About English Language Teaching And Applied Linguistics MA in Coventry University

This Master’s course aims to provide specialist professional development for English Language Teaching (ELT).

It draws on innovative research carried out on the English language by members of the School of Humanities (English language specialists) and focuses on the theory and practice of teaching English in a variety of contexts.

The course offers two pathways: one focusing on TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and one focusing on Linguistics and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). The course includes a wide variety of assessment tasks and the opportunity for students to select their own dissertation topic on a subject that is relevant to their teaching context.

The course includes the opportunity to take part in study trips both in the UK and overseas. * In recent years we have ran free trips to the London Museums to design language learning tasks based on the artefacts viewed, and to Stratford-upon-Avon to study the impact that Shakespeare’s language has had on modern English. During the optional study trip to Valencia, Spain, we observe English classes taught in three different universities and discuss intercultural and context-specific issues relating to English Language Teaching with our international partners.

*Study trips may be subject to additional fees, application processes and/or be subject to availability.

The course also engages with Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) exchanges, with the partners the students may visit during their international study trip*, and engagement with Massive Open Online Learning Courses (MOOCs). Research carried out by staff on the course in 2017 shows that this enhances participating students’ digital fluency and intercultural awareness, refer for example to the English Language Teaching Research Award (ELTRA) study published by the British Council in 2018:  

*Study trips may be subject to additional fees, application processes and/or be subject to availability.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

This course gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own professional development as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language in a stimulating, interactive and innovative way. It discusses how different settings and teaching scenarios can affect your teaching approach.

A diagnostic task is administered at the start the course to support your academic development and this task is discussed with your allocated personal tutor, who can support your learning journey and provide sign-posting for your pastoral needs. At Coventry University we also offer the support of a School-based employment tutor, as well as the support of a central Career Office (please check the Employability section of this course webpage for further details on this).

Students on the course have the opportunity to apply for internal part-time job opportunities, both voluntary and paid, and these have included over the years: Pre-sessional English Teacher and/or Conversational Assistant; Academic Tutor at the Centre for Academic Writing; Linguae Mundi teacher (teaching their native language for the Centre for Global Engagement); Volunteer for English classes for refugees; Volunteer for English classes for members of the public; Academic English tutor for modules on degree courses; Language module tutor on the Add+Vantage university-wide provision and Student Ambassador.

Students are also invited to take part in the community of English Language Teaching research practice in the School of Humanities, for example the CLAC (Corpus Linguistics at Coventry) monthly seminars and the occasional visiting lectures by famous linguists (e.g. Prof David Crystal in 2018).

According to our External Examiners, employers, alumni and our current students, the distinctive features of this course are:

• The stress on the links between theory and practice;
• The emphasis on the integration of new technologies in language learning and teaching;
• Its task-based/problem-based approach to language learning and teaching;
• Its varied and innovative assessment tasks;
• The quality of both the pastoral and academic support offered to students;
• Its innovative approach to the internationalisation of the curriculum through Online International Learning, Massive Open Online Courses and ELT study trips, both national and international;
• The opportunity to obtain job placements (this is selective);
• The possibility of obtaining the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) vocational qualification.

Career prospects

According to the British Council, there were around 1.5 billion people learning and using English worldwide in 2018, forecast to rise to 2 billion by 2020. Sso there is a high demand for teachers of English in language schools, private schools, state schools, universities and colleges throughout the world.

In addition to enabling you to learn more about classroom, blended and online teaching and learning, this course will provide you with the chance to develop skills to perform roles such as materials developer, resource manager and examiner. It can also lead to a variety of careers associated with teaching English or the use of English Language, including education management, academic consultancy, journalism, information management and human resources, among others.

Recognised the world over as evidence of advanced skills and knowledge, a Master's degree can assist you to secure professional advancement. It can provide access to senior management posts in both private and state educational institutions around the world.

Our Futures employment team offers tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific job destinations. We are unique in offering postgraduate students career support within the School of Humanities through an employment personal tutor who can check your curriculum vitae/resume’, support you with preparation for interviews and help with writing covering letters for job applications. 

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Graduates from this course have gone on to establish either teaching or education management careers both in the UK (e.g Lecturer at Coventry University; Pre-sessional Associate Director for CU  Services Ltd ) and overseas (e.g.  Lecturer in universities in Morocco, Libya, Jordan, India, Bahrain, Pakistan and China; Academic Coordinator for IvyPrep Education in Vietnam). You may also wish to continue your studies at PhD level (subject to meeting the relevant entry criteria such as obtaining a merit mark and having the appropriate IELTS score for PhD studies).

Grade equivalent to a minimum grade of 2.2 or above and proficiency in English equivalent to 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and at least 5.5 in each component.

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

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