MA English Language (by distance learning)
The MA in English Language takes a broad view of what constitutes English language studies. It focuses on the description and explanation of the English language, including its structure, functions and social contexts of use.
Our Department is well-known for its advanced study and research in English Language. Our staff members have produced major descriptions of English grammar and phonetics, as well as studies in areas such as critical discourse analysis, sociolinguistics (including the study of accents and dialects), literary stylistics and English language teaching. Staff members include leading figures such as Mick Short, Paul Kerswill and Ruth Wodak. Geoffrey Leech and Norman Fairclough, though no longer teaching full-time, maintain a regular presence in the department and engage in its activities.
This is an exciting scheme which recruits people with an interest in the study of the English Language from the UK and around the world. It is tailored for those who have full-time jobs, or simply want to study at a leisurely pace. There are six one day residentials, one for each course, and these take place over the first two years of the scheme (the third year involves a dissertation). In addition, distance learning is delivered through various media, including audio lectures, group discussions and regular tutor feedback.
Aims
This scheme takes a broad view of what constitutes English language studies. It focuses on the description and explanation of the English language, including its structure, functions and social contexts of use. The main subject specific aim will be to instil a knowledge and understanding of:
- the structure of English at all linguistic levels,
- the uses of English,
- the history of English,
- the regional and global varieties of the English language,
- the genres of English, including their variation across speech and writing, various media, and so on,
- the socio-historical contexts of English.
Structure
We have a tried and tested formula, devised to accommodate busy people (most of our students have full-time jobs). To graduate with an MA you must do six modules and a dissertation in an area of your choice. You do three modules in Year 1, 3 modules in Year 2, and in Year 3 you work on your dissertation, with regular online supervision (and face-to-face meetings, as available). Modules run over the course of a whole year, and consist of 9 x 2 hour 'slots'.
You will study the following modules:
- Investigating Spoken English
- English Grammar
- Corpus Linguistics
- Language and Gender
- History of English
- Stylistics
In addition to these modules you will receive Research Methods support, especially in your third year, in order to facilitate your dissertation.
As well as distance learning, there will be three 'face-to-face' days per year, which will each be held on a Saturday. This is so that each module can be started in face-to-face mode, and also so you get to meet your colleagues in 'real life' before you chat and debate with them online. It's good to put a face to the pseudonym! Please note, Lancaster University has recently acquired state-of-the-art lecturing facilities at the Work Foundation near Westminster. We have decided to take advantage of this, consequently, from September 2012, the residential sessions for this programme will be in London. The dates of the 2012-2013 residentials in London are as follows:-
- Saturday 15 September 2012
- Saturday 5 January 2013
- Saturday 20 April 2013
Key Facts
Director of Studies: Jonathan Culpeper
Programme length: Part time: 36 months
Audience: Anyone with a scholarly interest in the English Language and its structure, functions and social contexts of use. The programme content also accommodates the UK's A Level English Language curricula, and so will especially benefit teachers of English Language as an academic subject (this programme is not about the practice of speaking/hearing English, e.g. TEFL, TESOL - we have other schemes catering for these interests).
Entry requirements:
Applicants should either...
- hold at least an upper second class degree or equivalent from an approved university in English Language, a language-related area (e.g. Linguistics), or a modern/classical language. Exceptionally, candidates holding other academic qualifications may also be considered for admission, possibly subject to interview.
- or have relevant professional experience in teaching English Language (e.g. teaching the English Language A-Level in the UK).
Assessment: 6 x 5,000-word essay or equivalent + 13,000-word dissertation
Enquiries: Postgraduate Coordinator: Elaine Heron
Application Deadline: The next programme to run will begin in September 2012. We are happy to receive applications for this programme. The deadline for applications is 18 July 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the MA English Language by distance cover?
- How long will the programme last?
- Who is the programme for?
- How will the programme be structured?
- What modules will be offered?
- Will we receive research methods support?
- Can I pursue a particular interest of mine in more detail?
- When will the residentials be held?
- How much are the fees?
- Is there a limitation on the number of places available?
- When is the application deadline?
- How do I apply?
- How do I find out more?
1. What does the MA English Language by distance cover?
This scheme takes a broad view of what constitutes English language studies. It focuses on the description and explanation of the English language, including its structure, functions and social contexts of use. The main subject specific aim will be to instil a knowledge and understanding of:
- the structure of English at all linguistic levels,
- the uses of English,
- the history of English,
- the regional and global varieties of the English language,
- the genres of English, including their variation across speech and writing, various media, and so on,
- the socio-historical contexts of English.
2. How long will the programme last?
The scheme is part-time, taking place over three years (modules in the first two years, dissertation in the third year).
3. Who is the programme for?
Anyone with a relevant background can apply for a place on the scheme. Past students have come from a range of backgrounds, and have worked on the MA whilst in full-time or part-time work. Note that this programme is not about the teaching of English as a foreign language (e.g. TEFL, TESOL), although there are other MA schemes in our department in this area (e.g. MA TEFL, MA TESOL, MA Language Testing).
4. How will the programme be structured?
We have a tried and tested formula, devised to accommodate busy people (most of our students have full-time jobs). To graduate with an MA you must do six modules and a dissertation in an area of your choice. You do three modules in Year 1, 3 modules in Year 2, and in Year 3 you work on your dissertation, with regular online supervision (and face-to-face meetings, as available). Modules run over the course of a whole year, and consist of 9 x 2 hour 'slots'.
As well as distance learning, there will be three 'face-to-face' days per year, which will each be held on a Saturday. This is so that each module can be started in face-to-face mode, and also so you get to meet your colleagues in 'real life' before you chat and debate with them online. It's good to put a face to the pseudonym!
Please note, Lancaster University has recently acquired state-of-the-art lecturing facilities at the Work Foundation near Westminster. We have decided to take advantage of this, consequently, from September 2012, the residential sessions for this programme will be in London.
Coursework is worth 60% of the whole programme (each module is worth 10%, and is assessed by one essay of around 5000 words), and the dissertation the other 40%.
There are no exams - all modules are assessed by coursework. Making a contribution to 50% of the distance tasks is compulsory.
5. What modules will be offered?
The modules are as follows:
- English Grammar
- Investigating Spoken English
- Corpus Linguistics
- Stylistics
- History of English
- Gender and Language
6. Will we receive research methods support?
Yes. In addition to the modules outlined above you will receive research methods support, especially in your third year, which will not only help your own research for your dissertation, but also, if you are a teacher, will provide a good foundation for research your students are likely to want to do in their investigations.
7. Can I pursue a particular interest of mine in more detail?
Yes, through the dissertation. With over 30 full-time academics in the department, we are likely to be able to find an expert to supervise whatever you choose to do.
8. When will the residentials be held?
COHORT 3 (starting Sept 2010) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |
| Residential I: | 18 September 2010 | 17 September 2011 |
| Residential II: | 8 January 2011 | 7 January 2012 |
| Residential III: | 30 April 2011 | 21 April 2012 |
COHORT 4 (starting Sept 2011) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (in Lancaster) | Year 2 ( in London) | |
| Residential I: | 17 September 2011 | 15 September 2012 |
| Residential II: | 7 January 2012 | 5 January 2013 |
| Residential III: | 21 April 2012 | Saturday 20 April 2013 |
9. How much are the fees?
The fees for MA English Language by distance learning are the same as for a one-year on campus MA, but are spread over the three years of study. You pay 40% of the fees in year 1, 40% in year 2, and 20% in year 3. For more information about postgraduate fees see: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/registry/postgrads/fees.htm
Paying in instalments is possible. For more information about fees, email the Fees Officer, Julia Chadwick (j.chadwick@lancaster.ac.uk ).
10. Is there a limit on the number of places available?
Yes. There is an upper limit of 20 places on the programme each year. We encourage you to apply early to guarantee your place. If you are offered a place but the programme for the upcoming year is fully booked, we will add you to the waiting list for the following year. People on the waiting list are offered a place on the next available programme on a 'first come, first served' basis.
11. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the programme beginning in September 2012 is: 18 July 2012
However, please note that if you need accommodation on campus in Lancaster for the September residential, you will need to have applied, and accepted an offer before you can book.
12. How do I apply?
To apply please go to the following website www.postgraduate.lancs.ac.uk and follow the instructions.
If you have any queries please contact our Faculty PG Admissions team:
Postgraduate Admissions
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Lancaster University
LANCASTER
LA1 4YL
Telephone: +44 (0)1524 510880
Fax: +44 (0)1524 510857
Email: fass-pg-admissions@lancaster.ac.uk
For more details about how to apply please see our General Application Advice.
13. How do I find out more?
If you would like more details, please send an e-mail to the programme coordinator, Mrs. Elaine Heron (e.heron@lancaster.ac.uk), or to the Director of Studies, Professor Jonathan Culpeper