Applied Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA

Program Overview

This MA program in Applied Linguistics and TESOL provides teachers, administrators, and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of language learning and teaching methodologies. Through interactive learning and hands-on experience, students develop skills in discourse analysis, research design, and materials development for effective English language teaching in both domestic and international settings. The program prepares graduates for senior teaching positions, educational administration roles, and further academic pursuits in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MA in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is designed for teachers, teacher trainers, materials writers, researchers, and administrators. It provides a comprehensive understanding of language learning and linguistics, covering current trends in language teaching and second language acquisition. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for senior positions teaching English to speakers of other languages, as well as a variety of educational administration roles, both in the UK and overseas. The program emphasizes the latest approaches to linguistics research and their application in the classroom. Students will analyze spoken and written discourse, gain experience in developing and refining language learning materials and assessment strategies, and develop critical thinking, academic writing, and research design skills. The program is taught by a team of active researchers with international teaching experience, and students consistently praise the support they receive. Social visits to local places of interest are arranged to foster a sense of community among students and the program team.

Outline:

The program is structured over two semesters and a summer dissertation project.

Semester One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Optional Modules:
• Corpus Linguistics for Language Research and Teaching (ENGL685): This module provides theoretical knowledge and practical experience in corpus linguistics, exploring its insights into language theory and use and offering opportunities for students to conduct their own corpus research.

Semester Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• RESEARCH SKILLS (ENGL642): This module helps students develop essential learning skills, including critical thinking, academic writing, research design, and ethical conduct of research projects.
• DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR LANGUAGE TEACHING (ENGL662): This module provides students with an understanding of and skills in using digital technologies to promote language learning, covering topics such as developing digital literacies, exploiting computer-mediated communication, and evaluating language learning apps and websites.
• English for Academic Purposes (ENGL660): This course is aimed at teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) who are interested in teaching, or who may in future be required to teach, learners to use English in higher education.
• Work Experience Placement (ENGL795): This module provides an opportunity for students to undertake a placement in a setting that matches their writing and possible career/industry interests, developing materials and/or undertaking tasks within a practical or vocational context.
• Reading and Writing (ENGL644): This module provides theoretical knowledge and practical experience in reading and writing relevant to language teaching and research, exploring recent insights into language theory and use offered by research into corpora, genre, and register.

Final Project:

• Applied Linguistics and TESOL Dissertation (ENGL682): This dissertation project, completed over the summer, enables students to carry out a research project of an appropriate scale, demonstrating their ability to design a viable project, gather data, interpret findings, and write a coherent account of the process and outcomes.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of essays and written assignments, including portfolios of coursework. They will also produce a research proposal and complete a substantial research project. Most modules also include unassessed coursework tasks, such as the analysis of language, the evaluation or production of teaching materials, and the preparation and delivery of a micro-teaching activity.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Students also complete extensive individual work under supervision. The teaching approach is interactive, maximizing student participation through discovery learning and group activities.

Careers:

The program provides a platform for developing careers in teaching, educational administration, and other areas. Graduates are well-placed to pursue new opportunities both in the UK and internationally. The transferable skills developed in the program, particularly in spoken and written communication, are highly sought after in publishing, journalism, and marketing. Clarity of expression, independent study, and effective time management also prepare graduates for further academic study and research. Potential career paths include:

• Teaching
• Teacher training
• Lecturing
• Research
• Leadership
• Educational administration
• School inspections
• Consultancy
• Curriculum design
• Publishing
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Sales
• Human resources
A significant number of MA graduates in the Department of English continue their studies to PhD level.

Other:

The Department of English is committed to small group teaching, encouraging a more rewarding learning experience where ideas are shared and explored among peers and tutors. Students have access to extensive library facilities, special collections, and Liverpool's renowned museums, libraries, and galleries.

Tuition Fees:

• UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland): £10,800 per year
• International fees: £22,400 per year