This MA is a twelve month, full-time, post-experience programme of study. However, it can also be taken as a part-time programme over two years. It consists of a taught course followed by a dissertation. The aim of the degree is to explore the relationship between theory and practice in language teaching and also to introduce you to important practice and research in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The ESP specialism of this MA is suitable for those interested in either English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) or English Academic Purposes (EAP).

This MA, with its unique specialism in ESP, is now one of the only MA programmes of its type in the UK. The emphasis is on exploring the relationship between theory and practice in your own areas of interest and your future teaching context (previous or future). The programme has been designed for qualified and experienced teachers from a variety of professional backgrounds. The degree is particularly suitable for teachers at secondary and tertiary levels and for company trainers in overseas organisations and institutions, both public and private.

If you would like to discuss your suitability for this programme or if you want to clarify any aspect of the MA, please contact Dr Steve Mann at The Centre for Applied Linguistics.

Eny 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 in English Language Teaching

Core Modules

• Applied Linguistics
• Text and Discourse Analysis

 Options: Choose TWO

• The Grammar of English
• Psychology of Language Classroom Practices
• Spoken English

Term Two

Professional Practice

Core modules

• Teaching English for Specific Purposes
• 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
• Language Testing
• Reading in a Second Language
• Teacher Training
• 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 ESP (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 and ESP problems.

The course is taught by means of lectures, seminars and workshops. 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 courses followed (3000 words on each except for the Professional Practice course 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 with a maximum of four years.

Admissions Tutor: Dr Steve Mann Steve.Mann@warwick.ac.uk