Applied linguistics addresses real-life language problems through insights gained from current linguistic theory, psychology and education.

This University of Essex MA is designed for people who want to know more about how foreign or second languages (particularly English) are learned, and how different kinds of classroom practice might affect proficiency. Students explore different approaches to understanding language and language acquisition, and the methods that can be used to investigate language learning and teaching. Students select a mixture of modules on language learning and its application to classroom practices.

Students can choose areas of special study from a wide range of options, including: teaching speaking and listening skills to language learners, psychological factors in second language learning, literature and language-learning, and age and bilingual development.