Education (Research in Second Language Education)

Entry requirements

This route is intended for applicants with a background in foreign language education. Applicants will typically have a good honours degree in a foreign language or applied linguistics.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The route adopts a broad definition of the term "second language education". It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of modern languages in English schools and communities as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a second, foreign, or additional language across the world. The route enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research.

The route aims to combine an in-depth critical understanding of the main currents of conceptual thinking in the literature on second language learning with practical training in aspects of L2 empirical research. The aims of the route are as follows:

• Examine key theoretical perspectives which have influenced recent research in second language education and to relate these to the wider context of educational research
• Analyse and develop effective methodologies in conducting empirical research in second language teaching and learning in schools and communities
• Develop critical skills with respect to the literature on research in second language teaching and learning, focusing mainly on core readings which provide instructive examples of empirical research
• Investigate the language education issues in an international and comparative perspective.