Program Overview
The Communication and Applied Linguistics (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 Communication and Applied Linguistics (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
- Tuition: GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 1,570 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Communication and Applied Linguistics (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
- Theory and Practice of Communication: This unit deals examines communication theory and practice in a range of contexts. Students will use various analytical tools to examine different areas of communication (e.g. corporate communication, mass communication and semiotics. Through engaging with this unit, students can gain a practical understanding of communication which they can apply to their professional lives.
- 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.
- 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.
- Technical Communication: This unit is designed to develop students\x92 ability to communicate technical information effectively to specific audiences. It will examine a range of factors that can influence the effectiveness of communication and provide strategies to overcome communication problems.
- Intercultural Communication: This unit deals with intercultural communication issues in a global setting. Students can benefit from an awareness of the various factors including cultural factors, which influence communication in order to improve their own knowledge and practice of communication.
- Communication in the Workplace: This unit examines how language is used in workplace settings. Analysing and evaluating a range of spoken, written and digital texts, can help students to reflect on and improve their own knowledge and practice of communication.
- Digital Communication and Media Development: This unit is designed to give students a theoretical and a practical knowledge of digital media development and implementation. Students will use a range of software applications to design or develop their own digital marketing applications.
- 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.
- 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 Communication and Applied Linguistics (four core units plus the research management and dissertation units) 180 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma in Communication and Applied Linguistics: 120 credits
- Postgraduate Certificate in Communication and Applied Linguistics: 60 credits
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
A good honours degree in a relevant subject.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.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
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