Applied Linguistics with TESOL - MA

The programme

The MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL is a postgraduate programme that combines current theory and practice in applied linguistics, language teaching and language learning, helping students to relate course input to their individual contexts of current or future professional practice. The programme is addressed to people with a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including English language teachers, educators, writers, teacher trainers, and researchers. Moreover, the programme provides students with advanced training in a variety of Applied Linguistics sub-disciplines, offering them the opportunity to undertake small-scale research and use specialised software.

Why choose this course?

• Degree from the University of York, one of the world’s top universities
   
• One of the top 10 universities in the UK for Linguistics
   
• Advanced training in various subfields of Applied Linguistics, including English Language Teaching
   
• Innovative modules such as Corpora in Applied Linguistics and Management for Language Professionals
   
• Access to a variety of career paths in teaching, linguistics, research, publishing, and management
   
• In-depth theoretical knowledge and vital professional skills
   
• Numerous opportunities for hands-on practice
   
• Diverse methods of assessment directly linked to the contemporary job market
   
• Student participation in conferences and publications
   
• Use of specialised software
   
• Access to numerous electronic databases and journals
   
• Highly-qualified and passionate staff
   
• Seminars and workshops by experts

More reasons why:

• Supportive learning environment with a wide range of support services available to students
   
• Individualised learning experience 
   
• Free participation in sports and clubs activities
   
• Our state of the art library, the Information and Learning Commons (ILC) fully supports our students’ study experience

The MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL is a modular course. Over two semesters (from October until June) students attend a total of eight modules. During the summer months, (June-October), students work on their MA Dissertation.

If a student does not wish to do the Dissertation, they may obtain a Diploma in Applied Linguistics with TESOL, by completing the eight taught modules.

Curriculum

• Language and Linguistics
• Language Teaching Methodology
• Issues in Second Language Acquisition
• Corpora in Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• Intercultural Communication
• Research Methods
• Dissertation

And one of the following two Courses:

• EFL Classroom Observed Practice or
• Management for Language Professionals

Assessment Methods

Essays, projects, reports, presentations, unseen examinations, demo lessons.

Language and Linguistics
This module encompasses the core areas of linguistic study. Students examine formal linguistics in depth and from a critical perspective, covering notions and implications in the following areas: phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, semantics and pragmatics. Also, the fields of neurolinguistics and computational linguistics are explored. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ ability to apply linguistic categories and techniques to the description of English and other languages, and to identify solutions of specific language issues.

Language Teaching Methodology
This module reviews the principles, thinking and history underlying contemporary language teaching practices. It explores the processes involved in language production and reception from the perspective of second or foreign language teaching, as well as the implications involved for teaching both receptive and productive language skills. Moreover, it presents and assesses developments in the teaching of the grammar and vocabulary of English as a foreign language, and touches upon methods of classroom-based assessment and principles of language course design.

Issues in Second Language Acquisition
This course provides an in-depth overview of the most current research trends on Second Language Acquisition (SLA), through the main theories and the most significant research findings. It also offers students the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical models and hypotheses by applying them to the analysis of real data produced by second language learners. Moreover, it familiarizes students with relevant methodological and practical aspects associated with the experimental research design.

Corpora in Applied Linguistics
Following the dynamic and challenging advances in Computer Science, corpora have become a powerful tool both for linguists and English language teachers. This course aims at introducing students in the recently emergent subdiscipline of computer corpora. Students gain theoretical knowledge and understanding of issues related to the history, the types and the development of corpora. During the practical sessions, they also experience hands-on practice exploring a wide variety of applications that corpora may have as a linguistic, learning and teaching resource.

Discourse Analysis
The course provides an overview of Discourse Analysis, including definitions of the area, its breadth of application, and in particular, its relevance to language teaching. It examines the central concepts of role or context in interpretation; creating coherence; genre and register; discourse markers; as well as text and cohesion. In terms of written discourse, text structure, intertextuality, thematisation and shaping are explored; the implication of these in the teaching of both Reading and Writing are also considered. In terms of spoken discourse, Conversational Principles, Speech Act theory, Cooperative Principles, narrative structure and politeness are explored, and their implication in the teaching of conversation is considered. The course also considers the topics of Discourse and Gender, Conversational Analysis, and Critical Discourse Analysis.

Intercultural Communication
This course offers students a critical introduction to Intercultural Communication. The unit is organised around three basic axes: key concepts and dominant theoretical models in intercultural communication, certain ‘macro’ sociolinguistic issues that underpin Intercultural Communication, and a ‘micro’ approach examining intercultural communication from a discourse-pragmatics perspective as meaning-in-interaction. Students are offered ample opportunities for considering the implications of the above models and issues during tutorials and group discussion sessions.

Research Methods
This course has been designed to equip students with the essential practical and theoretical foundations necessary for independent postgraduate research in all areas of Applied Linguistics. It offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of key research practices, examining issues basically on research design, research ethics, data collection, and data analysis. Examples of good practice, as well as potential practical and theoretical problems are explored, in a range of research contexts related to the field of linguistics. Students receive systematic and ongoing practical training in a variety of research methods and the corresponding tools, and are also encouraged to reflect critically on their own research practices.

Dissertation
Students in the final section of their postgraduate studies write a dissertation on a topic relevant to their Programme of studies. The topic should have a well-justified connection with one or more of the main components of Applied Linguistics or TESOL that they have studied. Also, students are expected to exploit the knowledge and skills previously acquired in Research Methods, in an attempt to investigate an issue or hypothesis. The dissertation normally takes one of the following two forms: i) a small-scale piece of research, or ii) the design of the component of a language teaching course along with sample teaching material.

EFL Classroom Observed Practice
This course builds on the Language Teaching Methodology unit. Having been equipped with the theoretical background of the principles underlying teaching English as a foreign language, in their Observed Teaching Practice postgraduate students are offered the opportunity to enhance and implement their teaching skills. Prior to students’ allocation to a specific class, sessions emphasize on linking theory to practice, in terms of methodological issues related to teaching at a foreign language school. For the needs of the course, students are expected to work closely with the module tutor and the actual teacher of their prospective class, and during their practice to create gradually a Teaching Practice Portfolio.

Management for Language Professionals
This unit aims to familiarise students with the basic principles of management, as well as the tools and techniques to implement them in a workplace related to Foreign language education. Individuals working in organizations in the twenty-first century have a greater need than ever for effective management skills. Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage as the owner of a foreign language school, or being a member of the workforce in such an institution, necessitates an awareness of strategic organisational issues aligned with employee performance systems. Students attending this course have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the basic management functions (i.e. planning, organizing, leading and controlling) to be implemented in their professional life.

Entry requirements

View the application and admission requirements of the programme

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this programme you may view details of the application process.

The Humanities Department of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus is dedicated to providing high quality education, informed by the latest developments in research and teaching. We offer a variety of programmes from different disciplines ranging from communication and digital media studies, to international relations, linguistics and literature, as well as translation and cultural studies. Our aim is to equip students with the scientific knowledge and 21st century skills needed to excel in their careers, but also to offer them various opportunities for hands-on practice, internships and volunteering. Our passionate and dedicated staff members have a reputation for creating a supportive environment where our students can grow into critical thinkers and highly qualified professionals.
More about the Humanities Department

Research at the Humanities Department

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Recognition and Careers

Accreditation and Recognition
CITY College is strongly committed to quality education and academic excellence. It is officially accredited and recognised by top international accreditation bodies. Read more

Degree and formal qualifications
The degree and formal qualifications our graduates receive.

For Greek graduates only: Recognition of degrees

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme can pursue an exciting career in teaching, linguistics, publishing, research, and management. Graduates can also continue their studies at PhD level.

Career, Employability and Enterprise Centre

The Career, Employability and Enterprise Centre, focuses on helping students to set attainable career goals. It offers advice on CVs and cover letters, and on how to effectively handle job interviews. Through career fairs, and different internship programmes, the department aims at constantly bringing students in contact with prospective employers. 

Every spring we organize the Annual Career Fair providing our students with the opportunity to get a first feel of job seeking. During the event students and alumni have interview opportunities with corporate recruiters and present their skills and abilities to potential employers. Large companies, organisations and multinationals from different industries across S.E. Europe participate every year in our Career Fair and offer employment and internship opportunities to our students and graduates.
More about our Career Services.

Contact the Career, Employability and Enterprise Centre at careers@york.citycollege.eu

The programme is taught by highly qualified academic staff with extensive teaching and professional experience, and a strong research profile. The administration staff members fully support the processes of the department and provide a wide range of services to our students.

The academic staff & administration staff of the Humanities Department