the United Kingdom
Lancaster University| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA, PG Cert, PG Dip | Part-time | 2 years | - | - | - |
Advanced skills for professionals with responsibility for language testing and assessment at institutional, regional or national level. Lancaster University is one of the best places in the world to study language testing, and we offer a full set of UK-accredited academic qualifications.
The Master’s programme helps you develop a solid grounding in language test development and evaluation, and in research design. An ideal stepping-stone to advance your career.
Why Lancaster?
Your future in language testing
Do you want to understand how language tests work and how second language learning and assessment is researched? Establish a foundation in language test development and evaluation, as well as research design and implementation? Explore technical and practical issues faced by language testing professionals?
On our part-time, online MA in Language Testing you will develop the advanced skills and knowledge you need to progress in language testing and assessment. We’ll explore major recent developments in language testing and discuss current thinking and good practice. By the end of your studies, you’ll be confident in developing assessments and policies for your context that meet international standards and in carrying out research independently.
Expert teaching
Lancaster has a worldwide reputation for excellence in language testing. We rank very highly in international and national rankings for Linguistics.
Staff members have led and contributed to numerous language testing projects, including national test development projects in many countries and international test development and assessment projects in English and other languages. You will benefit from their expert tuition.
Flexible. Supportive. Collaborative.
The programme is delivered via Lancaster’s high-quality virtual learning site. You will have access to the University’s extensive online library resources and custom-made learning materials.
You will have the flexibility to study alongside your work and personal commitments from anywhere in the world. You’ll always feel supported, thanks to close interaction with your tutors, detailed feedback on your work, and opportunities to collaborate and share experiences with other students.
What will I study?
Our programme is designed for part-time study over two years. You will take a series of online modules and carry out a dissertation project. You’ll have the opportunity to base your coursework and dissertation research on issues within your own educational or professional context.
In each module you will engage with tasks and targeted reading on specific topics, perhaps introduced with short video lectures. Tasks may include individual responses and reflection or more practical work, for example, evaluating test items. You will share your ideas with other students via online forums, and comment on their contributions.
The tutor will provide thorough, tailored feedback on these tasks at the end of each unit (week). For every module, you will also participate in work on one or two more substantial tasks, involving preparation in a small group of students. These tasks create the input for other students to review and comment on.
There will be plenty of opportunities to interact with peers and your tutors. The international reach of the programme allows you to learn from the diverse experience and expertise of the other students as well as of your tutors. Equally important, you will contribute and reflect on your own experience and values.
Programme options
We offer a suite of postgraduate level awards in Language Testing:
The Certificate and Diploma programmes each comprise a sub-set of modules from the Master's programme, offering shorter study pathways.
This flexibility is valuable to those who are combining study with work or other responsibilities, or who are not in a position to commit straightaway to a two-year Master’s programme.
After successfully completing the Certificate, you can apply for the Diploma or the Master's with exemption and a discount for modules already taken. Similarly, after the Diploma, you can apply for the Master's and carry out a dissertation project.
Please contact [email protected] for further information.
2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study.
Additional requirements
You will have teaching experience, and, ideally, a current post with responsibility for language test design, construction or evaluation. We may consider alternative language teaching or testing backgrounds.
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Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Lancaster University. Read more about the requirements in our Guide to the United Kingdom International Student Visa Requirements.
