Course Content
The Masters is offered on a one-year, full-time basis, though you can undertake this degree part-time should you wish. The MA TESOL is a level 7 Master's level course. Study comprises 180 credits at this level. All taught modules bear 20 credits and the Dissertation bears 60 credits.
The MA TESOL includes the following core modules:
Description of English for Language Teachers (20 credits)
This module explores the characteristics of the English language and will equip students with key linguistic concepts, terms and tools necessary for describing language for pedagogical purposes. More specifically, the module introduces students to the areas of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse, as well as sociolinguistics, and helps students describe and analyse learner errors.
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) (20 credits)
This module introduces key topics, theories, concepts, and research in the study of second language acquisition, and extends this knowledge to critical evaluation of the implications for language teaching. The module focuses on key areas, such as: the development of a second, but also of the first, language; the impact of age in SLA; the role of input, output and interaction on the success of language learning etc. Also, it explores different theories (psychological, linguistic, sociolinguistic etc) regarding the acquisition of a second language.
Introduction to TESOL Methodology (20 credits)
This module is aimed at students with little or no previous teaching experience and provides an introduction to Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL). The module discusses various teaching methods and materials which are typically used in English language teaching contexts, and shows students how to use teaching textbooks and materials effectively. Also, students will learn how to plan and teach lessons. The module provides opportunities for observing experienced English teachers at work.
Teaching English to Young Learners (20 credits)
This module provides an introduction to teaching English to young learners. It presents current popular methods used in teaching young learners, and introduces the main principles of materials design for this age of learners. Students will gain an understanding of children's reading, writing, and spelling development in English as an L2. Also, students will have hands-on practice in developing teaching materials for young learners.
Teaching English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESP) (20 credits)
This module introduces relevant theories of teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, and examines key research in the area. It introduces students to practical concepts in English for Specific Purposes, including designing appropriate curricula to meet the needs of learners and their assessment. Students will explore the tension between content and meaning in English for Specific Purposes and the module will provide students with the skills and knowledge to conduct meaningful needs analysis in topics as diverse as engineering, medicine, business and English for Academic Purposes.
MA Dissertation (60 credits)
Students are required to conduct an original piece of research under the guidance of a supervisor. Students will be required to apply knowledge in original and innovative ways drawing upon research at the forefront of their academic field and must demonstrate critical evaluation of current research literature in the discipline. This level and quantity of work reflects research and dissertation requirements at Master's level.
Optional Module
Students will need take one optional module from a choice of modules offered in the other postgraduate programmes in Education, such as:
- Education, Diversity and Equality (20 credits)
- Specific Learning Difficulties (20 credits)
- Leadership in Education Settings (20 credits)
- Multi Agency Working (20 credits)
Learning & Teaching
The MA TESOL programme will be delivered via a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, peer teaching sessions, both face-to-face and online; there will also be individual and group work.
Apart from the taught sessions which will make up the majority of the face-to-face delivery on the MA TESOL programme, students will be required to engage fully in the University's Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle, which serves as a tool for independent learning. In addition to the timetabled delivery, there will be elements of self-study and independent learning which will reinforce the content delivered in face-to-face contact sessions.
Cardiff Metropolitan University has an excellent Student Services department which provides pastoral support to all students as well as a dedicated International Welfare Team based in our International Office. Also, all students are allocated their own Personal Tutor for academic support.
Assessment
Assessment will be in a variety of forms, from more traditional methods such as coursework and written assignment to oral presentations.
Our library offers academic support for assessments and assignment writing. Also, the International Office offer free of charge academic support for International Students.
Employability & Careers
Graduates from the MA TESOL programme will be able to find employment in various contexts:
- Teaching posts
- in English language in schools (General English, or English as a Second Language (SLA), or English as a Foreign Language (EFL)),
- in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in university-based English language teaching departments (Pre-sessional courses, In-sessional courses etc),
- in English for Specific Purposes in professional settings (Business English, Medical English, English for Law etc).
- Materials designers for publishers in the area of English Language teaching.
Moreover, opportunities for further study for graduates from the programme are to progress on to
PhD level study.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Applicants should have a good honours degree or equivalent.
Selection Procedure:
Students are selected on the basis of an application form and a well-written personal statement. An interview may also be requested.
International Applicants:
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an academic IELTS 6.0 standard with no sub-score lower than 5.5 or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the
International pages on the website.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our
self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at
www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the
RPL page.
Additional Information
Partner Employee Discount
There is a fee discount of 25% available to part-time students who are employed in one of Cardiff Metropolitan University’s partnership schools for Initial Teacher Education and Training or partnership employer community. Eligibility criteria and terms apply. For further information please contact Admissions.
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