Course description
MA English Language Teaching (MA ELT)
Students take three core modules and three option modules. All modules are worth 20 credits. Core modules on the ELT (Experienced Language Teachers) pathway are:
-Language in Use
-Theory and Practice in Language Teaching
-Course Design and Assessment
-Core modules on the PLT (Practical Language Teaching) pathway are:
Language in Use
-Principles and Practice in Language Learning and Teaching
-Materials and Assessment in Language Teaching
Option modules are selected from the following list. Modules marked * are only open to students on the ELT pathway:
-Blended Learning and CALL: Multimedia applications in language teaching
-English for Specific Purposes*
-Intercultural Communication
-Learner Autonomy
-Management in ELT*
-Materials Development
-Teacher Education*
-Teaching English Language Through Literature
-Teaching English to Young Learners
-Teaching Reading and Writing
-Teaching Speaking, Listening and Pronunciation
The final part of the MA in ELT is the dissertation. The dissertation is a 15,000-word piece of independent work that builds upon the practical, theoretical and research skills of the MA programme. It is an opportunity for students to follow their own interests, demonstrate their strengths and produce a rigorously researched dissertation on a specific subject.
Overview
Course dates (full and part-time):
09 October 2008 – 18 September 2009
In the international field of ELT there is a growing worldwide need for highly skilled teachers of English to speakers of other languages. This postgraduate course is designed for professional growth and career development.
The MA in ELT is designed for both experienced and inexperienced teachers. This is achieved through the pathways that individuals take.
The MA in ELT can either be taken as a full-time course for 12 months or on a part time (modular) basis for two to five years. Students on the MA in ELT also have the opportunity to study for the DELTA qualification if they wish.
Assessment
Module assessment is carried out using a variety of formats, including written assignments, portfolios, oral presentations, class tests and micro-teaching. There are no examinations. Students must complete all their module assignments successfully before proceeding to the dissertation.
Resources and facilities
The Nottingham Language Centre has an open access Language Resource Centre. Facilities include a library of language practice books, video and audio tapes and a computer suite. However MA students will be expected to use the main University library for most of their academic reading. The Boots library is just a few minutes walk away from the Language Centre.
Study routes
MA ELT full-time: 12 months
MA ELT part-time: two to five years
Special benefits
An important distinguishing feature of the MA ELT course is the opportunity for course participants, who are suitably qualified and academically able, to take the Diploma in ELT to Adults (DELTA). This advanced professional qualification for experienced teachers is validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (Cambridge ESOL). Exceptional candidates may prepare for the DELTA alongside full-time MA study, but most students find it more realistic to study part-time over two years or longer in order to achieve both qualifications.
Accreditation
Students who achieve the dual qualification of the MA ELT (Nottingham Trent University) and DELTA (Cambridge ESOL) obtain two internationally recognised English language teaching qualifications.
