Program Overview

Explore contemporary approaches to language learning and insights into second language acquisition on an MA that opens the door to career opportunities around the world. You'll develop a deeper understanding of language and discourse analysis on this master's for English, linguistics and education graduates with professional teaching experience.

From current trends in language teaching to a comprehensive understanding of second language acquisition, this MA immerses you in all aspects of language learning and linguistics.

We’ll introduce you to the latest approaches to linguistics research and reveal how these methods are being applied in the classroom. Developing a deeper understanding of every facet of language, you’ll analyse spoken and written discourse and gain experience of developing and refining language learning materials and assessment strategies.

The skills you develop will demonstrate your suitability for senior positions teaching English to speakers of other languages, as well as a variety of educational administration roles, in the UK and overseas. Your command of language could open the door to a career in publishing or journalism too.

You’ll learn from a friendly and supportive team of active researchers who have international teaching experience. Our students consistently praise the support they receive. Social visits to local places of interest will be arranged to help you to get to know your peers and the programme team.

Who is this course for?

The programme is designed for teachers, teacher trainers, materials writers, researchers and administrators. If you’ve got at least 12 months’ professional teaching experience, we’ll prepare you to teach English in educational settings across the globe.

If you have limited or no professional teaching experience, you’ll not usually be eligible for this MA but can apply for our MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

What you'll learn

• Recent developments in approaches to language learning and teaching
• Theories and research in second language acquisition
• How vocabulary shapes language structure and contemporary language learning
• How to analyse spoken and written discourse
• Critical thinking, academic writing and research design skills
• Key differences between spoken and written language
• The principles and practices of teaching English to young learners
• How to test and assess language skills in learners
• The role of digital technologies in language learning
• How to develop, evaluate and adapt language learning materials