Applied Linguistics & Intercultural Studies

The MA in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies is a one-year full time (or two-year part-time) taught programme and is offered on a full-time basis using a combination of faculty-student contact hours and self-directed learning and research. It aims to provide students who already have a background in a foreign language and linguistics at undergraduate level with an opportunity to specialise at a postgraduate level in the areas of sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, corpus linguistics, bi- and multilingualism, second language pedagogy and the role of English in a globalised world. What makes this programme unique in Ireland is two-fold: the inclusion of Intercultural Studies, allowing students to expand their linguistic specialisation to cognate (inter)cultural contexts such as intercultural competence and the interplay of language and culture; and the genuinely multilingual orientation of the programme focusing not only on English, but also other international languages like French, German and Spanish. The programme introduces students to academic research, new ideas and approaches. It aims to equip students with academic, analytical, creative and reflective skills in order to foster interest and involvement in research in the fields of applied linguistics and intercultural studies.



The programme is structured into core (compulsory) and elective (optional) modules in order to ensure concomitantly a solid foundation in the core themes of Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies, and to provide students with the flexibility to pursue their chosen areas of interest and passion.



It is possible to study modules of particular interest without completing a Masters degree, or to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies after completing 60 credits of taught modules.

The programme comprises 30 ECTS credits of compulsory modules to ensure a solid foundation in the disciplines of Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies, 30 ECTS credits of elective modules for students to pursue particular areas of interest, and a 30 ECTS credit minor thesis of independent research under the supervision of a faculty member.

BA in a cognate discipline such as languages, linguistics, media, communication, English (with at least II.1 Honours degree) or equivalent (e.g. significant experiential learning).



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Commences September

The MA in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies equips its students for entry into a number of career paths, as well as providing existing practitioners and professionals with an opportunity for continuous professional development. These include: teaching at various levels (including university), school management, the business world, politics, publishing and marketing, the media, public relations, journalism, materials development, adult education and support, and indeed further study to PhD level. The PhD in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies at Maynooth University offers a tailored follow-on programme to the MA. Students will be able to engage deeply in researching a chosen topic in this area to qualify as a much sought-after specialist in applied linguistics and / or intercultural studies.