Program Description

Objectives for the MA AL Program

The objectives of the MA AL Program are to:

• To  provide  a  thorough  understanding  of  the  theoretical  issues  and  real world concerns   related   to    the  field  of  Applied  Linguistics in language teaching, language testing and translation 
• To  provide  a  thorough  understanding  of  the  principles  and  practice  of  teaching  English  as  a  Second or Other  Language  as  well  as  training  in  the  evaluation  of  teaching  materials,  and  curriculum  development  
• To  provide  a  thorough  understanding  of  theoretical  basis  of  language  test  validation  and  assessment  and  facilitate  awareness  of factors  which  underpin  good  assessment  practice. 
• To  provide  the  necessary  tools  for  understanding  the  nature  of  the  translation  process,  facilitate  an  interest  in  multilingualism  and  multiculturalism  and  the  study  of  translation  in  context
• To  equip  students  with  the  critical,  analytic  and  research  skills  required  to  investigate  issues  pertaining  to  their  area  of  interest in language teaching, testing or translation. 

Description

The program provides participants who have a professional interest in language with a valuable opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest developments in the field of Applied Linguistics. It offers them rigorous training in the application of linguistic principles in the areas of ELT pedagogy and translation. The program has a multidisciplinary scope, drawing from a range of social science disciplines and leading to three main areas (Strands) of specialization: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Testing and Translation.

• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  The TESOL Strand is aimed at both novice and experienced teachers of English as a foreign language. Novice teachers will be provided with essential coursework in teaching methodologies and theories of language learning, while also having the opportunity to take more practical seminar courses, such as the Practicum, while more experienced teachers and mid-career professionals will benefit from the more theoretical and highly focused seminar courses such as Accommodating Dyslexic Learners. The program will include a strong emphasis on research which will provide an excellent basis for students who wish to do further research their studies in the field at the Doctoral level. More experienced teachers might also be interested in taking a seminar course in Program Management in order to develop their careers at an administrative level.

• Testing
  The Testing Strand is aimed at language teachers or ELT others who work in the field of ELT publishing who are interested in test development for materials writing and publication. It is also suitable for teachers who intend to become assessment specialists in language schools which prepare students for a variety of language tests. The MA will also provide an essential basis for those students who wish to continue to do research in language testing, an area of increasingly high interest in Europe and around the world today.

• Translation
  The Translation Strand is aimed at students who wish to develop expertise in the translation of texts from a variety of professional domains, e.g. medicine, law and business. The courses of this strand will focus on the practical application of translation. Through seminar courses the students will also gain knowledge of interpretation and will, upon completion of the MA, be prepared to work as either translators or interpreters in many contexts.

Upon completion of the proposed MA in Applied Linguistics, degree holders will have acquired the knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue advanced research at doctoral level or careers as senior instructors, teacher trainers, Directors of Studies, ELT consultants, materials developers, language testing specialists and professional translators.