Applied Linguistics (International) - MA

During this programme, you will:  

• Examine how language operates and its role in society, including in technology, media, education, and policymaking. 

• Learn how language can be used to solve real-world problems, as applied linguistics focuses on studying and understanding language in real-life situations. 

• Develop a perspective on language in different context and culture by developing expertise in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and language research methodologies. 

• Gain international experience through an oversees semester, as well as a 12-week international summer internship.

Key Information:

• Delivered on-campus 

• Completed full-time over one year 

• Modules delivered across autumn and spring semester 

• Dissertation completed in the summer semester 

Students may opt to: 

• Replace the spring semester with an academic internship at a partner university 

• Substitute the dissertation with a 12-week internship or international placement 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, workshops, and applied learning 

• Reflective practice and supervised research 

Year 1 

Autumn Semester 

Core modules 

• Applied Linguistics (LI6021) will introduce you to key concepts in applied linguistics, exploring how language is acquired, used, and analysed in real-world contexts. 

• Research Methodologies (RM6011) will develop your ability to design, conduct, and evaluate research in applied linguistics, so you can analyse data and apply research methods effectively. 

• Approaches to Discourse Analysis (LI6071) will introduce you to key methods for analysing spoken and written discourse, helping you examine how language shapes meaning in different contexts. 

Electives - Choose 2 from the following: 

• Language for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Organisations (LI6141) - Subject to availability
• Theories and Applications in Translation Studies (TR6001)
• Varieties in English (LI6051) - Subject to availability
• SLA Theories and Classroom Applications in Organisations (CTE6011) OR Professional Language Use for Language Teachers (TE6021)
• Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Studies (AW6001)  

Spring Semester 

Core modules 

• Applied Linguistics II (LI6072) will examine how discourse shapes inequality, globalisation influences language use, and individuals navigate linguistic and cultural identities. 

• Emerging and Established Technologies in Language Studies (LI6102) will explore the interrelationships between language, emerging and established technologies 

OR 

• External Academic Placement (LI6022) will give you the opportunity to study abroad at one of UL’s partner institutions, enhancing your intercultural communication skills while deepening your knowledge of applied linguistics. 

Electives - Choose 2 from the following: 

• Pragmatics and Applied Linguistics (LI6082) - Subject to availability
• Contemporary Approaches in Translation Theory and Practice (TR6002)
• Language Systems 2 (LI5931) OR Professional Language Use for Language Teachers 2 (TE6002) OR Language Pedagogy for ELT (TE6012)
• Media and Language Studies (eg. Critical Economic and Media studies) (JM6012)
• Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students (AW6001)  

Summer Semester 

• Research Dissertation in the area of 
  Applied Linguistics (LI6014 & LI6024) will enable you to conduct independent research, applying theoretical and methodological skills to produce a dissertation that contributes to the field. You will work closely with a supervisor to develop your research design, analyse data, and present a coherent academic argument. 

OR  

• Applied Linguistics (International) Praxis (LI6013) will allow you to apply your linguistic knowledge on a 12-week internship or placement in an international setting. 

This programme will go ahead if it meets minimum enrolment number.   

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8,) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline, such as language studies, linguistics, applied linguistics, media, communication, or technology.  

• The university may shortlist and interview applicants. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Personal Statement 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements   

Guidelines on Completing your Application:  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €7,995

Non- EU - €18,600

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie). 

 
Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers: 

• Teaching at various levels, including university
• School management
• Translation and linguistic consultancy
• Business and corporate communication
• Publishing and materials development 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions 

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Marta Fortes-Saez graduated from our MA in Applied Linguistics in 2019. 

“If you like languages and you are interested in learning a lot about not only how to teach a language but how language works, how it works in politics, in society, the power of language. It’s just amazing.”