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Language for Education - EDU00018M

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  • Department: Education
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This is a core module on the MA in Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching and the MA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching and is taught as a combined cohort.

Professional requirements

As per the requirement of entry to the MA in Applied Linguistics programmes, course participants should have a minimum one year’s teaching experience by the time they join the course.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

  • To introduce selected language concepts, theories and elements which are relevant to language teaching and learning, but which do not always figure in traditional language courses
  • To introduce 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
  • To introduce ways in which language structure is used, with other concepts, to create meaningful discourse and interactions

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

  • Be aware of language-related and social topics that are important, but currently problematic, with respect to second language education.

  • To demonstrate an awareness of how the structure of English relates to the teaching and learning of English.

Academic and graduate skills

  • Engage critically with academic and language teaching publications

  • Formulate critical and balanced arguments orally and in writing

  • Participate in group work and problem-solving activities

  • Demonstrate effective planning and time management

  • Word-process, use a concordancer, manage files, use e-mail, VLE and the Web

Module content

Week 1 Introduction to Language for Education and Applied Linguistics

Week 2 Sounds and learning literacy

Week 3 The lexicon: Vocabulary, multiword units, collocations, and corpora

Week 4 Grammar

Week 5 Conversation analysis

Week 6 AI and Machine Learning in Language Education

Week 7 Pragmatics

Week 8 Register and genre

Week 9 Text, context, and schema

Week 10 Language learning and interlanguage

Week 11 Revision and assignment planning

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The module will be assessed by an essay of 3500 words (=/- 10%) on a topic related to the module content, and demonstrating the learning outcomes.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Individual written feedback reports with follow-up tutor discussion if necessary. The feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

Indicative reading

Jones, R.H.(2015). Discourse Analysis. A resource book for students. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Mullany, L. & Stockwell, P. (2015). Introducing English Language. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Schmitt, N. (Ed.) (2010). An introduction to Applied Linguistics (2nd ed.). London: Arnold.

Yule, G. (1996). Pragmatics. Oxford: OUP.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.