Overview

Applied Linguistics and Communication has been taught at Birkbeck, University of London since 1965, making this one of the oldest departments in the world. The most recent external examination of our programme reported that ‘there are very high levels of professionalism and real quality in teaching. Students taking this course are getting the best in terms of professional practice and support. They are also allowed to develop their own interests and demonstrate independence of both skills and knowledge.’

The core modules introduce you to qualitative and quantitative research methods for undertaking your own empirical and/or theoretical research into language and language behaviour in the form of an extended literature review or dissertation, and to sub-domains of applied linguistics such as first and second language acquisition, intercultural communication, language pedagogy and assessment, language impairment, language policy and language and identity. You are also able to choose from a suite of option modules.

The programme is also unique in offering you a choice between two dissertation pathways: an empirical research investigation of an aspect of language teaching and learning or an independent library-based project on a relevant topic of your choice.

Careers and Employability

Graduates can pursue careers in education, local government and the charity sector, public relations and the media, marketing and lexicography. Possible professions include English as a second language (ESOL) teacher, lexicographer, or speech and language therapist. This degree can also be useful in becoming a Civil Service fast streamer, primary school teacher, or translator.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Analysing Language Structure and Use

Bilingualism

Identity in Applied Linguistics Research Level 7

Intercultural Communication in Business Contexts

Language Teaching and Learning in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts

Language, Culture and Communication

Linguistic Description for Language Teaching

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-14 00:00:00 , International

More details

The university recommends that applicants apply as early as possible and at least six weeks before the start of term.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 183 other Masters in Communication Studies in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Usually a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject and/or professional training and expertise.

A short admissions task of no more than 500 words may be requested, to support your application.

You must provide two references, at least one of which should be an academic reference.

The application form

Your personal details

Your qualifications

Your work experience

Your personal statement

Referees

Statistical information

English proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20340 GBP / year

≈ 20340 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

11070 GBP / year

≈ 11070 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part-time home students: £5,535 per year

Part-time international students: £10,170 per year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Applied Linguistics and Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers and Employability

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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