Programme summary for MA English Language Teaching (ELT) by distance learning

This programme is delivered exclusively online providing a flexible, module-based pathway of advanced study in the field of ELT. The programme offers a comprehensive overview of the field and aims to encourage you to engage critically with current thinking about language learning and language teaching at a time of rapid global change in education.

About the programme

This programme is aimed at practising teachers and graduates with relevant teaching experience and has a strong practical focus. It provides a flexible, module-based pathway of advanced study in English Language Teaching (ELT). It offers you a comprehensive overview of the field and encourages you to engage critically with current thinking about language learning and language teaching at a time of rapid global change in education.

Programme structure

The MA ELT consists of four modules and a dissertation which includes research methods training. The programme has a strong action research focus which will enable students to carry out classroom-based research projects in their own educational contexts. In addition the role of materials is considered at all levels of theory and practice.

The programme is designed to be flexible and compatible with the lives of working teachers. For this reasons students may opt to begin the programme in September or February. The MA is part-time over two years, although some students may wish to take longer – in which case modules may be spread over six years in consultation with the programme leader.

Students who have accumulated 60 credits by completing two modules may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate, and students who have accumulated 120 credits by completing four modules may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. The MA is awarded to students who have accumulated 180 credits by completing all four modules, the research methods training, and the dissertation.

Career opportunities

The programme allows teachers with relevant teaching experience to enhance their promotion prospects either within their local teaching context or beyond. It will also assist teachers who are considering a move from one ELT context to another (eg from ESOL to EFL), or those who wish to move into ELT management or ELT publishing. It can also lead to an academic career in the field of ELT or PhD studies.

Support

Students are supported initially through an introductory tutorial on the uses of WEB CT two weeks before the programme begins. During this period they also receive an introduction to distance learning. This draws their attention effective management of time and the learning environment, the importance of peer support, and the use of distance learning materials. In addition, students are given the opportunity to sample materials and activities of the kind they will encounter on the MA ELT. They also participate in a series of ice-breaker and getting-to-know-you activities to help them become familiar with the nature of online interaction and to facilitate the development of a sense of community – essential to the success of any distance programme.

In addition, students are required to complete research methods training as part of their dissertation. This training introduces students to the theoretical, philosophical and ethical principles which underpin educational research, and, given the practical nature of the programme pays particular attention to action research as a tool which practising teachers can use to investigate their own classrooms.

The research methods training also looks at the way in which research is presented and written up. Students are provided with guidance on appropriate academic conventions, bibliography, and referencing.

Students also have access to the Student Handbook, the Study Skills Handbook, and Module Guides.

Students also receive online tutorial support and, for non-academic matters, can contact the programme administrator who will advise them accordingly.

Admission

Application form and references
A first degree in the Social Sciences or Humanities (e.g. Languages, English, Education, Psychology, etc.)
Evidence of relevant classroom experience
An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent in the case of international students (applicants should have a minimum score of 6 in the writing component)

Technical requirements

UELPlus (Campus edition 4.0) is the platform used by UEL in delivering the MA ELT. To participate in the programme you need:

A PC or Mac, with at least 10 hours unrestricted access per week
56 K modem with Internet access
A supported Internet browser (see UELPlus’s tune-up page at http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browser_tuneup_information)
Reliable email
Access to a printer

Access to English language classes are also essential in order to complete the programme