English Language and Linguistics MA

Development, execution, and writing-up of an independent research project on a topic chosen by you. All students will attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance.

60 credits

This module explores the global diversity and uses of English, focusing on how the language functions across a wide range of sociolinguistic and communicative contexts. It introduces students to key theoretical frameworks and debates related to World Englishes, English as a lingua franca, and the socio-political dimensions of English language teaching and learning worldwide. Topics include structural and pragmatic variation across English varieties, the development of English based pidgins and creoles, and issues of language ideology, identity, and power. The module adopts a critical, global perspective and draws on real-world examples to examine how English
intersects with multilingualism, colonisation, globalisation, and digital communication. Students engage with contemporary debates on linguistic diversity, language ownership, and the challenges and opportunities of using English in international and intercultural settings

20 credits

This module explores the linguistic, cognitive, social, and educational dimensions of
multilingualism, equipping students with a critical understanding of how multiple languages are acquired, used, and managed across diverse contexts, both in history and in modern environments. It draws on a range of interdisciplinary perspectives including sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, and language policy. From the theoretical foundations of multilingualism, students will explore historical and global perspectives on codeswitching, translanguaging, language identity and ideology, multilingual education and language planning, as well as develop their research skills in qualitative and quantitative approaches to multilingualism.

20 credits

This year-long module enables students to develop, plan, and complete a substantial independent practical project related to language and digital communication. Through a combination of individual supervision and skills workshops, students apply their knowledge and creativity to produce a research-informed output and reflect critically on the process and outcomes of their work.

60 credits

This module places an emphasis on different methods for researching AI, big data, datafication, social media and other practices and applications. This module is intended to provide an introduction at postgraduate level to the methodological tools for collecting, analysing and visualising digital data, both as an object of study and a means for analysis. The focus is on qualitative, quantitative as well as digital methods. The module consists of a range of lectures and seminars. You will also conduct a small group research project together that will make use of some of the tools and skills taught in the module.

20 credits

This module enables students to work collaboratively on real-world multilingual and digital communication challenges within a Digital Humanities framework. Through interactive workshops, co-design sessions and critical reflection, students develop applied skills in digital content creation, inclusive design, project planning, and interdisciplinary teamwork in a dynamic and co-creative environment. Tutor-led input on range of digital skills, themes, and issues prepares students to collaborate, in small groups, on a professional project brief related to their specialism and/or subject area. Project outcomes and deliverables can include, for example, the design and realisation of a learning resource on a digital theme, the creation of a position paper on an aspect of the Digital Humanities, or the organisation of a conference or symposium on a digital theme. The module fosters and hones high-level skills such as teamwork, professionalism, time-management, self-motivation, and reflective practice, as well as professional skills such as the confident and effective response to a project brief, workflow management, information mining and management, professional presentation skills, client liaison, and final delivery planning. Students will be guided through the skills acquisition and thematic probing process by a team of tutors, who will then work alongside students as co-creators during the project phase. Learning activities will enable students to reflect on their practice, analyse the quality of their performance, and prepare for a career in a wide range professional, cultural, and social settings. The module benefits from access to a range of specialist software packages and is delivered through interactive seminars, simulations, and other situated learning activities.

20 credits

This module explores the field of digital and non-digital discourse and the theoretical frameworks and models available from Language Studies / Linguistics for investigating them. It examines text features in digital and non-digital discursive realms at the whole-text and above-text levels, and identifies how such texts are shaped by, and in turn shape, the interpersonal, social, and ideological contexts in which they are created. Comparisons are drawn between GenAI and human-generated texts, with insights from theory-based analysis applied to a range of real-world issues and scenarios.

20 credits

This module offers students an in-depth exploration of sociolinguistics, focusing on how language functions within and reflects social contexts. It introduces students to key concepts and issues in the field, such as language variation, language choice, and language change, and examines how factors like age, class, gender, and ethnicity influence linguistic practices. The module is structured to balance theoretical understanding with practical application, encouraging students to engage with both macro-level phenomena, such as correlations between language and socio-economic status, and micro-level interactions, including conversational routines, politeness strategies, and code-switching. Students are trained in research methodologies appropriate to sociolinguistic inquiry, with an emphasis on empirical work. They learn to collect, analyse, and interpret linguistic data, and to critically evaluate different methods of data collection. By the end of the module, students are expected to demonstrate independent research skills, a nuanced understanding of sociolinguistic theory, and the ability to engage with academic literature using appropriate metalanguage.

20 credits

This module places an emphasis on different methods for researching AI, big data, datafication, social media and other practices and applications. This module is intended to provide an introduction at postgraduate level to the methodological tools for collecting, analysing and visualising digital data, both as an object of study and a means for analysis. The focus is on qualitative, quantitative as well as digital methods. The module consists of a range of lectures and seminars. You will also conduct a small group research project together that will make use of some of the tools and skills taught in the module.

20 credits