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2018/19 entry
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Register nowDesigned for those with experience of teaching languages, the MAALLT programme will extend your knowledge of the processes that underpin and facilitate foreign language learning.
You will learn about the new developments in applied linguistics research and will be able to reflect on these in light of your own practical expertise. You will be able to do so in the Department with international reputation for world-leading language research.
The MA Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching is designed for applicants from both home or overseas who wish to pursue a career in teaching foreign languages. You should have an equivalent of at least 12 months of classroom-based experience of teaching on a full-time basis. The course offers advanced enquiry into the processes of language learning, with specific reference to second and foreign language learning.
You will study two core modules and choose two optional modules.
Language for Education: In this module, you will learn about selected language concepts, theories and elements which are relevant to language teaching and learning, but which do not always figure in traditional language courses. The idea that language and discourse structures can be (a) motivated, meaningful or purposeful and (b) flexible or fuzzy, rather than fixed or ‘black and white’ will be introduced and you will discover ways in which language structure is used, with other concepts, to create meaningful discourse and interactions. (20 credits)
Teaching and Learning Language: In the Spring Term, building on your knowledge from the Language for Education module, you will expand your understanding of different language learning theories and their (potential) implications for language teaching. You will get an overview of how approaches to second and foreign language teaching have evolved over the last few decades and learn how to develop informed opinions about the challenges and tensions involved in language teaching practice, both generally and in your own context. (20 credits)
Research Methods in Language Learning and Teaching: This module will give you an understanding of methods used to research language learning and teaching. You will explore the relationships between research questions, methods, data analysis and subsequent claims. (20 credits)
Planning and Communicating Research: Building on the knowledge and understanding of research methods gained in the previous module, you will engage in planning of a small research project, identifying and managing the different stages involved, from conception to analysis to writing up and disseminating your results. This module will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for conducting a research study and will allow you to reflect on these to enrich your own experience. (20 credits)
Choose two modules from the following list:
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You will develop, design, implement and manage your own original research project, supervised by a member of staff with the relevant experience for your topic. To complete this masters degree, you will produce a 12,000-word dissertation based on your research project.
| Study mode | UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £7,580 | £16,780 |
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK/EU or international student.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers accommodation costs and estimated social costs.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
You will be taught through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, practical exercises and workshops.
You'll be based in the Department of Education on Campus West. Most of your teaching will be in Vanbrugh College and other nearby locations on Campus West.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Types of assessments used throughout this course include:
To cap your studies, you'll complete a 12,000-word dissertation on an original piece of your own research.
This masters is an ideal grounding for postgraduate students looking to go on to further study such as PhD or for a career in the education sector.
Many of our graduates become language teachers around the world: in private language schools, state schools, and universities. Others find employment opportunities in course and syllabus design, or writing in publishing houses.
Our postgraduate courses can be used to complement teacher training/development programmes and voluntary or paid roles which focus on the more practical elements of teaching. However, other than our PGCE, our courses are not teacher training programmes in themselves.
A number of our graduates go on to obtain research degrees in applied linguistics, TESOL, education and related topics.
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| Degree | You should already have, or shortly complete, a degree in a relevant discipline, such as language, linguistics or education. We would typically expect you to have achieved at least a 2:1 in your undergraduate degree. If your first degree was awarded by an institution outside the UK, see our country-specific information. |
If your native language is not English, you may need a qualification to demonstrate your fluency. We accept the following English language tests:
If you have recently completed an undergraduate degree at a UK university you may be exempt from the English language requirements.
If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you attend a pre-sessional English language course. These courses are designed to help you improve your language, communication and study skills and help you prepare for your postgraduate degree.
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.
You should have the equivalent of at least one year's full-time teaching experience by the time the course starts. Your experience of teaching can be in any language and at any stage of learning. Your teaching experience should normally have taken place after you obtained your first degree. Teacher training internships, casual private tutoring and holiday camps are not normally sufficient experience. You must indicate clearly on the main application form that you have this experience, giving all of the following information:
You will also need to provide formal evidence of your teaching experience, for example a professional reference.
If by the time the MA at York begins, you will not have the equivalent of at least one year's full time experience, please consider applying for the MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages instead. If you are unsure about your eligibility, or want to enquire informally about whether this course would be suitable for you, please contact us.
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