Course Structure

The Masters (MAs) are composed of an Entry Module in Descriptive Linguistic Analysis, which all students must follow first. After the successful completion of this module, a range of taught elective modules are then offered. A final dissertation completes the MA.

Entry Module:

Descriptive Linguistic Analysis	30 credits

All students begin with this module. It is a course in the advanced description of English, and includes a significant component in linguistic research methodology. The module has two assignments, both of which have to be passed to progress in the programme.

Elective Modules:

You choose from the following current list, to make up a total of 90 credits.  

Discourse Analysis I	15 credits
Discourse Analysis II	15 credits
English Vocabulary: Teaching and Learning I	15 credits
Literary Linguistics I	15 credits
Literary Linguistics II	15 credits
Syllabus Design and Methodology I	15 credits
Syllabus Design and Methodology II	15 credits
The Teaching of Language and Literature I	15 credits
The Teaching of Language and Literature II	15 credits
World Englishes	15 credits
International Englishes : The Atlantic Triangle	15 credits
International Englishes : Dreams of the Orient	15 credits
Text, Talk and Corpus Analysis	15 credits
Language and Gender I	15 credits
Language and Gender II	15 credits
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics	15 credits
Old Norse Texts	15 credits
Old English Texts	15 credits
Grammar in the Classroom	15 credits
Investigating Health Communication	15 credits
Psycholinguistics I	15 credits
Psycholinguistics II	15 credits
Narratology I	15 credits
Middle English Romance	15 credits

These modules are now available, with the exception of Grammar in the Classroom which should be available Spring 2012.

Finally, you complete the 12,000-15,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice:

MA Dissertation	60 credits

The course programme is modular, so students collect credits by completing the Entry Module (worth 30 credits), plus a selection of 15 or 30 credit modules, plus 60 credits for the dissertation. A Post-Graduate Diploma is awarded for 120 credits, or you can complete the dissertation to gain the Masters (MA) with 180 credits.  

The Masters (MA) is awarded on the basis of which modules the student has chosen to follow.  Each 15 credit module is assessed by a written assignment of 3000 words (two assignments or longer pieces for 30 credit modules). The dissertation is an original piece of work of 12,000-15,000 words. Some modules in the field of Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) have been developed in conjunction with the university’s Faculty of Education. 

This course allows great flexibility, with a wide range of choice in module options. Additionally, if your circumstances change and you find yourself with more or less time for study, you can complete the modules more quickly or can, within reason, take slightly longer over them. However, we do offer guidelines on completion times and strongly advise students to meet suggested deadlines.

You might also find it convenient to finish your study at an early stage. In this case, you can still gain a qualification, as follows:

Award stages:

• Post-Graduate Certificate: 60 credits (entry + 30c worth of electives)
• Post-Graduate Diploma: 120 credits (entry + 90c of electives)
• Masters (MA): 180 credits (entry + 90c electives + dissertation).

 

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