English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics MA

Coventry University

Overview

This Master’s course aims to provide specialist professional development for English Language Teaching (ELT). It draws on innovative research carried out on the English language by members of the School of Humanities (English language specialists) and focuses on the theory and practice of teaching English in a variety of contexts.

The course offers two pathways: one focusing on TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and one focusing on Linguistics and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). The course includes a wide variety of assessment tasks and the opportunity for students to select their own dissertation topic on a subject that is relevant to their teaching context.

The course includes the opportunity to take part in study trips.. In recent years (e.g. 2018 and 2019) we have ran free trips to the London Museums to design language learning tasks based on the artefacts viewed, and to Stratford-upon-Avon to study the impact that Shakespeare’s language has had on modern English. During the optional study trip to Valencia, Spain, we observe English classes taught in three different universities and discuss intercultural and context-specific issues relating to English Language Teaching with our international partners.

Course information

This course gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own professional development as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language in a stimulating, interactive and innovative way. It discusses how different settings and teaching scenarios can affect your teaching approach.

A diagnostic task is administered at the start the course to support your academic development and this task is discussed with your allocated personal tutor, who can support your learning journey and provide sign-posting for your pastoral needs. At Coventry University we also offer the support of a School-based employment tutor, as well as the support of a central Career Office (please check the Employability section of this course webpage for further details on this).

Students on the course can apply for internal part-time job opportunities, both voluntary and paid, and these have included over the years: Pre-sessional English Teacher and/or Conversational Assistant; Academic Tutor at the Centre for Academic Writing; Linguae Mundi teacher (teaching their native language for the Centre for Global Engagement); Volunteer for English classes for refugees; Volunteer for English classes for members of the public; Academic English tutor for modules on degree courses; Language module tutor on the Advantage university-wide provision and Student Ambassador.

Career prospects

In addition to enabling you to learn more about classroom, blended and online teaching and learning, this course will provide you with the chance to develop skills to perform roles such as materials developer, resource manager and examiner. It can also lead to a variety of careers associated with teaching English or the use of English Language, including education management, academic consultancy, journalism, information management and human resources, among others.

Recognised the world over as evidence of advanced skills and knowledge, a Master's degree can assist you to secure professional advancement. It can provide access to senior management posts in both private and state educational institutions around the world.