MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Objectives- To develop a clear and detailed understanding of how Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research informs TESOL methodology and underpins TESOL practice - To equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills to perform detailed needs analysis and use this as a basis for course development - To provide students with an extensive knowledge of assessing language competence - To equip students with the knowledge and skills relevant to undertaking research in TESOL. - To investigate and analyse the emergence of English as an International Language (EIL) The programme contains several distinctive features: - The development of specific skills alongside a common core of cognitive and key skills - The opportunity for graduates from various (although restricted) backgrounds to enter the programme at a required level of knowledge - Opportunities for vocationally relevant learning through a symbiosis of academic and skills based content
Academic titleMA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Course descriptionIntroduction
The MA in TESOL aims to equip language graduates and experienced
teachers with a high level of skill and an in-depth knowledge of issues
relating to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages and
complement that expertise with advanced level study in linguistics. The
range of opportunities for highly qualified TESOL specialists is growing
with the increase in international activities. Those holding postgraduate
qualifications in TESOL are in great demand across the world as English
continues to expand as lingua franca and the needs of English learners
increase to meet the demands of international communication in the
21st century.
Programme structure
The course offers 180 core TESOL credits based on contemporary issues
in TESOL, methodology, language awareness, assessment, syllabus
design, linguistics and intercultural communication (60 credits) supported
by research methodology (30 credits) and TESOL dissertation (60 credits).
Stage 1
The course is currently delivered over 2 taught semesters (Sept - Dec and
Jan - May), each delivering 4 modules of 15 credits each.
-Methodology and Syllabus Design
-Language Awareness and Grammar Teaching
-Assessment of the Four skills
-Intercultural Communication
-Linguistics 1 and 2
-Research methods 1 and 2
Although only offered in a full-time mode of study, classes are traditionally
scheduled in the evenings so as to allow students to continue with work
commitments whilst studying.
Stage 2
Dissertation: from May through to December students are allocated a
dedicated 1st supervisor, chosen on the basis of expertise in the topic
area, and supported by a 2nd supervisor. Students may wish to complete
their dissertations in the UK or in their home country with academic
support provided electronically.
Assessment:
A wide variety of assessment methods are used and include design
projects, evaluation of current materials, IT based projects, text analysis,
essays, seen and unseen examination questions.