Centre for Applied Linguistics

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MA in English Language Teaching (ELT)

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This MA programme has been designed for teachers who have at least two years teaching experience. It can be taken as a one year, full-time programme or as a two-year part-time programme. Our students are normally graduates, although in rare cases other qualifications may be taken into account.

The MA consists of a taught course followed by a dissertation. Its aim is to provide an understanding of the theoretical foundations of language teaching and to explore the relationship between theory and different aspects of language teaching in order to bring about improvements in practice. Feedback from students, external examiners and external bodies consistently rates this programme as excellent.

This internationally recognised programme attracts qualified, trained and experienced teachers from a variety of professional backgrounds and from a variety of countries. As well as experienced teachers, we attract teacher trainers, materials writers, university lecturers, and Ministries of Education staff.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will normally have a good honours degree or the equivalent in the field of English, language study and/or education. They will have a minimum of two years of full-time teaching experience. International students need to have an English language score of 6.5 on the IELTS test (with at least 6.0 in the Reading and Writing components), 600 on TOEFL, 250 TOEFL CBT or BBC/BCC in WELT. Some international students may attend part of the pre-sessional course in English language and study skills if their score falls slightly below the required level when they apply.

The programme

Term One

Theoretical Background to English Language Teaching

Core Module

Applied Linguistics

Options

Choose three

The Grammar of English
Psychology of Language Classroom Practices
Spoken English
Text and Discourse Analysis

Term Two

Professional Practice

Core modules

Developing English Language Teaching
Research Methodology

Specialist Interest Options

Choose two

Literature in English Language Teaching
Phonology and the Teaching of Pronunciation
Teaching for Intercultural Competence
Approaches to Teaching Grammar
Teacher Training
Language Testing
Reading in a Second Language
Management of Educational Institutions
Computer Assisted Language Learning
Teaching Writing in a Second Language

Term Three

Research Methodology leading to a Dissertation on a topic related to ELT (15,000 words)

The nature of the work

Students are encouraged to develop an understanding of underlying principles of language teaching and of ways in which these might be applied in the solution of particular ELT problems.

The course is taught by means of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. In addition, there is much guided reading and a number of written assignments in the form of long essays and portfolios of materials. Students are introduced to research methodology which will assist them in carrying out the research for the dissertation with the support of a supervisor.

Assessment

Assessment is by written assignments on modules followed (3000 words on each except for the Professional Practice module which requires 6000) and the final dissertation of 15000 words. Students must normally pass in each component 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 within a maximum of four years.