MA English Language Teaching

at University of East London

MODULES

Year 1

CORE MODULES

Second Language Acquisition and ELT

The purpose of this module is to explore and critically review ideas and theories on second language acquisition and the relevance that these have on the development of approaches underpinning teaching practices. The module reviews the major theories of learning and of second language development encompassing the views of behaviourism, cognitivism, innatism, constructivism, socio-constructivism, multiple intelligences, and humanistic approaches, including the contributions of positive psychology within instructed second language acquisition with a focus on learners’ individual variation. The module aims to provide a general understanding of the relationships between first language acquisition (L1) and the learning of additional languages (L2) so that this knowledge can inform your lesson planning and delivery so that you develop further competences to offer a more personalised language support to all types of learners.

Applied Research Project in ELT
 

This module provides you with a possibility to undertake a small-scale classroom-based inquiry in one of the fields of English Language Teaching, informed by your reflective practice and by current research. The aim of the applied research project is to introduce you to the practice of empirical research, improve your understanding and expertise of language teaching and enhance the learning outcomes of your learners. You will be expected to make a series of decisions in relation to the choice of research methods and methodology to formulate a research question, identify the aims and purposes of your study, apply a suitable research design, collect data from informants, analyse and interpret evidence as well as present findings to a general non-specialist audience. Whilst designing and undertaking your study, you will be able to develop your awareness of the roles of research in teachers' professional development and think of it as a a scholarly activity with a potential to bring about changes and innovations to the English language classroom.

Language Awareness for ELT
 

The module introduces you to the study of the formal system of grammar of English at both a sentence and textual level while providing current views on the grammatical competence of English teachers to inform their professional practice. The module is divided into two concurrent parts: Part A covers aspects of syntax, morphology, phonetics and phonology, and textual functions while Part B offers a contemporary view on different grammar topics aiming at developing your own language awareness and knowledge of English, encouraging your reading comprehension and independent reflective thinking.

Teaching and Learning ELT
 

This module aims to develop your existing knowledge of language teaching and learning methodology. Emphasis is placed on the value of reflection on your teaching experience and consider how different views on teaching English can contribute to enhance your existing knowledge, skills and competences. The module also aims to enhance your capacity to reflect critically and evaluate key concepts and practices in ELT to identify features of good practice in this field by undertaking a small-scale survey study where you will learn the basics of research design and reporting of findings.

OPTIONAL MODULES

Approaches to Teaching and Learning in ELT
 

This module aims to develop your existing knowledge of language teaching and learning methodology. Emphasis is placed on the value of reflection on your teaching experience and consider how different views on teaching English can contribute to enhance your existing knowledge, skills and competences. The module also aims to enhance your capacity to reflect critically and evaluate key concepts and practices in ELT to identify features of good practice in this field by undertaking a small-scale survey study where you will learn the basics of research design and reporting of findings.

Teaching Practicum
 

The module is aimed at students who do not have teaching experience or a professional qualification in ELT. As such, it enables you to acquire essential subject knowledge and familiarity with the principles of effective teaching; acquire a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners and demonstrate an ability to apply your learning in a real teaching context. The successful completion of this module will enable you to work in a variety of ELT contexts in the UK and around the world.

English Language requirements

Overall IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking.

International Fees Full time, 1 year
£14,580 Per year

This master's course is one of the ways you can become qualified to teach English to speakers of other languages, either in the UK or abroad, but it also offers much more.

On the teaching side, you may decide to enter the burgeoning world of English language teaching schools. There are a huge number of these in London.

You may want to teach English in other parts of the world.  A master's qualification will increase the opportunities to pursue such a career.

By upgrading your professional qualifications, you will also open up promotion opportunities.

It could you help you become the subject head in English language teaching or assume deputy head and head teacher roles in the future.

You will become qualified to lead other teachers and to shape the future of English language teaching by devising and writing learning policies and materials or by working in a curriculum coordinator role.

Some of our international students have returned to their home countries to take up Ministry of Education roles that require a postgraduate degree in English language teaching or language studies.

The course will also equip you to pursue an academic career in the field of English language teaching, perhaps through the research route or in an associated subject such as Applied Linguistic Studies.