First English Language course for graduates introduced

Oxford University is introducing a new Master's course in English Language for the first time in the University's history. Applications open on 1 September 2011 for graduates hoping to study English Language in October 2012 and the window will close in March 2012. Although English Language has never been taught as a Master's course to graduates at Oxford before, the English Faculty will make up for lost time by offering some students on the course the opportunity to work as interns on the Oxford English Dictionary and other dictionaries produced by Oxford University Press. Professor Deborah Cameron of the English Faculty, who is organising the course, said: 'People around the world associate Oxford with the English Language: it's the home of the Oxford English Dictionary, and over the years the English Faculty has produced many distinguished English language scholars - J.R.R. Tolkien, for instance. "It's great that we're bringing Oxford's traditions up to date by introducing a graduate course in English Language" Professor Deborah Cameron 'So it's great that we're bringing Oxford's traditions up to date by introducing a graduate course in English Language.' The MSt in English language is a one-year taught Master's degree programme designed for graduates in English, linguistics or other relevant subjects. Areas of study will include the history, structure and uses of the English language; social and cultural influences on its development and use; and theoretical and analytical approaches which have been used to study English.