MA Language Disorders

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA Language Disorders

Objectives This graduate programme provides students with the opportunity to: Acquire systematic understanding and knowledge of approaches to the study of language adopted in contemporary work in Linguistics, and of linguistic approaches to the study of language disorders Acquire advanced training in methods used to formulate, test and critically evaluate linguistically informed research hypotheses about the nature of language disorders, and in data collection, analysis and presentation techniques used in relevant empirical research Acquire a systematic understanding of styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in linguistically informed research into language disorders, and of methodological, theoretical and descriptive issues arising out of that research Develop a critical appreciation of a selection of recent linguistically informed advanced research and scholarship in language disorders acquire systematic understanding of techniques used to diagnose and treat language disorders Undertake (one or more small-scale pieces of) advanced research, showing originality and creativity Acquire a wide range of advanced cognitive skills, practical skills and key skills Acquire a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning
Entry requirements Entry 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 TOEFL score of 580 (computer based 230). Some prior knowledge of linguistics and or psychology is useful but not essential.
Academic title MA Language Disorders
Course description
Course Description
The MA in Language Disorders presents students with linguistic perspectives on the nature of language disorders, equips them with the linguistic techniques required to undertake research into language disorders, and familiarises them with how disorders are diagnosed and treated.

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: DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISORDERS
    Compulsory: EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
    Compulsory: FOUNDATIONS OF LINGUISTICS
    Compulsory: LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN ADULTS
    Compulsory: PHONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHONOLOGICAL DISORDERS
    Core: DISSERTATION: MA

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Systematic understanding and knowledge of approaches to the study of language adopted in contemporary work in Linguistics
    A2 : comprehensive understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation and evaluation criteria used in contemporary linguistically informed research in language disorders, and of associated methodological, theoretical and descriptive issues
    A3 : advanced training in methods and tools employed in contemporary linguistically informed research in language disorders to collect, analyse and present data with the goal of formulating and testing research hypotheses
    A4 : systematic knowledge of techniques used to diagnose and treat language disorders

    Teaching Methods
    A1-4 are addressed in lectures, as well as seminar, class and tutorial discussion. Web and istructional course materials, including library and internet materials are used to a achieve A1 and 2. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work.

    Assessment Methods
    A1-4 are assessed by written coursework in the form of essays (usually a 3000 word essay per course) and exercises. The dissertation is instrumental in the achievement of A3, being the most significant form of assessment with respect to the knowledge and understanding acquired in the taught part of the course.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : Critically evaluate theories, accounts, explanations, approaches, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between theory and data
    B2 : Abstract and synthesise complex information from a range of sources (lectures, seminars, classes, journals, books, internet etc.), making a critical assessment of its significance
    B3 : Make systematic observations and insightful generalisations about complex behaviour (or data, or other materials), and analyse the relevant material using advanced specialised techniques

    Teaching Methods
    B1 and B3 are developed in seminarys, classes and tutorials. B2 is developed in directed reading of library and internet materials, as well as printed instructional course materials. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written and oral feedback on work.

    Assessment Methods
    Methods employed can include: coursework essays coursework exercises case study report research project

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : Retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g. Library, WWW, CD-rom)
    C2 : Utilise advanced techniques and tools relevant to the collection, analysis or presentation of linguistic data, with a minimum of guidance
    C3 : Plan, undertake and present an original piece of advanced work (e.g. on a topic researched individually or in collaboration with others), with a minimum of guidance

    Teaching Methods
    Throughout the scheme practical skills C1-3 are developed through independent learning in preparation for classess, seminars, essays and presentations. In particular, these skills are mobilised in preparation for tutorials for the dissertation. Office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work is provided through both the coursework and dissertation phases of the degree.

    Assessment Methods
    Coursework and essays play an imporatnat part in the assessment of all skills C1-3. It is in the marking of the disseration, however that these skills - in particular C2 and C3 - become particularly salient.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : Communicating complex ideas effectively in writing, writing essays, reports and reviews using the appropriate register and style.
    D2 : Using advanced computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) to analyse data and results
    D3 : Under guidance, interpreting complex statistical information presented in the form of diagrams, tables and graphs
    D4 : Analysing complex data-sets or behaviour, abstracting insightful generalisations and testing abstract hypotheses
    D6 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management in tackling and solving complex problems

    Teaching Methods
    The key skllls D1, D2, D4 and D6 are aught through the scheme in preparation for lectures, seminars, tutorials and coursework assignments. Oral presentations in class may also be used to develop skills or oral communication in parallel with D1; students are also enclurage to collaborate with others to achieve common goals e.g. in project planning, management and presentation. Seminars and tutorials are used to develop D3 and D4. There is also office and email consultation with staff, as well as written/oral feedback on work.

    Assessment Methods
    Coursework essays are used in the development of all key skills D1-D4 and D6. Copursework exercises specifically develop D3 and D4. The dissertation constitutes an overall assessment of these skills in judging communication, problem solving and independent learning.