English Language Teaching (2014 entry)

MA, 1 year full time/2 years part time

Apply from November 2013 Print | Share:

Subject overview

Play icon
View our media gallery

The Sussex Centre for Language Studies is concerned with all aspects of language teaching and learning, including teacher education and language classroom research. 

The hallmark of our degrees is the practical and relevant application of theory and research, designed to enhance your professional standing and career prospects in English Language Teaching (ELT) and related fields of work. 

The Centre runs a state-of-the-art digital multimedia language learning centre, for use by teachers and students. 

The Centre offers teacher training in ELT (Trinity College London Cert TESOL) and short professional development courses for international teachers of English. 

Programme outline

This degree focuses on the theoretical and practical issues that impact on the teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and English as a Second Language (TESL/TESOL). The MA is designed to develop knowledge and critical understanding of current theories and research in language acquisition, and relate these to the practice of English language pedagogy. 

The degree is aimed both at experienced language-teaching professionals worldwide and those with language-/linguistics-based degrees but little or no language-teaching experience. Options, seminar groups and teaching practice are organised to reflect students’ previous experience and interests. 

We continue to develop and update our modules for 2014 entry to ensure you have the best student experience.In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.

Autumn term: Language Analysis • Second-Language Acquisition and Research • a short foreign-language module. 

Spring term: Principles and Practice in ELT. You also choose from a number of career-focused options (subject to student demand), which may include Advanced Practical Teaching* • Discourse and Communication Analysis • ELT Management • Practical Teaching Techniques and Observation • Teaching English for Academic Purposes • Teaching Young Learners • World Englishes. 

*Students with appropriate previous teaching qualifications who successfully complete this module will be deemed TEFL-qualified at UK Diploma level, as defined by the British Council Accreditation Scheme. 

Summer term: you take Research Methods in ELT, and following this module you undertake a research-oriented project, to be written up as a dissertation. 

Some modules are taught with students from the MA in Applied Linguistics. 

Back to module list

Advanced Practical Teaching

30 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This practical module includes supervised teaching practice as well as classroom observation of different teaching modes and styles, giving you the opportunity to acquire TEFL qualified status as defined and required by the British Council Accreditation Scheme.

Discourse and Communication Analysis

30 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This courmodulese focuses on discourse analysis of spoken or written text in the widest sense. It will provide you with insight into methodological and ethical aspects of data collection. You will be introduced to observation and elicitation techniques as employed in dialectology and other branches of social linguistics, and to discourse transcription conventions.

Language Analysis

30 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

This module provides an overview of the structure of language including language systems, lexis and phonology, and is designed to to develop the language awareness of English Language teachers.

Practical Teaching Techniques and Observation

30 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This practical module is aimed at inexperienced teachers from outside the UK and includes classroom observation of experienced teachers. You will have the chance to observe and discuss a range of different teaching styles and modes, and supervised peer and classroom teaching practice will enable you to develop your teaching skills as well as your understanding of a range of teaching methodologies and techniques

Principles and Practice in English Language Teaching

30 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This course focuses on the development of ELT from the traditional grammar translation method to the communicative approach, including PPP and its alternatives, as well as content-based teaching and task-based learning. You will pay particular attention to the teaching of language skills, grammar and vocabulary, and testing and evaluation. You will also investigate topics including individual learning styles; cross-cultural views of learning styles; recent research on multiple intelligences (M.I.) and developments in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and how these affect an individual's learning performance.

Research Methods in English Language Teaching

15 credits
Summer teaching, year 1

This short course helps to prepare you for your dissertation, giving you the skills needed to evaluate methodology and methods for your research project. It builds on your understanding of language-related research methods gained on previous courses in the programme. During the course you will produce a proposal and outline plan for your dissertation project.

Second Language Acquisition and Research

30 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1

On this module you will study how languages are learned and how the different research methods in language learning may affect language teaching in the classroom. You will analyse theories of language learning and explore the difference between qualitative and quantitative research.

You will be expected to undertake a mini classroom research project at the end of the module.

Teaching Young Learners

30 credits
Spring teaching, year 1

This module will examine the difference in approach between teaching adults and teaching children, as well as the differences between teaching young learners below the age of 12 and teenagers. You will consider the importance of content-based teaching and task-based learning, educating the whole child and second language learning and literacy, and factors such as age, creativity, motivation, learning difficulties and discipline will be discussed. You will analyse and evaluate different young-learner materials as well as different methods of assessment and examinations such as the Cambridge young learner exams.

Back to module list

Entry requirements

UK entrance requirements

A first- or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in a Linguistics and/or English Language or a Modern Languages degree involving a significant linguistic component. Alternatively, a first- or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in any subject plus substantial work experience (two years full time or equivalent) in a language-related profession (eg language teacher, language support assistant, translator).

Overseas entrance requirements

Overseas qualifications

If your country is not listed below, please contact the University at E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

CountryOverseas qualification
Australia Bachelor (Honours) degree with second-class upper division
Brazil Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 8
Canada Bachelor degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+)
China Bachelor degree from a leading university with overall mark of 75%-85% depending on your university
Cyprus Bachelor degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5
France Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with final mark of at least 13
Germany Bachelor degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better
Ghana Bachelor degree from a public university with second-class upper division
Greece Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.5
Hong Kong Bachelor (Honours) degree with second-class upper division
India Bachelor degree from a leading institution with overall mark of at least 60% or equivalent
Iran Bachelor degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15
Italy Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105
Japan Bachelor degree from a leading university with a minumum average of B+ or equivalent
Malaysia Bachelor degree with class 2 division 1
Mexico Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8
Nigeria Bachelor degree with second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Pakistan Four-year bachelor degree, normally with a GPA of at least 3.3
Russia Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4
South Africa Bachelor (Honours) degree or Bachelor degree in Technology with an overall mark of at least 70%
Saudi Arabia Bachelor degree with an overall mark of at least 70% or CGPA 3.5/5.0 or equivalent
South Korea Bachelor degree from a leading university with CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent
Spain Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4
Taiwan Bachelor degree with overall mark of 70%-85% depending on your university
Thailand Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
Turkey Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 depending on your university
United Arab Emirates Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent
USA Bachelor degree with CGPA 3.3-3.5/4.0 depending on your university
Vietnam Masters degree with CGPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent

If you have any questions about your qualifications after consulting our overseas qualifications, contact the University at E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each section. Internet TOEFL with 95 overall, with at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.

For more information, refer to English language requirements.

Visas and immigration

Find out more about Visas and immigration.

For more information about the admissions process at Sussex

For pre-application enquiries:

Student Recruitment Services
T +44 (0)1273 876787
E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk

For post-application enquiries:

Postgraduate Admissions,
University of Sussex,
Sussex House, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 877773
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E pg.applicants@sussex.ac.uk 

Related programme

Fees and funding

Fees

Home UK/EU students: £5,5001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £5,5002
Overseas students: £13,0003

1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.

To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.

Funding

The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.

To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.

Chancellor's International Scholarship (2014)

Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 1 May 2014

25 scholarships of a 50% tuition fee waiver

Fulbright-Sussex University Award (2014)

Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 15 October 2013

Each year, one award is offered to a US citizen for the first year of a postgraduate degree in any field at the University of Sussex.

Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Postgraduate Study (2014)

Region: UK
Level: PG (taught), PG (research)
Application deadline: 1 October 2013

The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Postgraduate students following any postgraduate degree courses in any subject.

Santander Scholarship (2014)

Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 1 May 2014

Two scholarships of £5000 fee waiver for students studying any postgraduate taught course.

USA Friends Scholarships (2014)

Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 3 April 2014

Two scholarships of an amount equivalent to $10,000 are available to nationals or residents of the USA on a one year taught Master's degree course.

Faculty interests

Specialist areas are described briefly below. Visit the Sussex Centre for Language Studies for further information on the Centre and its faculty. 

Dr Andrew Blair Teacher education and identity, second-language acquisition, research methods in language education, English as an international language. 

Jennifer Book Teacher training, materials development, young learners, English for academic purposes, technology in language teaching and learning. 

Yolanda Cerda Gender and language, teaching young learners, discourse analysis, teacher education and beliefs, language and literature. 

Alison Chisholm English for academic purposes, English language and study skills support for international students in Higher Education, teacher training. 

Raymond De Witt Teacher training, English for specific purposes, testing and assessment, IELTS materials development. 

James Greenough Second-language acquisition and theories of learning, teacher training and development, English for academic purposes, grammar and lexis. 

Jeremy Page Intercultural teaching and learning, bilingualism, teacher training and development, ELT management, curriculum design, testing and assessment. 

Dr Simon Williams Teaching English for academic purposes, testing and assessment, approaches to listening skills development. 

Dr Jules Winchester Sociolinguistics, intercultural communication, linguistic politeness, language use and identity. 

Careers and profiles

This course may be attractive if you have an interest in: 

  • English teaching – in a school, college, university or private language school 
  • educational management as a senior teacher, principal or owner/manager 
  • language teacher training or research 
  • ELT publishing or media. 

The degree provides the opportunity to undertake teaching practice, as well as to evaluate conceptual and practical frameworks, enabling you to reflect on language, language-teaching methodology and other issues relevant to your future professional roles, and to the wider educational and social context. 

Our graduates have gone on to careers around the world in public- and private-sector language teaching, universities and research, teacher training, management roles and publishing. 

Hye In's career perspective

Hye In ('Zoe') Jung

‘Having taught English for about three years with an initial teaching certificate (CELTA), I was looking for an opportunity to study for a Masters degree in English language teaching (ELT) in the UK, but couldn’t decide where. By chance, I was able to meet an admissions officer from the University of Sussex who was in Seoul. While talking with him, I became convinced that Sussex could offer me the means to grow as an all-round ELT professional.

‘The MA in ELT at Sussex didn’t fall short of my expectations. Having classmates from all over the world with a variety of educational backgrounds and experience of different classroom settings gave me a great perspective on English language teaching in other countries. Moreover, personal mentorship from professors and trainers helped me find my field of interest: computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Since graduating I’ve always tried to apply the CALL pedagogy to students in my classroom.

‘I don’t have any doubt or regrets about deciding to come to Sussex. After completing my MA, I worked as a programme co-ordinator at a language school in New York for a year and a half, and have recently returned to Korea to work for the Research Institute of Distance Eduation at Korea National Open University.’

Hye In ('Zoe') Jung
ELT professional

For more information, visit Careers and alumni.

School and contacts

Sussex Centre for Language Studies

The Sussex Centre for Language Studies (SCLS) has a digital language laboratory and multimedia workstations for private study of over 60 world languages, and its highly qualified and experienced staff will make your learning experience relaxed but structured.

Dr Andrew Blair, MA ELT Course Convenor,
Sussex Centre for Language Studies,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9SH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678176
E a.m.blair@sussex.ac.uk
Sussex Centre for Language Studies (SCLS)

Postgraduate Open Day 2013

4 December 2013, 1pm-4pm
Bramber House, University of Sussex

  • talk to academic faculty and current postgraduate students
  • subject talks and presentations on postgraduate study, research and funding
  • choose from our exciting range of taught Masters and research degrees
  • find out how postgraduate study can improve your career prospects
  • get details of our excellent funding schemes for taught postgraduate study.

To register your interest in attending, visit Postgraduate Open Day.

Can’t make it to our Postgraduate Open Day? You might be interested in attending one of our Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions.

Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions

If you can’t make it to our Postgraduate Open Day, you’re welcome to attend one of our Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions. These are held in the spring and summer terms and enable you to find out more about postgraduate study and the opportunities Sussex has to offer.

Visit Discover Postgraduate study to book your place.

Other ways to visit Sussex

We run weekly guided campus tours every Wednesday afternoon, year round. Book a place online at Visit us and Open Days.

You are also welcome to visit the University independently without any pre-arrangement.

Terms and conditions