Develop skills in using language and discourse data to solve real-world problems relevant to the use and learning of languages. With access to large collections of language data used in different settings and new digital methods for analysing these collections, the way we understand how languages are used and learned is evolving. Language and Discourse Analysis specialises in data-driven language use and learning and choosing this field of study will upgrade your expertise in digital and data literacy. Build an excellent understanding of the issues involved in communication across languages and cultures, and gain an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of human languages. These valuable skills apply to real-world policy and practice in applied linguistics and arm you with the experience to transfer between industries across the globe.

Alongside foundation and core applied linguistics courses, students on the Language and Discourse Analysis Field of Study can take courses in: - Language in use Explore the way language is used in different communicative situations, and study how what is meant always goes beyond what is simply said or written. - Language, culture and communication Study the relationship between language, culture and social interaction. Understand the similarities and differences across languages and cultures, and the ways in which these factors affect communication. Explore language structure and use, interpersonal behaviour, communication patterns, identity and cultural values. - Quantitative research methods Examine and apply basic statistical tools used in quantitative research to learning and using languages. Ground yourself in the logic and scope of quantitative reasoning and statistics in language research and be exposed to the statistical techniques commonly used by practitioners. - Corpus Linguistics Learn to study texts using computers and cover the fundamental concepts and methods of corpus linguistics and text analysis through a hands-on approach. You will explore collections of texts, applying computational methods, and investigate examples of how corpus is used to analyse language.

Data analytics is reshaping how we approach real-world problems, and employers are increasingly seeking graduates with higher levels of digital and data literacy. The ability to apply data analytic methods to large datasets of text to inform policy and practice in applied linguistics is a sought-after skill in educational settings, as well as in government and industry more broadly. Taking the Language and Discourse Analysis Field of Study gives you an understanding of key aspects of human communication, providing you with transferrable skills to work in areas of interpersonal and intercultural communication, second language learning and teaching, language assessment, education, and language-related data analysis and technologies. Our programs provide opportunities for virtual internships and relevant part-time jobs which support finding employment in government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), educational institutions, and businesses.