Management of Language Learning

This programme is designed for both graduates with teaching experience and practising language teachers and trainers who wish to build a career in modern languages and English as a foreign language. It enables students to make an effective contribution to language learning in their organisation through research, development and the application of newly acquired knowledge, and enhance career prospects in further and higher education.

This programme introduces students to research in applied languages, in particular those research activities and themes that affect the language-learning environment, including second language acquisition and communicative language teaching. Students also explore research in language learning in relation to the practical learning environment. They acquire the skills to write and use computer-aided language learning tools and conduct a research project in language learning and language teaching.

Aims of the programme

• To analyse theory and research in applied languages, particularly the research activities and theoretical frameworks that impinge on language learning and language teaching and testing
• To explore the interface between research in language learning and the practical learning environment
• To evaluate the role and future of information technology with a resource-based language-learning framework
• To develop an awareness of non-traditional (i.e. non-classroom-based) methods of language learning
• To provide the research skills and knowledge of research methods in language learning to enable the student to conduct their project

Content

• Second Language Acquisition (30 credits)
• Current Methodologies in Communicative Language Teaching and Testing (30 credits)
• Use of Information Technology in Language Learning (30 credits)
• Research Methods in Language Learning (30 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)