Course description
Key facts
• The MA courses by web-based distance learning build on the international reputation of School of English Studies at Nottingham as one of the foremost centres for English Language research in the world.
• The course is taught using a course tool software called WebCT. It is also supported by extensive online resources, course materials and teaching.
• The programme is recognised by the ESRC and offers an excellent route towards pursuing a PhD.
• The MA in Modern English Language is also available as a taught full- or part-time course within the University.
• As well as completing this course at a pace that suits you and your other commitments, you have the flexibility to study towards a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or an MA (180 credits, including dissertation) or even on a ‘pay per module’ basis.
Course Content
The web-based MA in Modern English Language is taught using the latest advances in online teaching methods and electronic resources.
The course begins with an introductory course in the description of language and training for research, which is followed by options in Applied Linguistics, Literary Linguistics and World Englishes.
Typical areas available for choice on this course include:
• The Teaching of Language and Literature
• English Vocabulary: Teaching and Learning
• Discourse Analysis
• Corpus Analysis
• Literary Linguistics
• World Englishes
• Syllabus Design and Methodology
• Narratology
• Language and Gender
Towards the end of the course, you will complete a supervised dissertation. This is a major piece of advanced independent research, which you will undertake with the supervision of a specialist in your chosen area. We will provide you with advice and guidance while you select and refine your area of study, and offer close supervision and support as you complete your research and your MA.
Course Structure
This course can be taken part-time over 24 to 48 months.
You will be required to take 120-credits’ worth of taught modules before undertaking a dissertation worth 60 credits.
Course materials and teaching for this course are available over the Internet.
All taught modules are assessed by written work of around 3,000 words or equivalent (for a 15-credit module). Tutors provide feedback on practice exercises as preparation, and detailed comments on assignments.
The dissertation module is assessed by written work of 12,000 - 15,000 words.
You will have access to many online resources, as well as your own personal tutor for each module that you take. Particular features of the programme include:
• a theoretical grounding in research methodology and linguistic description
• one-to-one tuition with expert members of staff
• an online discussion board and forum
• innovative and engaging teaching methods
• access to many online resources
• great flexibility in course content, optionality, and changes in direction.
All MA students in the School of English Studies join a lively and thriving postgraduate community. As such, you will be invited to attend a voluntary `Weekend-School` each summer, giving you a chance to meet other students in the School face-to-face
