MA in Applied Linguistics: Language Teaching (English and Chinese)

The structure of the MA in Applied Linguistics: Language Teaching is organised as follows:

• three core courses in the Fall semester
• three core courses in the Spring semester
• Internship + Dissertation or Extended Dissertation

(Students who wish to opt out of the summer internship may choose a more extensive dissertation in the Summer semester.)

The MA in Applied Linguistics: Language Teaching dissertation is written over the Summer semester.

For dates of the course, please see University Academic Calendar .

FHEQ Level 7

Fall Semester

LED 7101 (4.000 CREDITS) Language Learning and Language Teaching
The course is designed to familiarise the students with developments in theories of language learning and language teaching, most notably the evolution of second language acquisition theories and of language teaching methodologies. The course also examines the main issues in language learning and teaching in the European and global contexts of multilingualism and plurilingualism, the roles of teachers and learners, Chinese and English as International languages and lingua francas, as well as awareness of how such developments can contribute to learning and teaching practices.

LED 7102 (4.000 CREDITS) Course Design, Development and Assessment
This course prepares students to become professionals with leadership qualities in language education by developing knowledge and skills in designing and developing effective language courses and curricula that meet the needs of learners in an age of multilingualism and plurilingualism. The course covers curriculum design and development in the context of linguistic theory, changing learning environments and the need for intercultural communication competence. It examines the development of learning and teaching materials. It explores techniques and strategies of language assessment, taking into consideration the main frameworks of standards in Chinese and English and the development of intercultural communication competence.

LED 7103 (4.000 CREDITS) Chinese/English Language and Teaching I
The course forms a first stage of language teaching programme with a possible exit award of Postgraduate Certificate. The course content consists of three key elements: linguistic concepts and strata of analysis, analysis of the target language in the learning context, and teaching observation and peer teaching practice with an emphasis on the delivery of specific aspects of language in typical learning environments. These are examined in the context of different languages. The focus of the course is on the development of knowledge and skills in the analysis of language and competence in the delivery of planned and prepared teaching.

Spring Semester

LED 7104 (4.000 CREDITS) Chinese/English Language and Teaching II
The course builds on LED 7103 by examining language and teaching at a more advanced theoretical level. It is the second stage of language teaching programme with a possible exit award of Postgraduate Diploma. The course consists of three key elements: firstly in-depth understanding of the schools of linguistics and applied linguistics, secondly their implications for the teaching and learning of languages in terms of curricula design, teaching materials and classroom practices and procedures and thirdly the development of teaching practice informed by theory. The course explores the interface between linguistic theory and language teaching and learning. Students develop their professional teaching skills in the target language in the context of a strong theoretical base, with the inter-cultural awareness and competence needed for language teaching in a multilingual world.

LED 7105 (4.000 CREDITS) Language Policies, Markets and Technologies
The course is designed to develop a deep and systematic understanding of the development of language policies in a multilingual age. It investigates issues of the provision of language services in the contexts of national and international markets and the deployment of technologies in language learning and teaching. The course also aims to develop understanding of pathways to influencing language policies and the effective application of modern technologies leading to more effective management and delivery of language programmes.

LED 7106 (4.000 CREDITS) Research in Language Learning and Pedagogy
The course is designed to develop a deep and systematic understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches to research in language studies and language pedagogy and their impact on the interpretations of knowledge of the field. Students will critically apply advanced skills to conduct their own research in the field and understand the relationship between theoretical research and practical applications in language learning and teaching. They will develop the expertise to carry out problem based applied research in professional context.

Summer Semester

LED 7107 (4.000 CREDITS) Graduate Internship
This course consists of a work placement of between three to five days a week over a period of between nine and thirteen weeks (depending on the requirements of the host organisation). Students will be placed in an organisation where they will be able to participate in graduate level experiential learning in order to develop the practical skills and professional experience which will prepare them for employment in the field of language teaching and language teaching management. For MA in Language Teaching, internship opportunities may exclude direct language teaching in certain sponsoring organisations but are all related to language learning and teaching. Placements are supervised, career-related work experiences combined with reflective, academic study that help students ‘learn by doing’. During the internship, the staff of the Internship Office and the MA internship faculty supervisor work closely with each student and with the organisation to ensure that the placement is a successful one.

LED 7108 (8.000 CREDITS) Research Thesis
This course supports students in the production of a 10,000 to 12,000 word dissertation. Students intensively study a topic, agreed with a supervisor, which applies theory to practical and professional contexts, thus further developing skills and experience which can be applied in work placements or in further graduate work. All stages of the research and writing are overseen by a thesis supervisor. Collaborative and supportive dialogue with the supervisor and with peer research colleagues will involve advice on the research and writing process, suggestions for resources and research directions, and comments on draft chapters of the thesis.

Or

LED 7109 (12.000 CREDITS) Extended Research Thesis
Students may elect to produce an extended thesis of 15,000-20,000 words as an alternative to the internship. This course supports students in the production of this thesis. Students intensively study a topic, agreed with a supervisor, which applies theory to practical and professional contexts, thus further developing skills and experience which can be applied in work placements or in further graduate work. All stages of the research and writing are overseen by a thesis supervisor. Collaborative and supportive dialogue with the supervisor and with peer research colleagues will involve advice on the research and writing process, suggestions for resources and research directions, and comments on draft chapters of the thesis.