Language, Culture and Communication MA

You will study four core modules and two optional modules before completing your 15,000 word dissertation.

You will study four core modules:

This module provides a grounding in the analysis of the lexis and grammar of English. You are introduced to essential concepts and terminology in the field, and gain practice in analysing naturally-occurring language using the models (e.g. pattern grammar) discussed. There is some emphasis on the application of such analysis to the study of language in social context.
Assessment: 2 x 2,000-word essays

This module explores the interaction between discourse and ‘culture’. Various definitions of ‘culture’ are outlined in relation to other theoretical concepts (e.g. ideology), and you will be introduced to models of analysis for spoken and written discourse. These models are applied to sample texts, with a view to examining issues and problems of communication within and across cultural boundaries. You will be encouraged to explore the relevance of approaches to discourse and ‘culture’ to professional contexts.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the major issues in the area of Intercultural Communication, with particular reference to developments in the last 25 years. In attempting to address such issues, we will hope to draw upon the variety of students’ own cultural backgrounds as a basis for discussion and contrastive analysis. There will be some scope for negotiating content in response to students’ interests, but some of the topics we might explore include: definitions and dimensions of 'culture'; stereotyping the other (and the self?); culture and communication; identity and ‘cultures within cultures’; intercultural mediation; and language(s), discourse(s) and globalisation(s).
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

This module aims to provide you with a grounding in approaches to and methods of research in Applied Linguistics.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay

You will also choose two optional modules from a range which may include the following:

• Bilingualism and Multilingualism in the TESOL Classroom
• Business Discourse and Communication
• Corpus Assisted Language Learning
• English as an International Language
• Language and Gesture
• Language and Politics
• Language and New Media
• Language, Gender and Identity
• Language Teaching Training
• Multimodal Communication
• Lexicography
• Psycholinguistics in TESOL

For more information, see our English Language and Linguistics module descriptions.

In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

In addition, you will be offered a course in Academic Writing. Those whose first language is not English are particularly encouraged to follow this course.

Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.