Core Modules

You will study four core modules:

Classroom Research and Research Methods

This course introduces the main concepts and some of the techniques used in research in and into second language classrooms. This involves looking at two kinds of research traditions:

• ‘ Action’ research, which is usually qualitative, and involves examining specific classroom interactions in a single period of time, generally with the intent of modifying or improving teacher behavior
• Experimental research, which is quantitative, and often involves looking at linguistic or other outcomes, often independently of classroom interaction, with the purpose of making general statements about, say, how language is acquired.

In addition, considerable space is dedicated to the kinds of instruments used to examine and measure factors that influence or are part of classroom events, such as the investigation of attitudes and beliefs and the observation of interactions in the classroom.

Finally, we discuss the different variables that influence classroom interaction: the roles, strategies, and behaviors of both teachers and students. Included in these sections is a review of some of the research carried out using the different observation systems.

Language Teaching Methodology

This module gives an overview of the development of, and current approaches to, English Language Teaching (ELT) methodology, including the teaching of grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The module also includes a practical introduction to classroom-based research.

The primary intention is to introduce you to a wide range of ideas, which will allow you to reflect on your own teaching experience. At the same time, in covering such a large area, the module also lays down the groundwork for a number of other modules which you will go on to study as part of this program.

Pedagogic Grammar

This module covers the main theoretical concepts and research findings underlying the description of the grammar of the English Language and the implication these have for the teaching of grammar in the classroom.

In this module, you will consider:

• Prescriptive and descriptive grammar
• Research into the benefits of teaching grammar explicitly
• How the methodologies we employ influence the way we teach grammar
• How grammar is represented in the language syllabus
• The debate relating to the use of authentic texts in language teaching
• The nature of spoken English and how its grammar differs from that of written English

Syllabus and Materials Design

This module considers the problem of reconciling syllabus and materials design with what is known about the process of language learning and examines the attempts that established approaches to syllabus design have made to solve this problem. The module goes on to propose a more radical solution involving the establishment of a pedagogic corpus, the use of task-based methodology, and the development of analytical exercises.

This is a very practical module designed for practicing teachers. It demonstrates that a syllabus is a lot more than simply a list of items at the start of a handbook.

The module introduces you to a variety of different types of syllabus such as the traditional grammatical syllabus, the lexical syllabus, the functional-notional syllabus, and the task-based syllabus. You are encouraged to look at a range of teaching situations and consider how different types of syllabi can be used to meet the needs of different types of language learners. The later parts of the module look at materials development, evaluating material, and how to adapt course books so the content is ‘ lifted off the page’

Optional modules

You will also choose two optional modules from a range which typically includes:

• Corpus Linguistics
• English Language Teaching Management
• Functional Grammar
• Language and New Media
• Language Testing
• Multimodal Communication
• Psycholinguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• Teaching Language to Young Learners

Dissertation

In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University.

The University's Careers Network provides advice and information specifically for postgraduates that will help you to develop an effective career and skills development strategy and to make the most of your time with us at the University. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team to deliver local support.

In addition to a range of campus-based events and workshops, Careers Network provides extensive online resources and comprehensive listings of hundreds of graduate jobs and work experience opportunities.

You will also be able to access our full range of career support for up to two years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: English Language and Linguistics

Birmingham's English Language and Linguistics postgraduates develop a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication. They also develop crucial skills in organization, time management, analysis, and interpretation of information.

Many of our graduates enter roles for which their programme has prepared them, such as becoming a language analyst or data scientist. Others use their transferable skills in a wide range of occupations including teaching, research administration, and events.

Our study materials are produced by academic staff in our department, and are available online through the University's 'virtual learning environment'. They contain aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, indexes, and details of assignments required. On joining you are provided with a course handbook that introduces you to the team, provides details of their roles and expertise, and gives all the contact information you will need so that if you have any difficulties or questions you will know who to contact for help and guidance.

Although much of the course is delivered through the virtual learning environment, support is always available. You will have a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor to guide you and answer any questions, and you will be able to consult academic staff in Birmingham via video calling software such as Zoom or Teams.

We also run week-long face-to-face seminars in the summer. These are free, and open to all distance TESOL students.

Each module represents up to 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, assignment preparation, and independent study.