Program Overview
The Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Distance Learning) at University of Portsmouth is a MA programme in Humanities over 36 months, delivered Online. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Distance Learning) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 36 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: Online
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Distance Learning) programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Second Language Acquisition: This unit reviews relevant research on the topic of SLA and builds on students\x92 previous experience of language learning, applying this to areas such as individual differences and types of learning, as well as to more formal approaches to SLA.
- Theory and Practice of TESOL: Students consider the theory and practice that informs communicative language teaching and how individual and contextual factors impact on classroom practices and decision making. In so doing, they reflect on their own teaching and learning experiences. The unit also considers issues in curriculum and syllabus design, assessment and teacher education.
- Dissertation: Students undertake a piece of significant research, reported and analysed in an appropriate manner in an area of professional relevance. A research proposal will be produced in the first instance and supervision from a tutor will be available throughout the process.
- Using Technology and Corpora in Learning, Teaching and Research: Students are introduced to the ways in which they can make use of technology as both language teachers and language researchers. In particular, the unit focuses on the technological affordances of the internet and language corpora.
- World Englishes: The English language has always been characterised by dynamic change. This unit considers the political, ideological and pedagogical aspects of English being used as a global lingua franca.
- Analysing, Evaluating and Writing Material: This unit develops students\x92 abilities to analyse teaching materials, with particular emphasis on the perspectives of discourse, pragmatics and theories of second language acquisition. Students will focus on evaluating and writing material with particular teaching contexts in mind.
- Analysing Discourse: This unit introduces various analytical tools (e.g. appraisal, speech acts, modality, metaphors, transitivity, cohesion, theme-rheme) which are valuable in the analysis of authentic discourses and texts (e.g. courtroom discourse, social media, educational science texts, newspaper texts, political speeches, advertisements, etc.). The importance of context in any analysis is emphasised.
- Professional Portfolio: This unit offers students the opportunity to profile their degree to their own professional and/or personal interests, allowing students the chance to study areas not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. Students negotiate an area for study and then pursue this with the support of a supervisor.
- MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL: 180 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics and TESOL: 120 credits
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics and TESOL: 60 credits
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- A good honours degree or equivalent, plus initial teacher training and a minimum of three months full-time, relevant, teaching experience.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Portsmouth directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
University of Portsmouth is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 36 months