Course Summary

This course is an advanced level professional qualification for practising and aspiring teachers of English, designed for both native and non-native English speakers. For students with at least two years of experience, successful completion of the course will mean that you achieve TEFL Q status (Q = fully qualified in British

Council terms). Graduates who start the course without teaching experience will achieve TEFLi status on completion (i= initial).

The course offers an excellent balance of theory and practice, and we focus on the real concerns of teachers working across the world. All employers appreciate the assessed teaching practice the course provides - many require their staff to have completed it. They value our graduates highly for their knowledge, skills and experience, underpinned by a sound understanding of the theoretical aspects of linguistics.

You will focus on areas such as the relationship between linguistics and learning English as a second or foreign language, the methodology and techniques of language teaching and the appropriateness and development of EFL materials. You will also examine various current issues in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and have the opportunity to carry out a major piece of individual research on a topic of special interest.

The course provides invaluable opportunities to observe and teach classes, work with highly experienced EFL teachers, prepare materials and reflect on all aspects of EFL work. You will develop a deep understanding of the language systems of English - phonology, grammar and lexis and will gain experience solving the challenges these systems pose for learners and their teachers. You will also explore a number of theoretical issues relevant to language teaching, such as language acquisition and intercultural communication.

Staff in the Department of Language and Communication have extensive experience of TEFL and offer a lively language teaching environment supported by outstanding facilities, which include a video training suite that enables you to practise teaching and obtain practical feedback.

Why choose this course?

Unlike almost all MAs in the UK in TEFL or TESOL, this MA has assessed teaching practice. This means that successful candidates with the relevant teaching experience enjoy TEFL Q status. [Q = qualified] in British Council terms when they graduate with us. This gives distinct career advantages, especially in recognised ELT centres.

The MA Applied Linguistics (TEFL) will provide you with the advanced level practical classroom experience so valued by employers worldwide. You will also develop strong research skills and a critical understanding of relevant research. Opportunities exist to teach in countries all over the world at universities, colleges or private language schools. Alternatively, you can continue your studies with us towards a PhD.

During this course you will:

• Benefit from the prolific and highly successful Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA) - led by Professor Cyril Weir, a world-famous expert in language testing and programme evaluation
• Experience invaluable opportunities to gain relevant and practical teaching experience

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• The language system and language teaching
• The methodology of language teaching
• Exploring research: concepts and methods
• Issues in TEFL (theory)
• Issues in TEFL (teaching practice)

Further Information

MAXAL

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used throughout the programme. Students are required to undertake a variety of group and individual assessments throughout the duration of the programme. These assessments include individual tasks, essays and assessed teaching practice. An important aim of the assessment strategy is to develop skills in materials design. The assessments are constructed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to demonstrate the range of skills identified in Section 4 below.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Language Systems of English: Phonology, Grammar and Lexis. You will appreciate the problems these systems pose for learners and their teachers, and tyou will have had practical experience trying to overcome these problems both within and outside the classroom.

2. Critically evaluate language teaching materials, and develop materials of your own for particular purposes.

3. Critically evaluate elements in a successful lesson through substantial guided observation of live and videoed lessons.

4. Demonstrate enhanced lesson planning and teaching skills, after having completed a series of assessed teaching practice lessons.

5. Critically evaluate research literature relevant to language teaching.

6. Demonstrate an ability to conduct original research in at least one area relevant to language teaching.

7. Demonstrate an understanding of the various language teaching methodologies which are used across the world, and of how they may be adapted for specific teaching situations.

External Benchmarking

Linguistics

Educational Aims

• To provide advanced level practical classroom experience and training for teachers of English as a Foreign Language


• To provide training in language teaching materials evaluation and development


• To deepen students understanding of the `Language Systems of English: Phonology, Grammar, Lexis


• To deepen understanding of how the Language Systems can be taught, and the challenges they pose for learners and teachers


• To develop research skills, and a critical understanding of relevant research


• To explore a number of theoretical issues relevant to language teaching; for example, in the areas of language acquisition and intercultural communication

Student support

The Corporate Academic Advisory Service, and the Universitys Student Services are fully available to our students. In addition, the course manager acts as a tutor to all MA students.

Team working

You will work in a teaching practice team, jointly planning your syllabus, and co-ordinating your teaching topics.

Career Management Skills

At the end of the course, you will have completed a needs analysis and career development plan. The course team will also give advice on job opportunities, and continuing staff development.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

Our graduates are teaching in universities, colleges, and language schools in many countries across the world. Other opportunities include ELT materials development and publishing.

Further study:

PhD study here in the areas of motivation, programme evaluation, or language testing.

Entry

Additional:

IELTS 6.5, or equivalent, for non-native speakers of English.

A good first degree, and / or a recognized TEFL / TESOL certificate and / or relevant teaching experience.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The programme is varied, both in curriculum content and delivery methods. These include:

• Student presentations for the critical review and discussion of research studies and for the demonstrating of training materials and techniques


• Seminars for the discussion and debate of material presented in lectures and student presentations


• Workshops for the analysis and discussion of videoed and live lessons


• Observation of experienced teachers and fellow MA students


• Teaching practice and feedback from tutors


• Work experience in our Language Centre


• Independent research for the completion of projects and the dissertation


• Tutorials for the supervision and guidance of independent research

Students will be expected to carry out a large amount of independent study and will be trained to take increasing responsibility for their own learning.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

The normal University procedures are in place.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Produce teaching materials of a professional standard, and teach classes to `real students in an authentic language school

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Use our Learning Resources Centre and Language Centre to seek out and help evaluate suitable materials

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Produce a 20,000 word dissertation which requires you to include a literature review. Your dissertation must include original research

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Produce original teaching materials, and examine published materials in depth

Improving learning and performance

Your self evaluation forms and teaching practice diary will help you do this.

Progress files

You will be directed to the CETL website regarding opportunities to use these files.

Professional standards

You will be expected to achieve the full professional standards necessary to survive and prosper in a busy and successful language school. This will be monitored throughout your teaching practice, under the guidance of your teaching practice tutor.

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

An important component of your course is the observation of regular classes in Luton, and work in our Language Centre.