Programme summary for MA English Language Teaching (ELT)

About the programme

This programme provides English language teachers and graduates with relevant teaching experience and a deeper understanding of the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). In addition to specific topics, the programme provides an overview of the theoretical, philosophical and ethical principles that underpin educational research, and introduces you to the theory and practice of action research. The MA ELT is available in face-to-face, distance and blended learning modes.

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 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 full-time over one year, although some students may wish to study part-time – 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 modulesand the dissertation.

Career opportunities

The programme gives English language teachers at primary or secondary level, teachers in adult education and graduates with relevant teaching experience to enhance their promotion prospects either within their local teaching environment or beyond. The programme also equips those who are interested in pursuing an academic career in the field of ELT or who wish to embark on a PhD with essential research and analytical skills.

Support

The MA ELT team aims to maintain close contact between staff and students.

All students will be allocated a personal tutor who will provide general guidance in supporting and monitoring students’ academic progress. Students will be introduced to their personal tutor at the beginning of the programme and will be encouraged to contact their tutor thereafter as the need arises. On personal matters affecting academic performance e.g. illness, family difficulties affecting studies, etc. students will be referred to their personal tutor.

In the final semester of the programme, the dissertation supervisor will also provide further academic support.

The Student Handbook also aims to make students aware of ways in which they can help themselves and support each other e.g. by meeting informally to discuss problems they may be having. In this way it is hoped that students can help motivate and encourage one another as they progress through the programme.

In addition, the first part of the dissertation module looks at the way in which research is presented and written up and 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. For non-academic matters they 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 all components)