How does the MA English Language Studies differ from the MA Language Teaching and Learning?

English Language Studies focuses on the linguistic and sociolinguistic study of English itself — structure, variation, World Englishes, applied to teaching, publishing and assessment. Language Teaching and Learning focuses on the pedagogy and classroom practice of language teaching. The two are complementary.

Does the MA English Language Studies cover corpus linguistics?

Yes. Corpus linguistics is a core methods module, with hands-on work using the BNC, COCA and other major English-language corpora. Several recent dissertations have used corpus methods as their main empirical approach.

Can I take the MA English Language Studies part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are available. The seminar pattern continues remotely with live cohort calls; the dissertation timeline is extended to match the part-time pace.

Is the MA English Language Studies useful for ELT publishing?

Yes — the applied English strand covers materials design, register analysis and the corpus work that informs contemporary ELT publishing. Several graduates have moved into materials-writing roles at major UK ELT publishers and assessment bodies.

What dissertation topics can I do on the MA English Language Studies?

Past dissertations have included topics on regional accent variation in young Londoners, corpus analysis of academic writing in EAP, World Englishes patterns in international student writing, and the discourse of English-language news headlines. Subject is your choice, agreed with your supervisor.

MA English Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA English Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for English teachers, materials writers, examinations specialists and academic-editing professionals who want master's-level depth in the structure, variation and applied life of the English language. You will study English linguistics in depth, work through sociolinguistic and World Englishes literature, and complete a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation on an English language question of your choice.

The MA English Language Studies sits at the intersection of linguistics and English-language professional practice. By graduation you can read the academic literature on its own terms, design a piece of empirical research on English usage or teaching, and apply linguistic insight to teaching, materials, assessment or editorial contexts at master's level.

Key Features

English linguistics core seminar across phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics of English.
Sociolinguistics of English module — variation and change, World Englishes, register and discourse.
Applied English language strand — corpus methods, English for academic and professional purposes, assessment.
Research methods module — corpus linguistics, sociolinguistic interviewing, ethnographic observation.
Industry-led masterclasses with senior practitioners in ELT publishing, Cambridge Assessment-style organisations, and English language testing bodies.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation on an English language question, supervised across the year.

What You Will Learn

The MA English Language Studies is structured around three interlocking strands — English linguistics, sociolinguistic and World Englishes, and applied English. You graduate able to engage with the contemporary academic literature on English, design and execute an empirical study, and apply your training in English language teaching, publishing or assessment.

English phonology — the sound system of English, accents and varieties.
English syntax — phrase and clause structure, contemporary syntactic analysis.
English semantics and pragmatics — meaning construction, speech acts, discourse.
Sociolinguistics — variation and change, register, code-switching across English varieties.
World Englishes — Inner Circle, Outer Circle and Expanding Circle varieties, ELF research.
Corpus linguistics — BNC, COCA, working with English-language corpora.
English for academic and professional purposes — register analysis, materials design.
Assessment — CEFR, IELTS, Cambridge ESOL, item writing, validity and reliability.
Research methods — quantitative and qualitative methods for linguistic research.

Who This MA Is For

Working English language teachers, EAP practitioners and EFL professionals ready for master's-level depth.
ELT materials writers and assessment specialists seeking research-informed credibility.
Academic editors and English language editors in publishing and journals.
Bachelor's graduates in English, linguistics or applied linguistics moving into specialist English language work.

Career Pathways

The UK and international English language sector is a substantial employer across teaching, publishing, assessment, materials and academic editing. MA graduates typically progress into senior teaching, materials, examinations or academic-editing roles. Typical destinations include:

English Teacher (senior — university EAP, ELT centre, international school)
Academic Editor (academic publisher, journal editorial, doctoral-thesis editing)
Examinations Officer (Cambridge Assessment-style organisation, IELTS partner)
Lecturer (further education, professional ELT teacher training)
Educational Materials Writer (major ELT publisher, examination board)
Director of Studies (university language centre, ELT institution)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in English linguistics or applied linguistics, or for senior leadership in ELT institutions.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.