Program Overview
The Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA program at the University of Sussex equips students with a comprehensive understanding of applied linguistics and TESOL, preparing them for careers in education and related fields. The program covers topics ranging from language acquisition to forensic linguistics, focusing on practical applications of linguistic knowledge and research in the context of teaching English to speakers of other languages. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in education, language teaching, and other fields that require a deep understanding of language use and acquisition.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA program at the University of Sussex views Applied Linguistics as the practical application of linguistic knowledge. The program explores topics ranging from language acquisition to forensic linguistics and intercultural communication. It focuses on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), providing students with knowledge about the social functions and contexts of language use and how research is applied to practice. The program aims to:
- Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
- Develop students' skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking.
- Enhance students' understanding of the social, cultural, and political contexts of language use.
- Prepare students for careers in education, language teaching, and related fields. The program is suitable for:
- Graduates in Linguistics, English Language, or Modern Foreign Languages who want to build on their undergraduate degree.
- Graduates from any discipline or English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals who plan to advance their career with a Masters-level qualification.
Outline:
Duration:
1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:
September 2024
Apply by:
1 August 2024 (international), 1 September 2024 (UK)
Modules:
Core Modules:
- Researching Language in Use: This module provides students with an introduction to research methods in Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
- Research Proposal (Applied Linguistics and TESOL): This module guides students in developing their research proposal for their dissertation.
- Dissertation (Applied Linguistics and TESOL): This module allows students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.
Options:
- Language Variation: This module explores the different varieties of English and other languages.
- Principles and Practice in English Language Teaching: This module examines the principles and practices of teaching English as a foreign language.
- Second Language Acquisition and Research: This module investigates the theories and research on second language acquisition.
- Advanced Practical Teaching: This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their practical teaching skills.
- Child Language Acquisition: This module explores the development of language in children.
- Corpus and Discourse: This module examines the use of corpora in linguistic research.
- Forensic Linguistics: This module investigates the application of linguistics to legal contexts.
- Global Englishes: This module explores the spread and use of English around the world.
- Language and Culture in Intercultural Communication: This module examines the role of language and culture in intercultural communication.
Teaching:
The program is taught by experts in Linguistics and language teaching. Students will learn about the structure, use, and acquisition of languages and gain cultural awareness skills.
Careers:
Graduates of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA program are well-prepared for careers in:
- Education and education management (e.g., English as a second or additional language, the teaching of language skills, English language at secondary level, bilingual education, materials development, or language testing)
- Related fields (e.g., journalism, publishing, advertising, speech and language therapy, or communications)
- Further study and research in (Applied) Linguistics and Language Education.
Other:
- If you have appropriate previous teaching qualifications and experience, and successfully complete the Advanced Practical Teaching option, you’ll be deemed TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualified, as defined by the British Council Accreditation Scheme.
- The program is offered both full-time and part-time to fit around students' work and personal lives.
- The program is regularly reviewed to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology.
- The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
