Course summary

Our course provides up to date theories and methods in teaching English as a foreign/2nd language. It will help students to understand key issues in teaching English as a foreign/2nd language. It will also develop research skills, enhancing professional performance in the future. The course allows students to improve or update their knowledge and understanding of teaching English as a foreign or 2nd language. It has a strong emphasis on: Language learning; interaction in second language classrooms and wider settings; teacher development; engagement in learning and with technology. Our staff have experience of teaching around the world. They are actively involved in research and we incorporate relevant research findings into the course content. Dr Mei Lin leads the course. By the end of the course you will be familiar with current developments in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In particular, you will develop your knowledge of language learning; features of communication in a range of settings; teaching methodology. The course is available to those with teaching experience (in-service) ; those without teaching experience (pre-service); lecturers at higher education institutions. Our graduates have found jobs in teaching, management and administrative posts. RESEARCH PROJECT: As part of the course you will carry out a research project. This encourages you to explore teaching and learning issues through collecting and analysing data. Our research methods module will provide you with a range of research tools and training. To ensure a positive learning experience, a variety of support is available, focusing on expectations; critical thinking; academic writing. DELIVERY: We deliver modules through a mix of lectures; seminars; workshops; group activities. Most modules last one semester. Teaching takes place during the day at our Newcastle campus. We don't deliver teaching over the weekend. The course consists of three main parts compulsory modules (60 credits); optional modules (60 credits); research project (60 credits). Optional modules include a wide range of modules in TESOL and applied linguistics, as well as linguistics and education. You can build the course to match your individual interests and/or future career needs. We use a variety of teaching methods to support your learning experience; develop your learning potential; prepare you for real-world challenges. Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your practice. Weekly independent study tasks allow you to engage with and contribute to sessions and seminars. If you choose to study part time you will take up to 80 credits during your first year. During second year you will complete the remaining credits and conduct your research project. FACILITIES: You will have access to the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences' resource centre and iLaB. You will also have access to: •the University Library •computer clusters and IT services •a tailored academic writing course for TESOL.