Applied Linguistics

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma and Master's in Applied Linguistics provide a broad-based course of study in language description (language systems; grammar, lexis, and phonology), theories of Applied Linguistics, theories of Second Language Acquisition, frameworks for the study of discourse, sociolinguistics, as well as specialist research skills for the empirical analysis of language in context. While the programmes' main focus is on the use and teaching of the English language in a global context, they addresses a national and international need for professional development among language teachers and language professionals.



Key Features

The programmes offer a professional development opportunity for language professionals including:

• Teachers in the fields of ELT (English Language Teaching) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

• Language teachers

• Primary school teachers

• Translators

• ELT materials editors, course developers and sales teams



The aim of the Graduate Diploma/MA in Applied Linguistics is to:

• Enhance the professional knowledge of Language Teachers and language professionals by focusing on the core features of language (grammar, lexis and phonology)

• Develop participants’ ability to utilise theoretical frameworks for the analysis of discourse to enhance their ability to address specific language-related real-world problems concerning the learning, use, teaching and assessment of language

• Provide a broad understanding of the key issues and debates in language teaching and learning

• Develop specialist skills in the empirical analysis of language in context using corpus linguistics



Programme Content

Typically, the MA programme runs over three 12-week semesters. Semesters 1 and 2 each have four taught modules (lectures and course work). Semester 3 is dedicated to the writing of a dissertation. The three semesters can be taken back-to-back in one calendar year (September–August), using the summer period for the dissertation. Alternatively, instead of completing the dissertation in the summer period, students can choose to complete it in the following (Autumn) semester. Part-time options are also available (2-3 years).



On the Graduate Diploma programme, students take the taught modules of the MA programme, but do not complete a dissertation. This means that the programme can be completed in two semesters (typically Autumn and Spring), but part-time options (2-3 years) are also available. Graduate Diploma students who successfully complete the programme have the option of progressing to an MA later by completing the Master’s dissertation.



Each module involves ongoing assessment, such as essays and oral presentations. For those students opting for the blended and online delivery formats, the assessments have online options for completion.

Semester 1

Core Features of Language: Grammar, Vocabulary and Phonology

Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

Academic Writing: Lexicogrammar and Discourse

Plus one elective module* from this list:

Introduction to Sociolinguistics

Second Language Acquisition



Semester 2

Approaches to Language in Context

Issues in Applied Linguistics

Research Methods

Plus one elective module* from this list:

Corpus Linguistics and Language Teaching

Discourse and Pragmatics



* Electives will be offered on the basis of their being an adequate level of student uptake.



Semester 3 (Applies to MA only)

Dissertation (20,000 words)

A 2.2 honours primary degree, plus an interest in language and linguistics. Alternatively, relevant prior experience in Language Teaching, publishing or translation, or related fields considered on a case-by-case basis.



English Language Requirements: Go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements

How to Apply

Please see "Application Weblink" above.



EU Applicants:

Closing date for applications for January intake is 4pm, Monday 12 January 2026.



Non-EU Applicants

Closing date for non-EU applicants for September intake is 18 August 2026.



For Further Information:

EU Applicants:

061 205160 / 204348

TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie



Non-EU Applicants:

+353 61 204988 / +353 61 774787

International@mic.ul.ie

12-16 months/2-3 years. Delivery Mode: Fully online/Blended/Face to Face.

Career Opportunities

The programme creates a professional development opportunity for those working in the following areas:

• Language teaching and language education in general

• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) / Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) / Teaching English as an Additional Language (TEAL) (in primary, secondary and adult education contexts).

• Learning materials editing and publishing

• Language course development

• Translation



Other careers associated with Applied Linguistics lie in the areas of communications, journalism, speech and language therapy, media and public relations.



Further Study

Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics students who successfully complete the programme have the option of progressing to the MA in Applied Linguistics later by completing the MA dissertation. For those interested in pursuing an academic career in teaching and researching at third level, a PhD is an essential requirement. The MA in Applied Linguistics can create a structured pathway to an academic career in the area of Applied Linguistics through MIC’s Structured PhD in Applied Linguistics.