Jun 24 2010
MA TESOL / EdTech & TESOL
June 2010 Update: From September 2010, we will be offering three named pathways in the MA TESOL programme thus enabling participants to graduate from the programme with simply an MA TESOL degree or, with one of the following pathways: MA TESOL (Intercultural Education), MA TESOL (Teacher Education), or MA TESOL (Educational Technology). See also the June 2010 discussion posting on this theme. More details on request from: richard.fay@manchester.ac.uk
Masters programmes for experienced TESOL practitioners
MA TESOL
MA Educational Technology & TESOL
Modular structure
Both the MA TESOL and MA EdTech & TESOL programmes are made up of modular course units allowing participants to build their degree around their own preferred interests.
Modes of study
Both programmes are offered on-site in Manchester and in-context around the world, where our technological expertise, long experience of distance education, and the back-up of Manchester University’s superb collection of e-resources combine to provide learning support second to none.
The on-site programmes take twelve months’ full-time study. Part-time on-site arrangements are also available, spreading the programme out over usually three years. Participants studying in-context distant from Manchester also usually take three years to complete the programmes.
Focusing on the c21 needs of TESOL practitioners
Both programmes have course units in TESOL methodology and educational technology. Most of us now live in a rapidly changing technologised world and the twenty-first century TESOL professional needs to function credibly in that world. We also work in a globalised world of intercultural interactions and the TESOL professional needs to operate with awareness and sensitivity in both human and linguistic terms. We address such technological, linguistic and human issues directly in terms of practical consequences for the language teacher.
Reflective practitioners
Whether you study on-site or in-context, you will not be asked to learn theories in order to apply them. Instead, you will be encouraged and helped to explore the experience that you have gathered, to understand it from new perspectives, and to articulate that new understanding in ways that take you forward, individually and collegially, with regard to both your thinking and your actions, as you prepare to take on enhanced responsibilities.
Course units
Participants need to select six single course units (15 credits each). These will change as the programmes develop, but currently comprise:
- Beyond methods, approaches and techniques
- Language learning & technology
- Psychology of language learning
- Multimedia design and development
- Language education as intercultural practice
- Teaching & learning online
- Explorations in language
- Blended learning in a digital age
- The education of language teachers
See link at foot of this page for more information on these course units.
The research component
Participants also complete a double-unit in Developing Researcher Competence (30 credits), which provides them with skills for continuing development as well as helping them prepare the groundwork, usually including a pilot-study, for their dissertation.
Finally, participants complete a research-based dissertation in their area of specialisation (60 credits).
Leading to Doctoral study
Appropriately successful MA participant are encouraged to consider doctoral study, either immediately or after a further period of professional activity. Again, on-site, part-time and in-context possibilities are available for suitable candidates who wish to research areas of interest agreed with an LTE supervisor.
If you are interested in applying you will need to produce a research proposal outline and we have created some guidance on how to do this. Take a look also at the following sister blog: ‘The Doctoral Community at LTE’.
Contact details
If you would like more information about the MA TESOL, or MA Educational Technology & TESOL, please contact:
The Postgraduate Admissions Office, School of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
tel +44 (0) 161 275 3463
fax +44 (0) 161 275 3528
email pg-education@manchester.ac.uk
website www.education.manchester.ac.uk
General information about the course can be found at: www.education.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses
Apply online www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply