This programme has been specially designed for those who may have little or no substantial teaching experience but who wish to gain a substantial postgraduate qualification early in their professional lives in the field of ELT / TESOL. It is a twelve-month, full-time, programme of study, consisting of a taught course followed by a dissertation. Its aim is to provide an introduction to the academic disciplines that relate to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL / ELT). At the same time, it provides a strong professional foundation for developing practical teaching skills.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will have a good undergraduate degree or equivalent in a field related to language, English, or education. Note that final year undergraduate students may apply early if they can indicate their expected GPA or final degree result. Such applicants may receive conditional offers, thus ensuring a place on our MA if they subsequently achieve a good degree result and fulfil the conditions of their offer. Early application is strongly recommended as demand for places on this MA is high.

International students need to have an English language score of 6.5 on the IELTS test (normally with at least 6.5 in the Reading and Writing components), or the equivalent on a test approved by the UK Border Agency. The English language test certificate should be submitted with the online application form.

For those whose scores fall very slightly below the required level when they apply, studying on our pre-sessional course in English language and study skills may be deemed satisfactory.

The programme (2010-11 onwards)

Term One (October to December)

• English Language Teaching Methodology (15 credits)
• Second Language Acquisition and Classroom Language Learning (15 credits)
• Lexis and Grammar (10 credits)
• Spoken English (10 credits)
• Text and Discourse Analysis (10 credits)
• Research Methodology (15 credits - continuing in Term Two)

Term Two (January to March)

• Syllabus, Materials, and Task Design (15 credits)
• Professional Practice (English Language Teaching Studies and Methods) (30 credits)
• Research Methodology (15 credits - continued from Term One)

 And one of the following* (15 credits each):

• English as an International Language
• English for Young Learners
• ICT in ELT
• Language Testing
• Literature and Drama in ELT
• Professional and Academic Discourse

* A limit may be put on numbers taking some additional modules, and their availability in any particular year may be subject to change.

Term Three (April onwards)

• Dissertation (45 credits) on a topic related to English language studies or teaching

The nature of the work

The course aims to develop in the student an understanding of a range of disciplines and areas of professional activity which underpin the field of ELT / TESOL and constitute its focus and its concerns.

The course is taught by means of lectures, seminars, workshops, microteaching and tutorials. In addition, there is guided reading, a number of written assignments and a portfolio of practical work. In the final phase, students work individually on their dissertations with the support of a supervisor.

Assessment

Assessment is by a written assignment for each module followed plus a final dissertation. The written assignments are 3,000 words in length, apart from the assignments for Grammar of English, Spoken English and Text and Discourse Analysis, which are 2,000 words each, and the assignment on the Professional Practice course, which is 6,000 words. The final dissertation is 15,000 words in length. Students must normally pass in each component, thus gaining a total of 180 credits, to be awarded the degree. The MA can be awarded with Distinction.

Modular Structure

The course is organised on a modular basis.

The whole course may be taken together within one academic year, beginning in October. Alternatively, students may complete the work in termly sections in different academic years but with a maximum of four years.

More information, for those thinking of applying to this programme

MA in ELT(SM) core module tutors

Peter Brown

 Richard Smith

Programme Leader and Admissions Tutor: Ema Ushioda