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MA APPLIED LINGUISTICS & INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH50P
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
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.
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
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.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 1 (2:1) in a cognate discipline such as languages, linguistics, media, communication and English. Applicants with a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) may be considered on a case by case basis.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
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. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal statement
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.