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With over 1.5 billion people learning English worldwide, the demand for those who can analyse, teach and harness the language has never been greater. And if you have a specialised degree in Corpus Linguistics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Language Testing, you’re set to unlock career opportunities worldwide.
Corpus Linguistics is the quantitative analysis of language data using specialised software. TESOL equips you to teach the English language and design curriculum. Language Testing focuses on understanding and developing language tests.
Graduates of Lancaster University’s online MA programmes in these fields do well. Thanks to each MA’s focus on transferable skills, they can reach for roles within and beyond their specific sub-field. “The modules offer a balance between theory and practice, preparing students for the competitive international job market,” says Vaclav Brezina, Professor in Corpus Linguistics. “ For instance, students can learn statistical data analysis without any prior knowledge of statistics and data analysis. This will considerably enhance their chances of applying for highly skilled and managerial positions in an international job market.
Linguistics department at Lancaster University is ranked 3rd in the 2024 QS World Rankings. Source: Lancaster University
Unlock the power of language at Lancaster University
Lancaster University is home to one of the best linguistics departments in the world. The Times league table ranks the Linguistics department at Lancaster 2nd and the 2024 QS World rankings ranks the department 3rd in the world. Going beyond traditional language studies, the university equips students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re new or have years of experience, these MAs are designed to help you thrive.
The Corpus Linguistics (Distance) MA stands out for its focus on analysing large linguistic datasets. Students have access to Lancaster’s corpus research centre, the ESRC Centre for Corpus Approaches to Social Science (CASS), and learn to use advanced technology to explore the structure of the English language and apply corpus linguistic methods to discourse analysis, educational materials development, and more.
The Language Testing (Distance) MA caters to professionals involved in language assessment at institutional, regional, or national levels. Students build a foundation in designing, constructing, and evaluating language tests, ensuring their work adheres to international standards of validity and reliability. Many graduates have gone on to contribute to language test development and policy-making in educational institutions and government bodies worldwide, with several even earning international recognition for their work.
Either Corpus Linguistics or Language Testing can be the areas of specialisation in the TESOL MA. In your core courses, you’ll explore second language learning theories, teaching pedagogies, and classroom-based research. These are paired with a practical introduction to key corpus linguistic techniques such as concordance analysis and the analysis of wordlists and ngram lists, and modules on the ways in which language tests are constructed and evaluated.
Flexible and accessible
Lancaster’s online MAs were designed with flexibility in mind. You can apply to join in September and start studying in October. If you want to be part of the Corpus Linguistics programme, you can start studying for free via the Corpus MOOC on Future Learn first before taking on the full programme. The MOOC then counts towards your final degree.
“Students often take these courses in addition to their full-time employment – all the materials including lecture recordings, are availably asynchronously and are accessible 24/7 from any time zone,” says Prof. Brezina. “Students can organise their studies around their other duties – materials are available ahead of time so they can plan ahead of time and organise their studies in the most suitable way for their needs/ professional contexts.”
You can fix the length of your Lancaster MA too. Take a single or multiple three-month online course(s) for credit to expand your knowledge and skills in a specific area, a one-year postgraduate certificate or a full two-year master’s degree.
Perhaps the greatest thing about Lancaster’s online MA programmes is how it’s value for money. International students pay domestic fees and save on relocation costs. Although the MA is virtual, students get the same full support as those in on-campus programmes. From dedicated academic advisors and weekly feedback from tutors to individual consultations with dissertation supervisors, Lancaster ensures that every student has the guidance they need to succeed.
With a global community of over 170,000 alumni in more than 190 countries, Lancaster graduates are equipped to make an impact wherever their careers take them. Source: Lancaster University
You’ll become a globally employable graduate
Ranked third globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024, Lancaster’s reputation for excellence is well-known. Whether aiming to become a data analyst, educator, language tester, or manager, students at Lancaster benefit from a degree recognised and respected by employers. Lancaster University is one of the top 25 most targeted universities by the UK’s leading graduate employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2023 report, the largest and most authoritative annual survey of its kind.
A Lancaster degree is also seen as forward-thinking. Lancaster’s curriculum reflects and responds to technological advancements, such as large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Courses include insights into the latest breakthroughs in the field.
A team of experienced career professionals ensures your potential employers know this. Lancaster University has many links with industry to help graduates secure roles at home and abroad. These include organisations such as the British Council, Cambridge University Press and Assessment and Trinity College London, among others.
Many alumni have used their Lancaster degrees to secure promotions within their organisations, often advancing to management or data analytical positions. Others have used their degrees to upskill or embark on entirely new career paths, demonstrating the versatility and value of a Lancaster education.
