In this module, you will explore how learners acquire a second, third, or even fourth language in addition to their mother tongue. You will examine key research and theories on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and consider how these insights can inform teaching practice. Through analysis of diverse learner profiles, you will identify the needs of different language learners within the context of English Language Teaching (ELT). You will also develop an understanding of how learners' linguistic backgrounds influence the language learning process. Finally, you will investigate the roles of both the learner and the teacher in facilitating effective language acquisition.

In this module, you will explore key theoretical approaches and methodologies that shape English language teaching, with a focus on developing linguistic competence in foreign language learners. You will examine influential methods such as Audio-Lingualism, Community Language Learning (CLL), and the Silent Way, assessing their role in fostering core language skills—phonology, vocabulary, grammar, and discourse competence.

The module also covers contemporary approaches, including the Communicative Approach, Task-Based Learning (TBL), the Lexical Approach, and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), analysing how they support fluency, accuracy, and pragmatic competence. Additionally, you will evaluate models such as Present, Practice, and Production (PPP) in relation to their effectiveness in developing learners’ communicative abilities and overall proficiency.

In this module, you will explore the structure and use of language in TESOL contexts, engaging with current debates from both cognitive and social perspectives in Applied Linguistics. You will examine how these discussions shape TESOL practice and reflect on your own professional experiences within the broader research landscape of English Language Teaching. Drawing on key theoretical frameworks, you will critically investigate issues such as the role of corpora in language learning, bilingualism, AI’s impact on language learning and teaching, and the relationship between language and thought. You will also explore sociolinguistic themes, including language and identity, the concept of the ‘native speaker,’ classroom interactions, language policy, and multilingual research methodologies. Through this module, you will develop a deeper understanding of how evolving linguistic theories and practices influence TESOL practitioners and the learners they teach.

In this module, you will examine the evolving landscapes of syllabus and curriculum design in English Language Teaching exploring their benefits and limitations across different teaching contexts. You will develop the skills to design, evaluate, and adapt syllabi for real-world ELT scenarios, critically assessing various syllabus types, including structural, notional-functional, lexical, and task-based approaches. The module will also focus on materials development for diverse learner needs in EFL, EAP, and ESL settings, addressing key considerations in material adaptation and design. Additionally, you will engage with pedagogies of practice, including trauma-informed and resilience-based approaches, and explore assessment methods in ELT. Through this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how curriculum and materials shape language learning and teaching in different educational contexts.

In this module, you will explore changing contexts and landscapes as well as current debates in English Language teaching, with a focus on multilingualism, inclusion, and evolving learner needs. You will examine how shifts in language education impact teaching methods and classroom practices, engaging with topics such as translanguaging, refugee and asylum-seeker language provision, special educational needs and disability in inclusive education, and the role of technological advancements in modern language teaching. Special attention will also be given to teaching very young learners, exploring effective approaches for engaging and supporting this age group. You will reflect on key global issues, including English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vs. English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), intercultural competence, code-switching, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

In this module, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to design a research proposal and undertake a Masters-level education project aligned with your specialist interests. You will explore literature, engage in methodological debates, and experiment with research methods to create a proposal for either an educational research study or a research-informed innovation addressing a contemporary educational challenge. You will examine how educational issues are constructed, the role of knowledge in driving change, and the impact of research and innovation strategies.

Working with a supervisor-mentor, you will undertake an in-depth exploration of a topic of your choice, culminating in a significant research-based project. You will engage in planning, piloting, implementing, and reporting on your study, deepening your understanding of education policy or practice. Your project may take the form of a traditional research study (dissertation), or a research-informed artefact designed to address a contemporary educational challenge, such as a syllabus, teaching intervention, CPD materials, assessment tools, or policy guidelines. This module marks the culmination of your Master’s journey, providing an opportunity to contribute meaningful insights to the education sector.