Postgraduate Certificate in English Linguistics (60 credits)
The first three 'taught modules' (which includes Language Description and Language and Social Variation)
Postgraduate Diploma in English Linguistics (120 credits)
In addition to the first three modules, a further two optional modules and Data, Theory and Method in Linguistics.
MA English Linguistics (180 credits)
MA students will go on to write a dissertation of 15-20 000 words.
Modules
The course is made up of two components: the 'taught' modules and a dissertation.
For the PG Diploma, you will take six modules. These are the three core modules and then a further three optional modules. On successful completion of these modules, you can proceed to the dissertation.
Core modules:
Language Description
Language and Social Variation
Data, Theory and Method in Linguistics
Optional modules:
Analysis of Spoken Discourse
Approaches to Narrative
A History of English Language
Words and Meaning
How do I study
The course is run in a distance learning mode. For each module you will receive a study book which guides you through that English Linguistics module. You will also need to use text books: a full list of materials required is provided with each module syllabus. You are able to purchase the course text books from the electronic bookshop, www.elb-brighton.com
While studying a module, you will have regular contact with the module tutor by post, telephone, fax or email and there is information available to you on the internet, including the use of a discussion forum so that you can contact other students if you want to. You will need to spend about 200 study hours on a module. With 10-12 hours a week you can complete a module in 4-5 months.
You will have the use of the facilities of the University's library, which operates a postal service for distance learning students. Lending is completely free - you only have to pay for the postage.
How is the Course Assessed
The course is assessed entirely by coursework. For each module you will have two assignments that count towards the overall mark. You will need to gain an average of 40% in order to pass the module. The assignments are of many different kinds, including essays, reports, transcription and other analytical exercises. Many of these encourage you to develop and carry out your own research projects so that you can relate the modules to your own context and experiences.
The dissertation is a small scale research project that you will carry out under the guidance of a supervisor assigned to you from the course team. Dissertations which involve the original collection and analysis of data are particularly encouraged. This piece of work is also marked on a graded percentage scale. The pass mark is 40%, work above 70% is graded with 'distinction'.
Contact with staff and other students
Throughout the course you will be fully supported by a personal tutor assigned to you when you begin each module. You are able to contact the tutor by telephone, email, post or even in person, if appropriate. We pride ourselves on the level of support we offer students and have often been praised for the quality and promptness of our responses. In addition, we offer termly seminars where you can meet the course team and other students.
Entry Requirements
You would normally have a UK or internationally recognized honours degree, or its equivalent, in any subject. Another alternative would be an ordinary degree/teaching certificate and two to three years' teaching experience. Equally, if you do not have the specific qualifications or experience listed, but you do have other qualifications and experience which you feel demonstrate the appropriate knowledge, enthusiasm and skills for the course, we will be happy to consider you for entry to the course on an individual basis. We will do this by looking at evidence of your previous experience, study and attainments. For anyone who has studied at undergraduate level outside the UK we also require an English Language qualification equivalent to a British Council IELTS score of 7.0.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will the words 'distance learning' appear in the degree title?
A: No, the title of the degree is MA in English Linguistics.
Q: How long will it take to complete the course?
A: Each module takes around 200 hours to complete (including the assignments). It is possible to complete a module in around 4-5 months with 10-12 study hours each week, so the PG Diploma could be completed in 2-3 years on this basis. There is no minimum registration period. The maximum registration period is 7 years.
Q: Can I continue with my studies if I move abroad?
A: Yes, it is possible to complete the programme if you move overseas. We have a community of students across the globe. If you change your residency, this may affect the fees you pay.
Q: Is this course the same as 'applied linguistics'?
Many of the modules cover topics that would come under the heading of 'applied linguistics' (for example analysis of spoken discourse, narrative analysis, language and social variation). The course does not contain any pedagogic training on the delivery of English Linguistics within an educational context.