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Course Content

The core modules are outlined below.
XXD510 The Language Learner and Language LearningThe module focuses on key areas in the fields of TESOL and Second Language Acquisition (SLA), and explores them from the perspective of both language learners and teachers. These include: * Theories of SLA
* Implications of first language acquisitions for SLA
* Individual differences in SLA (gender, age, aptitude, motivation, attitudes, cognitive styles)
* Learning strategies and 'the good language learner'
* The role of formal instruction in second language learning

Students will be expected to read, understand and engage critically with the research presented on these topics. XX4027 Applied Linguistics for TESOLThe module focuses on key areas and recent trends in applied linguistics which are of considerable importance to the field of TESOL, and explores them from the perspective of both language teachers and learners:

* The history of applied linguistics
* Descriptions of language systems:grammar, lexis and phonology
* Areas of applied linguistics particularly relevant to the teaching of productive skills, especially sociolinguistics and pragmatics
* Areas of applied linguistics particularly relevant to the teaching of receptive skills, especially psycholinguistics
* Trends in applied linguistics including broadening of the field, greater stature of classroom-based investigation

XX4708 Issues and Research in TESOL Methodology: Part 1The module focuses on topics which have been the subject of recent discussion and research in the field of TESOL. These include:

* A historical review of language teaching methods and approaches
* Content vs. process syllabus design in language teaching
* Humanism in language teaching
* Communicative teaching and Task Based Learning Students will be expected to read, understand and engage critically with the research presented on these topics.

XX4709 Issues and Research in TESOL Methodology: Part 2The module makes use of a further selection of topics which have been the subject of recent discussion and research in the field of TESOL to provide guidance for students in conducting their own classroom-based research. Topics include:

* Issues and developments in the teaching of the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), vocabulary and grammar
* Action research in the classroom
* The design and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research methods in language teaching

Our current list of elective modules includes:

* Learner Autonomy
* Teaching and Learning Vocabularly
* English for Specific Purposes
* Teaching and Learning Pronunciation
* Computer Assisted Language Learning (call)
* Corpora and the Language Classroom
* Discourse Analysis and Language Teaching
* Grammar and the Language Classroom
* Materials Evaluation and Design
* Management of TESOL
* Learning to Train
* Researching Your Own Practice

Course Structure
Course Structure/AssessmentThe full MA programme lasts for one year full-time (October-September) or two years part-time. You will do four core modules, including written work, representing 20 credits each, and elective modules totalling 40 credits.
Written AssignmentUnless otherwise stated, each 20 credit module is assessed by a written assignment of 3,000-4,000. Assignments and dissertation are graded numerically as Distinction, Pass or Fail, as is the overall result. For a student to complete the programme successfully, a Pass must be achieved on each piece of work.

DissertationIn addition, you will need to submit a dissertation (60 credits) of 12,000-15,000 words on a topic related to one of the modules and approved by your tutor. (Total: 180 credits.)