Course summary

This PGCE-MEd course adopts a broad definition of the term "second language education". It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of languages in schools and communities as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a second, foreign, or additional language across the world. A special feature of the course is its broad-based training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research. The course aims to combine in-depth critical understanding of the main currents of conceptual thinking in second language education with practical training in conducting L2 empirical research. The aims of the course are as follows:

• to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines;

• provide training in research methods appropriate to education;

• advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment;

• cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.

• a comprehensive understanding of research techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their specific educational domain;

• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;

• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;

• demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.