Applied Linguistics PgCert (Distance Learning)

Program Overview

This part-time, distance learning program is designed for teachers of English who wish to upgrade their skills or apply language research to teaching. The program consists of two core modules (Sociolinguistics and Discourse Analysis) and one optional module (such as Corpus Linguistics, Lexis, or Second Language Acquisition). Assessment is through coursework assignments only. Graduates develop transferable skills in communication, organization, and analysis, enhancing their career prospects in teaching and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This programme is for teachers of English wishing to upgrade their professional knowledge, and those who are interested in the application of language research to language teaching. Delivered part-time and by distance learning, the programme allows you to study alongside other commitments. You will be provided with a set of interactive course materials to complete in part-time, self-study mode over a period of 18 months. Once you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate, you will be eligible to proceed to the MA Applied Linguistics by Distance Learning.

Outline:

The programme consists of two core modules and one optional module.

Core modules

• Sociolinguistics
This module will allow you to consider the relationship between language and society, i.e. the interaction between the social domain on one hand and the linguistic domain on the other. The module will also examine the ways in which language varies, both according to the user and the way it is used, the purpose and context in which language is used and its social implications. These relationships are multi-faceted and highly complex, but may be seen in two overarching general principles: (i) the recognition that language is fundamentally a social phenomenon; (ii) that language is subject to change and variation. Assessment: 4,000-word assignment
• Discourse Analysis
This module will introduce you to key concepts in spoken and written discourse, techniques of analysis, and the pedagogic applications of these. We will be looking at the characteristics of written and spoken discourse and how they differ from one another. These differences should have a significant impact on the way teachers treat language in the classroom. We will learn that the written form is not simply ‘spoken language written down’ and that the differences between these two forms are a lot more complex than you might imagine. Assessment: 4,000-word assignment

Optional modules

• Corpus Linguistics
This module considers a number of issues in corpus linguistics, including: the compilation of a corpus; the information to be gained from concordance lines and collocational information, and how this can be interpreted; the implications for theories of language of observations made from a corpus; contrasting approaches to corpora, and the theoretical assumptions behind each; current applications of corpora, mainly language teaching and/or translation, but also stylistics, ideology and forensic linguistics; possible future directions in corpus linguistics. Assessment: 4,000-word assignment
• Functional Grammar
This module introduces the principles of systemic functional grammar and analysis of text from a systemic perspective, as a means of revealing the meaning, communicative functionality and rhetorical purposes of language. It also considers the various applications of this approach to linguistics. Assessment: 4,000-word assignment
• Lexis
The study of lexis is the study of vocabulary in all its different aspects. Vocabulary is typically seen as individual words, whereas lexis is a somewhat wider concept and consists of collocations, phraseology and formulaic expressions. You will start by considering questions such as; what is a word, what isn’t a word, where does a word stop and a phrase begin? The module also looks at the mental lexicon, how words are stored in the brain and how the mental lexicon works. The module also covers topics such as: how words are used to label and order things; how culturally specific this area of study can be; the relationship between words and their meaning; the process of word formation; the importance and ubiquity of multiword units, lexicalised sequences and lexical bundles; and the implications that findings of recent corpus based research have for the teaching of lexis. Assessment: 4,000-word assignment
• Second Language Acquisition
This module introduces the main theoretical concepts and research findings underlying second language acquisition and the implication these have for classroom practice. It covers some of the key theories regarding how people think languages are learnt and by extension how they are best taught. It explores the ways and the extent to which these theories will apply to the your own and other teaching situations. The later parts of the module consider issues associated with the complex nature of the classroom environment and how that influences learning and also learner characteristics, learning styles and strategies, etc., all of which influence the way in which languages are learnt. Assessment: 4,000-word assignment Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Assessment:

Assessment is by coursework only. Each module is assessed by a 4,000-word assignment.

Teaching:

The programme is delivered by distance learning, with online materials and support. You will have a personal tutor to guide you and answer any questions, and you will be able to consult academic staff in Birmingham via video software such as Zoom or Teams. We also run week-long face-to-face seminars in the summer. These are free, and open to all distance learning Applied Linguistics students.

Careers:

This programme is designed to contribute to your professional development and enhance your career prospects. Our postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication. They also develop crucial skills in organisation, time management, analysis and interpretation of information. Many of our graduates enter roles, or progress to more senior roles, in fields for which their programme has prepared them, such as teaching, teacher training and lecturing.

Other:

• The programme is part-time and by distance learning, allowing you to study alongside other commitments.
• You will be provided with a set of interactive course materials to complete in part-time, self-study mode over a period of 18 months.
• Once you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate, you will be eligible to proceed to the MA Applied Linguistics by Distance Learning.
• The programme is designed to contribute to your professional development and enhance your career prospects.
• Our postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication.
• They also develop crucial skills in organisation, time management, analysis and interpretation of information.
• Many of our graduates enter roles, or progress to more senior roles, in fields for which their programme has prepared them, such as teaching, teacher training and lecturing.