English Linguistics and Language Acquisition

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Deadline: Dec 1, 2024
401–500 place StudyQA ranking:6909 Duration:24 months

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In a multi-lingual global world, knowledge of how language is learned and how one uses it is of paramount importance for the educational system as well as for society at large and attitudes to language.


Master of Philosophy (M. Phil.) in English Linguistics and Language Acquisition was formerly known as 'M. Phil. in English Language and Linguistics'.

Master of Philosophy (M. Phil.) in English Linguistics and Language Acquisition is an international master's programme which provides successful applicants with the opportunity to specialise within the fields of, language acquisition, language processing and cognition and English language and linguistics. The programme is linked to one of the priority research areas at the Department of Language and Literature: Language and Cognition.

The programme of study consists of two academic years of full-time study, divided in four semesters, awarding a total of 120 ECTS Credits. The first year of study consists of courses/modules, whereas the second year is devoted to work with the master's thesis. Courses within the programme cover topics such as First and Second Language Acquisition, Theories and Methods in Linguistics, Cognitive and Theoretical Aspects of Language and Translation as well as other topics within English linguistics.

The thesis is an academic study of a particular topic within English language and linguistics, language acquisition, language processing, and/or language cognition. You will get supervision throughout the year. Since the programme of study is research-based, students are encouraged to choose a topic for their master's thesis that can be linked to ongoing projects within the research area. The Department has an advanced laboratory for experimental language processing studies, the Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab.

In the summer period between the first and second years of study, candidates are given the opportunity to return to their home countries to do fieldwork if this is necessary for the completion of their theses.

The programme of study endeavours to deepen the students' qualifications and skills in subjects such as:

* First and second language acquisition
* Translation theories
* Language processing
* Modern English grammar and syntax
* Communication studies
* Language and cognition

Current research projects within the Department's research area Language and Cognition concentrate on structural and contrastive aspects of language.

Today knowledge about language acquisition and language processing is increasingly important in an international context, in blilingual societies such as Canada as well as in developing countries where linguistic diversity may be manifold and complex.

Learning outcome:

The candidate

* is familiar with theoretical concepts and frameworks, and methods involved in the study of language acquisition, language and cognition, language processing and English linguistics,
* is acquainted with central questions and past and current debates in the subject area, and can compare, contrast and evaluate different approaches,
* has acquired in-depth specialist knowledge from the writing of his/her masters thesis on a self-chosen topic within the fields of language acquisition, language processing, language and cognition and/or English language and linguistics.

Skills

The candidate

* is able, using English, to apply an array of precise theoretical linguistic concepts in approaching and analysing a variety of different questions,
* is able to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, in formal and academic contexts using forms appropriate to the subject area,
* is able to identify relevant topics and questions within the subject area,
* knows how to identify and locate source materials within the subject area, and is able to make critical use of these.

General competence

The candidate

* is able to formulate productive research questions and to assess the suitability and validity of different methodologies,
* is able to plan and carry out a research project of substantial scope under supervision,
* is able to make use of a range of research tools in a research investigation,
* knows how to apply ethical standards in research, for example standards concerning the use and citation of sources and the handling of data that has been collected,
* is able to work with, to create an overview of, and to identify the main points in, large amounts of text,
* is able to create and organise an extensive written document in accordance with specific guidelines and requirements.

Career prospects Some of our earlier students now work as lectures at universities in their home countries.

This programme is especially suitable for those who want to become researchers in the field of language and linguistics, or for those who want to become teachers.

The M.Phil. Programme requires two years of full-time study, and starts in the autumn term. During the first year you take courses in language and linguistics. In the first year students may choose from the courses offered at the Department of Language and Literature, and approved by the Department of Language and Literature.

Master's Thesis A course introducing academic theory and method prepares you for your work with your Masters thesis. The second year is devoted to writing the Masters thesis (60 credits). This is an academic study of a particular topic within English language and linguistics. You will get supervision throughout the year.

In the summer period between the first and second years the candidates are given the opportunity to return to their home countries to do fieldwork if this is necessary for the completion of their theses.

EXAMPLES OF MASTER'S THESIS TOPICS:

* Application of the Wh-criterion and the Neg-criterion to Luganda
* A pragmatic study of English language as a tool for crosscultural communication in the Ghanaian workplace
* Pidgin in Ghana: An exploration of Ghanaian secondary schools.
* Motion verbs in Luganda: A Frame Semantics and Sign Model Perspective
* Transfer in the Acquisition of Idioms in a Foreign Language
* The Role of L1 in the Processing of Idioms by Ethiopian EFL learners
* On Aspects of Postponement: A Study of Ghanaian Newspaper Editorial Columns

Study environment As an international master student at the Master's programme in English Linguistics and Language Acquisition, you will be part of a small student group at the department. You will get close follow up from both academic and administrative staff. You will also be integrated with Norwegian students pursuing a Master of English degree.

In addition you will be part of a large group of international students at NTNU. The Office of International Relations arranges ski trips and dinners for all the international students. You will get the chance to meet not only Norwegian students, but students from all over the world.

The programme is open to Quota Programme applicants and to applicants with other sources of financing. Applicants should hold a B.A. or an equivalent degree in English or Linguistics with a sufficient background in topics related to English language or linguistics. As of the academic year 2012/2013 only candidates with a minimum of 20 ECTS in English language/linguistics courses will be considered for acceptance. Officially certified copies of all educational certificates, including transcripts and diplomas from secondary school and university education, must be submitted. Language requirements International applicants must document skills in English language, for example by a TOEFL test (score of 600/90 points or higher), an IELTS test (overall band score of 6.5 or higher), or an APIEL examination (score of 3 points or higher). English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Financing and financial deposit There are no tuition fees at NTNU. There are a very limited number of scholarships available for specific student groups (E.g. Quota Scheme or Erasmus Mundus scholarship).
All international students who are not citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries must be able to document that they have enough funding to live in Norway while attending university.

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