The Cross-Cultural Communication and Applied Linguistics MA provides theoretical, research and practical training in areas of international and intercultural communication. It also provides training on the analysis of language in use, in a variety of settings and on the teaching and learning of English as a second language.
The Applied Linguistics Pathway is a specialism on the Cross-Cultural Communication MA. It is designed for students who wish to combine the study of cross-cultural communication (CCC) with the study of language as it is used in a wide range of settings. If you are interested in gaining knowledge and expertise in the new approaches and techniques for teaching English as a second or foreign language you would also benefit from this course.
This specialist pathway is delivered by academic staff in applied linguistics and communication within the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. It offers a wide range of optional modules in the areas of applied linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
You will have the opportunity to develop:
- an understanding of the theories, principles, concepts and methodologies in applied linguistics and TESOL
- a critical awareness of key issues or debates concerning teaching and learning English as a second/foreign language
- in-depth knowledge of methodologies and techniques applicable to research in areas of applied linguistics and TESOL, including corpus linguistics, multimodal analysis, discourse analysis and conversation analysis.
The applied linguistics academic staff have teaching and research expertise in:
- second language acquisition
- discourse analysis
- classroom interaction
- multimodal interaction
- teaching and learning English through media and technology
- teacher development
If you are interested in a career in language teaching, but have little or no previous teaching experience, this pathway offers the option of introductory modules in TESOL. These provide a thorough grounding in the practical skills and knowledge for language teaching and learning.
Delivery
Modules are delivered through a range of means, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- group projects
Each module tends to last one semester. Some optional modules are taught in short, intensive blocks and/or on occasional weekends.
The course consists of three main parts.
Language and communication
This strand is delivered by academic staff in applied linguistics and communication within the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. They comprise one compulsory module and a number of optional modules available to all CCC students.
Applied linguistics pathway-specific modules
The applied linguistics strand of taught modules is delivered by academic staff in applied linguistics and communication within the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. You will study with other students of applied linguistics and TESOL.
Research portfolio
The research portfolio is equal to an MA-level dissertation. It involves three separate research files which take place over the course of the academic year:
- an essay on a theoretical matter in cross-cultural communication, submitted early January
- a presentation on a methodological approach to research in cross-cultural communication
- an empirical research project conducted over the summer months, submitted at the end of August
Lectures and seminars provide support for the research portfolio. You will also receive one-to-one supervision from an academic member of staff.
Work experience
You are encouraged to apply your research interests to real world case studies, particularly of international organisations or workplaces with which you have a connection.
For example, your empirical project submitted in research file three can be in connection with voluntary work (for a charity or NGO) or an internship, arranged over the summer towards the end of the course.
As a part time student you can conduct a research project of relevance to your employer and/or industry.
Pathway
The Cross-Cultural Communication MA has six specialist pathways:
- Applied Linguistics
- Education
- International Management
- International Marketing
- Media
- International Relations
Facilities
As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences you'll have access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources, including:
- a well-stocked Education Resource Centre
- Language Analysis Lab
- a phonetics lab
- an audio-video lab
- a recording studio
