Accessibility statement

Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity MOOC

If you successfully complete our Accents, Attitudes and Identity MOOC, we will consider you for an alternative offer up to one A-Level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

How to access the MOOC

This University of York MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is freely available and delivered in partnership with FutureLearn. Topics include:

  • attitudes to accents in the UK
  • how sociolinguists describe/classify accents, and measure people's attitudes towards them
  • the relationship between accent and identity
  • why accents matter in the real world

The course is particularly useful for students looking to study English Language or Linguistics at university. It aims to help students successfully prepare for a university English Language and/or Linguistics degree and so can be used as an alternative to completing an EPQ and/or as supporting evidence in your UCAS application.

The course is 4 weeks in length and is completely free of charge to anyone who registers for a FutureLearn account (also free).

How to demonstrate completion of the MOOC

To be considered for an alternative UCAS offer you will need to demonstrate successful completion of our MOOC as evidenced in the following two ways:

  1. We will review your FutureLearn profile. We will be looking for evidence of your engagement in the course through, for example, your having made regular contributions to discussions throughout the four weeks of the course.
  2. You will need to complete the Attitudes and Identity MOOC completion form before the 30 June in the academic year you submit your UCAS application. For example, if you apply in October 2024, you must submit the form by 30 June 2025. Similarly, if you apply in January 2025, you must also submit the form by 30 June 2025.  You may complete the MOOC completion form before you submit your UCAS application if you would like to, but this is not compulsory.

You do not need to pay for upgrade access to the MOOC to take the tests on the course or to obtain a certificate of completion. These are not required to demonstrate completion of the MOOC for the purposes of your UCAS application. You can participate in the whole course without having to do the tests. You can demonstrate completion by completing the Attitudes and Identity MOOC completion form, as described above.

Who to contact