Introduction
This full-time MA in ELT has been designed specifically with the aim of providing initial teacher education for those wishing to become teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL). The programme allows teachers to develop and reflect upon their understanding of the various theoretical and practical issues that impact upon the field of language teaching. It places particular emphasis on the notion of informed and critical teaching and the need for teachers to mediate between theory and practice in constructing pedagogies according to specific teaching-learning contexts. In line with the most recent approaches in the field, language technology, and particularly corpus-based approaches to the study of language, feature strongly in our modules. A balance is maintained throughout the course between linguistic content, pedagogic content, and teaching-related research.
Graduate Diploma English Language Teaching
Students successfully completing the two taught semesters of the programme (60 credits) may opt to exit the programme at the end of Semester 2 with a Graduate Diploma in English Language Teaching.
Objectives
- To equip graduates with a professional qualification in the area of ELT.
- To enable students to acquire the knowledge, range of capabilities, experiences and qualities that are required for the teaching profession.
- To develop students' understanding of the language-learning process and a critical awareness of associated pedagogies.
- To provide students with the necessary skills to carry out research in the area of ELT.
- To afford the opportunity to develop skills in areas of pedagogic practice relevant in contemporary educational systems internationally, for example, new technologies and materials development.
Programme Content
Semester 1: Core modules: language systems, theory and practice, linguistics, research methodologies. Electives: teaching practice, materials design, English as a foreign language.
Semester 2: Core modules: language systems, theory and practice, dissertation. Electives: teaching practice, information and communication technologies and language studies, English as a foreign language.
Careers
Students graduating from this course have followed a number of career paths in the past. These include: teaching at various levels (including university), school management, publishing, materials' development, technical writing, adult education and support, further study to PhD level.
Entrance Requirements
A Second or first class honours level primary degree or equivalent professional qualification (Primary degree: level 8 NQAI).
All candidates will also be required to attend an interview. Where candidates are overseas these may be conducted via telephone or Skype. Candidates who do not meet the above degree/qualification requirements may apply for admission to the degree course. The admission of such applicants would be exceptional and would be subject to the applicant's interview and the approval of the Course Director and course team. In such cases, equivalent prior professional experience will be considered.
Applicants' qualification for entry to some of the modules, e.g. TP, EFL and Materials Development modules, will be ascertained on the basis of demonstrated language proficiency, prior teaching qualification/s and teaching experience. This will initially be done at interview stage, and electives for Semester 2 will be decided in consultation with course team by the end of Semester 1.
International students require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) composite score in the range of 6.5 - 7 and not less than 6 in any one component, as for entry to all programmes in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.
Please note that places on the programme are offered on the basis of all the above, viz. qualifications, performance at interview, language proficiency level (if applicable) as well as candidates' references given in the application form.
What to Include with your Application
- Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)
- English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language)
- A one page supporting statement
- A copy of your birth certificate (long document)
Application Fee
An application fee will apply from January 2011 to all postgraduate programmes. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application fee.
Tuition Fee
The University recognises that many students are experiencing serious financial constraints in the present economic climate. Accordingly the Fees Office will endeavour to accommodate, where possible, the payment of fees via an agreed instalment payment plan. For further details please contact the Fees Office at feesoffice@ul.ie.
Contact
Course Director: Dr Freda Mishan
School of Languages, Literature, Culture and Communication
Tel: 353-61-202432 or
Email: freda.mishan@ul.ie
Webpage: www.ul.ie/llcc/subjects/elt/
note
'Neither the University of Limerick nor the School of LLCC guarantee the availability of any particular elective module or elective module stream. All elective modules or elective module streams are subject to restrictions such as scheduling and resources. Not all elective modules or elective module streams may be available to candidates. Please contact School of LLCC before registering as to the availability of elective modules or elective module streams.'
