The Centre for Applied Linguistics has a long-established international reputation for its taught postgraduate programmes at MA level. The MA courses available from the Centre are:

• English Language Teaching (Studies and Methods) (for those with little or no substantial teaching experience)
• English Language Teaching
• English Language Teaching (with a Specialism in English for Specific Purposes) 
• English Language Teaching (with a Specialism in English for Young Learners)
• English Language Teaching (with a Specialism in ICT and Multimedia)
• English Language Teaching (with a Specialism in Testing and Assessment) ( in collaboration with Cambridge ESOL)

The programmes are available both full-time and part time. For those who cannot take a full year out to study, it is possible to spread the programme over more than one year, and up to a maximum of four, by attending the university for one full-time term in successive years.

The MA degree programmes focus on the development of particular professional and academic skills, and their foundation in theory and research. Each programme has its own distinctive character which is reflected in its core courses and in the choice of dissertation topics. Each is a taught, full-time programme which lasts for twelve months. Students choose the programme which is most appropriate to their academic background, their teaching experience and their future professional plans.

In recent years, the MA programmes have attracted students from more than 90 different countries: from Britain; Western and Eastern Europe; Africa and the Arab World; South, South East, East and Central Asia; North, South and Central America. The students come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Some have come straight from university. Others are experienced teachers and many have had a substantial professional record. They may have previously worked as teachers and heads of department in primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities; as curriculum developers, inspectors and administrators in Ministries of Education; as teacher trainers in colleges and universities; as teachers of English for Specific Purposes in universities, colleges, private schools and companies. Many former students now occupy senior positions throughout the world.

Following the MA programmes is an opportunity to exchange ideas and experience and to build up friendships and professional networks, whilst developing substantial academic and professional expertise.

Dissertation

A 15,000 word dissertation is the final piece of assessed work in all the MA programmes. Students are encouraged to select a dissertation topic relating to linguistic or professional dimensions of the programme followed and are often able to relate their research to their existing or intended professional role. Within each of the specialised MA programmes, there is a requirement that the dissertation topic should be selected from within the area of specialisation.

The nature of the work in the MA programmes

Courses are taught by means of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. There is extensive guided reading and a number of written assignments. These assignments may be very varied in nature. Some are in the form of long essays, some incorporate analytical exercises with texts, some involve writing portfolios of material with a range of aims and focus. In each programme, Research Methods occupy an important position. As well as providing a broad overview of research in ELT, this prepares students to carry out research for the dissertation with the support of a supervisor.

The different degree programmes are made distinctive by the range of required modules, the Professional Practice modules and the requirement to select a dissertation topic which falls within the different areas.

Within each of the degrees, there is ample opportunity for students to tailor their own programmes in accordance with their professional and academic aspirations and experience. Individuals may select options, assignment topics and their dissertation topic in accordance with their own particular interests or context.

Note: Students initially registered for ELT, ESP or EYL who for any good reason wish to 'mix' their specialisms (eg. by focusing on different fields for their Professional Practice module and their dissertation) are quite free to do so. They will be awarded an MA in English Language Teaching.

Assessment

Assessment of all the programmes is by coursework and dissertation. Assignments on most modules are of 3,000 words. Professional Practice modules involve coursework of 6,000 words, and the final dissertation is of 15,000 words. There are no formal examinations.

Download MA Handbook