English Language in Professional Contexts – (M.A.)

The English Teaching in Professional Contexts MA degree provides professional development for English language teachers who are interested in the use of English in the workplace or in academic contexts.

You will develop skills in language description and analysis and have the opportunity to design sample syllabuses and course materials appropriate to the needs of specified groups of language learners, for example those working in international business, tourism, health care, or higher education.

* The course balances theory and practice
* Access to some of the most recent and relevant English language research
* Review and evaluate different approaches to the teaching of English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
* Observe English language classes and undertake teaching practice
* In the final stages of the course you may have the opportunity to complete a (salaried) ten month overseas teaching placement
* Taught by a team consisting of international experts on corpus linguistics, computer assisted language learning, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, discourse and varieties of English (including business English) and second language acquisition
* The final stage can be completed off campus
* Participants may elect to submit a reflective portfolio of their own professional practice instead of a dissertation
* The flexibility of the course enables applicants with recognised ELT qualifications to qualify for some accreditation of prior learning (APL)

Opportunities for English language professionals exist in teaching and management posts in higher and further education, and in international schools, independent tutorial colleges and sixth-form colleges.
There may also be posts in government/civil service positions in relation to staff support and development, curriculum and materials, design and public communications.
Posts in industry and commerce which require a good understanding of the use of language for specific purposes may also require your skills, for example in the fields of publishing, conference organisation, the media, staff support and development.