Applied Linguistics MSc
Applying Linguistics in Social and Professional Life ENGLANG5117
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Critical Studies
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This Master's course introduces students to a range of applications of linguistic theory and methods. It will analyse and critique research into various aspects of social and professional life, such as politics, media, education and professional practice, and consider the benefits and limitations of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods in answering different research questions.
Timetable
10 x 2hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.
This is a compulsory course for the MSc in Applied Linguistics and an option for the MSc in English Language and Linguistics and the MSc in Speech, Language and Sociolinguistics.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
N/A
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ midterm: project output (1000 words; 40%)
■ final: written assignment (2000 words; 60%)
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions).
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Appraise representative examples of research in the field of Applied Linguistics
■ Familiarise students with a range of domains and real-life issues covered by applied linguistic research;
■ Familiarise students with a range of approaches in the application of linguistic theory and the analysis of real-life data;
■ Present the key theoretical and methodological issues in explaining the dynamics of language and social life.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Articulate the relationship between language, context and society;
■ Critically analyse a range of methodologies in Applied Linguistics;
■ Evaluate the key findings from selected seminal studies in Applied Linguistics;
■ Synthesise and articulate research findings in ways appropriate to a range of audiences.