The Centre for Applied Linguistics at Warwick is an international centre of professional and academic excellence that focuses on language, culture and pedagogy. Research into areas of applied linguistics and the teaching of English as a foreign language, and professional and intercultural discourse, is extensive and varied. Students prepare for research degrees, taught postgraduate degrees, diplomas and postgraduate certificates. Our postgraduate degrees have received the highest available grades for the quality of the learning experience they offer to students.
Our students come from all over the world and opportunities for international exchange of views and experience are always available. Staff combine research activity with commitment to teaching excellence and most have extensive experience of working outside the UK. The Centre is committed to providing strong support, both academic and social, to all students.
Research Groups
English Language Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (ELLTA)
The ELLTA (English Language Learning, Teaching, and Assessment) research group has diverse interests relating to language learning and learners, pedagogy and classrooms, materials and tasks, testing and assessment, teachers and reflective practice, teacher education and development, culture and context. Members of the group draw on a wide range of work in linguistics, applied linguistics, ELT, psychology, education, autonomy theory, cultural studies, discourse analysis and critical pedagogy for the theoretical and analytical frameworks underpinning their research.
Professional and Academic Discourse (PAD)
Members of this group are investigating text and discourse in a variety of professional and academic social contexts. Within each project we seek to understand the situated nature of text production and use, and the implications for those involved in associated language events. Our approaches to analysis are varied, and include for example computerised investigation of corpora, conversation analysis, genre analysis and systemic functional linguistics.
Working and Communicating across Cultures (WACC)
The WACC group comprises staff and research students who are actively engaged in cross-cultural and intercultural research. Members meet about once every two weeks for discussion/guest talks. Topics of interest include: language use in different cultures and languages; the impact of cultural factors on social/professional communication; intercultural competence and assessment; culture, identity and adaptation (including culture shock and personal growth); the relationship between culture and pedagogy. Outputs from the group include the internationally renowned Global People resources www.globalpeople.org.uk.
Research Degrees
Master of Philosohy (MPhil)/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in ELT and Applied Linguistics
Duration:
PhD 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time
MPhil 2 years full-time
Research in the Centre focuses on the relationships between Applied Linguistics and professional practice in a range of international and multinational contexts, especially in the areas of English Language teaching and learning, professional discourse, and working across cultures. We are one of the leading centres nationally and internationally for work in these areas, and our aim is to continue to nurture and carry out high quality research.
Taught Master’s Degrees
MA in English Language Teaching
Standard Duration: 1 year full-time, 4 years part-time
Places available: 40
This MA has five strands; it can be taken with Specialisms in the following areas:
ICT and Multimedia; English for Specific Purposes; English to Young Learners and Testing and Assessment. The programme is aimed at teachers with at least two year’s professional experience and is suitable for experienced teachers; teacher trainers; materials writers and University lecturers. Graduates typically go on to teach English as a Foreign language in schools or universities with higher levels of responsibility.
MA in English Language Teaching (Studies and Methods)
Duration: 1 year full-time, 4 years part-time
Places available: 60
This degree has two strands; it can be taken with Specialisms in Studies & Methods and ICT & Multimedia, and is aimed at teachers with less than two year’s professional experience. The course is aimed at those with little or no experience but who wish to gain a substantial postgraduate qualification. Graduates go on to teach English as a Foreign language in schools or universities with higher levels of responsibility.
MSc Intercultural Communication for Business and the Professions
Standard Duration: 1 year full-time; 4 years part-time
Places available: 40
This course is aimed at people who are working in international or multicultural contexts or who wish to do so. It provides in-depth training in intercultural communication, with a focus on its relevance to people working in business or in other professions (e.g. education, medicine, PR). Graduates typically combine this expertise with the specialism of their first degree, and go into fields such as international business, education, or international development work.
