ObjectivesTo enable students to develop systematic understanding of existing linguistically-informed research into how second languages are learned. To make students aware of the variety of methodologies used in teaching second/foreign languages, and of current trends in language teaching. To cultivate in students a critical awareness of the relationship between evidence and theory in the investigation of the learning and teaching of second/foreign languages. To provide specialist training in the research methods and techniques of Applied Linguistics, and to give students the opportunity to apply those methods and techniques in the design of an original research project. To empower students to undertake advanced original research using the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired during the programme.
Entry requirementsEntry Qualifications A good BA honours (or equivalent) degree (2:1 or above). For non-native speakers of English, an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TEOFL score of 580 (computer based 230). Some prior knowledge of Linguistics is useful but not essential.
Academic titleMA Applied Linguistics Research
Course description
Course Description
The MA in Applied Linguistic Research is similar to the Department's MA in Applied Linguistics (which explores the results of recent empirical studies of second language acquisition, focusing on how learners develop L2 knowledge and what role classroom practice plays in that development) but with a primary focus on research methods training, both quantitative and qualitative.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: APPROACHES TO SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Compulsory: ASSIGNMENT WRITING AND DISSERTATION PREPARATION
Compulsory: DEVELOPMENTAL SECOND LANGUAGE SYNTAX
Compulsory: EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
Compulsory: FOUNDATIONS OF LINGUISTICS
Compulsory: NON-EXPERIMENTAL QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
Compulsory: QUALITATIVE METHODOLOGY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING/APPLIED LINGUISITICS RESEARCH
Core: DISSERTATION: MA
CORPORA IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN L2 LEARNING
INPUT IN LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING
LANGUAGE TEACHING
TOPICS IN HEAD-DRIVEN PHRASE STRUCTURE GRAMMAR
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Systematic understanding of major research questions, leading ideas and controversies in research into second language acquisition.
A2 : Understanding of the rationale underlying the main language teaching methods.
A3 : Familiarity with the central concepts of modern generative grammar, and how they are applied to questions and problems in research into second language acquisition.
A4 : Understanding of the relationship between theory and evidence in research into language.
A5 : Knowledge of the techniques and methods of analysis used in linguistically informed research into second language acquisition.
Teaching Methods
Methods employed include:
Lectures, seminars and classes (A1-5)
Individual supervision for work leading to the dissertation (A1-5)
Library and web materials (A1-5)
Independent learning and research (A1-5)
Computer lab sessions (A5)
Written/oral feedback on assessed coursework (A1-5)
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Analysis and description of complex language data.
B2 : Use of evidence to support argumentation.
B3 : Critical evaluation of argumentation.
B4 : Production of coherent, well-researched and well-argued writing.
B5 : Formulating research hypotheses, planning and managing a research project.
Teaching Methods
Methods employed include:
Exercise material in seminars and classes (B1-4)
Library and web materials (B2,3)
Coursework essays and written/oral feedback (B1-5)
Dissertation supervision (B1-5)
Seminar in research design (B5)
Independent learning and research (B1-5)
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : To use text-based and on-line resources to address specific research questions.
C2 : To analyse linguistic datasets in terms of their grammatical properties.
C3 : To apply descriptive statistics to results from language research and be aware of the role of inferential statistics in language research.
C4 : To initiate, plan and carry out an original research project.
Teaching Methods
Methods employed include:
Lectures, seminars and classes (C1,2)
Exercise material in seminars and classes (C1,2)
Library and web materials (C1-4)
Coursework essays and written/oral feedback (C1,2)
Dissertation supervision (C1-4)
Seminar in research design (C3,4)
Independent learning and research (C1-4)
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : (a) Ability to write coherent, concise and informed responses in essays, reviews, reports, using technical terms appropriately. (b) Ability to present a coherent, concise and informed line of argument orally.
D2 : (a) Basic word processing and internet skills. (b) Ability to communicate through e-mail. (c) Ability to use on-line library resources in investigating research questions.
D3 : (a) Ability to use descriptive statistics (b) Awareness of the role of basic inferential statistics
D4 : (a) Ability to apply linguistic tools in the analysis of unseen data (b) Ability to produce well-organised responses to new problems
D6 : (a) Ability to evaluate own written work critically. (b) Knowledge of the key resources in the discipline required for pursuing own learning further.
Teaching Methods
Methods employed include:
Lectures, seminars and classes (D1,3)
Non-assessed workshop and training courses (D1,2)
Exercise material in seminars and classes (D4)
Library and web materials (D6)
Coursework essays and written/oral feedback (D1,2,4,6)
Dissertation supervision (D1,2,3,4,6)
Seminar in research design (D3,4,6)
Independent learning and research (D2,6)
Assessment Methods
Assessment of key skills forms part of the assessment of coursework essays, practical exercises and the research dissertation.