Linguistics - Applied Linguistics

Our MA Applied Linguistics programme, offered by the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, will provide you with the tools to describe language from various analytical perspectives and with insight and training in various branches of applied linguistics. In addition, we encourage the development of key research skills in terms of methodological training for conducting research in this field.



Invited guest speakers, who are international specialists in their field, add to the richness of our department and reflect student interests in any particular year. The thesis component of our programme allows specialisation on a research topic of specific interest to you.



While the previous study of linguistics is not required, the course will specifically interest you if you are a language graduate or have an interest in a language-related career, such as language teaching, journalism, communications, media, speech and language therapy.



This one-year MA course will appeal to a wide range of people, including present and future language teachers, and those interested in the various areas of linguistics. The programme consists of two parts totalling 90 credits in total.



Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics

Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics.

Modules

Part I
 (45 credits)

AL6011 General Aspects of Linguistic Theory (15 credits)


AL6012 Applied Aspects of Linguistics (15 credits)


AL6013 Optional Areas of Specialisation in Applied Linguistics (15 credits)



Part II
 (45 credits)

AL6010 Dissertation in Applied Linguistics (45 credits)

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) which includes a language.



Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), subject to adequate proof of relevant additional work experience or background knowledge as assessed by the programme coordinators in an interview.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

The course is assessed by assignments in various forms such as practical exercises, oral presentations and essays. A minor thesis is also a requirement.

1 year full-time.

Start Date: 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

This MA programme will specifically interest language graduates and those with an interest in language issues in society and a language-related career. Given the diverse branches of Applied Linguistics, students have considerable scope for specialisation in a research area of specific interest to them. A further strength of the programme is the training students receive in Research Methods, thereby developing generic skills which graduates will continue to draw upon in their future careers as well as in subsequent study at the doctoral level for example.



Occupations associated with Applied Linguistics:

Language Teaching, Education & Research

Journalism

Communications & Media

Public Relations

Speech and Language Therapy

Translator



While these are examples of career areas, the generic and transferrable skills developed in the MA programme will be helpful in all career paths.