MA Second Language Education (Part Time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Course Overview
In our increasingly superdiverse, multilingual and multicultural societies, it is important to understand the principles, practices and policies governing second language education. This is exactly the goal of this Master’s in Second Language Education: to help you develop knowledge to contribute to these areas.
During your time at UEA, you’ll develop a critical understanding of current issues in Second Language Education. You’ll explore major questions and debates in this field and gain insights into issues related to policymaking, planning and innovation and change. You’ll develop a theoretical and practical understanding of teaching and learning second languages as well as research skills.
Whether you’re new to the field or already a qualified second language teacher and practitioner, this MA will help you develop academically and professionally within the field of Second Language Education and will enhance new career prospects.
In the MA in Second Language Education, you’ll study with students from around the world, bringing a wide range of perspectives to enrich learning. You'll spend time investigating second language education case studies from a range of countries and exploring research related to second language provision, pedagogy, curriculum development and policy making.
Through reading and analysing existing research, you'll develop skills to critically appraise current issues in second language education. This will inform the development of practice within your own national context and enable comparisons across countries. Understanding related international research will support the development of skills relevant to becoming a policy maker, curriculum planner or second language teacher.
Study and Modules
Structure
The programme will provide you with a grounding in second language education and research methods. This is a two-year course that enables students to choose between a mix of compulsory and optional modules. In the first year you'll build your understanding through the modules, working directly with experts in this field, and start to consider your own research approach.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning
You’ll experience a variety of teaching methods throughout our modules, which will include a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, group and pair work, and self-directed study. You'll also take part in discussions and give presentations.
You'll be taught by experienced specialist lecturers, professors and researchers in the field of Second Language Education.
We place emphasis on interactive activities and problem solving to help you develop effective communication skills. You'll be encouraged to use your initiative, creativity and originality to analyse case studies, solve problems and synthesise ideas.
You can find further information about our teaching staff by visiting staff profiles available on the School of Education and Lifelong Learning webpages.
Enrichment activities
Guest lectures, opportunities to observe teaching and talking to current practitioners form an integral part of the course, providing you with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Academic support
All Master’s students in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning have access to enhanced English language tutoring to support the development of their academic writing. In addition, will offer you focused activities and workshops designed to support critical reading and advanced academic writing skills. You'll also be encouraged to engage actively with your academic advisers and module leaders.
Independent learning
To master independent learning, you’ll spend time conducting your own research. You’ll have access to UEA’s excellent library and online journals and resources as well as the specialist study spaces designated to postgraduate students at UEA.
Assessment
You’ll experience a range of assessment methods throughout the course. All modules are assessed by coursework.
Structure
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning
You’ll experience a variety of teaching methods throughout our modules, which will include a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, group and pair work, and self-directed study. You'll also take part in discussions and give presentations.
You'll be taught by experienced specialist lecturers, professors and researchers in the field of Second Language Education.
We place emphasis on interactive activities and problem solving to help you develop effective communication skills. You'll be encouraged to use your initiative, creativity and originality to analyse case studies, solve problems and synthesise ideas.
You can find further information about our teaching staff by visiting staff profiles available on the School of Education and Lifelong Learning webpages.
Enrichment activities
Guest lectures, opportunities to observe teaching and talking to current practitioners form an integral part of the course, providing you with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Academic support
All Master’s students in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning have access to enhanced English language tutoring to support the development of their academic writing. In addition, will offer you focused activities and workshops designed to support critical reading and advanced academic writing skills. You'll also be encouraged to engage actively with your academic advisers and module leaders.
Independent learning
To master independent learning, you’ll spend time conducting your own research. You’ll have access to UEA’s excellent library and online journals and resources as well as the specialist study spaces designated to postgraduate students at UEA.
Assessment
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- UK Bachelors degree - 2:1 or equivalent.
- Degree Subject
- Social Science or Humanities. English, Modern Languages and other second languages desirable.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components).
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Additional entry requirements
Second language teaching experience is welcome but not essential.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
-
UK Students: £9,975 (full time)
-
International Students: £21,200 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Once you successfully complete your MA in Second Language Education at UEA, you’ll be in an advantageous position to seek employment in a wide range of education-related roles within schools, the post-compulsory sector, and not-for-profit organisations.
The skills and knowledge developed during the course will enable you to work within the areas of teaching, planning and policymaking.
The focus on analysing current research in this course will also provide you with a solid foundation for progressing to doctoral research.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Second language teaching positions in compulsory and post-compulsory public and private education sectors
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Second language education policymaking in the public and private sectors
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Local government planning, advising, and policy making in second language education spheres
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NGOs, not-for-profit and private educational development organisations – teaching, planning and policy making
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Think tanks, research organisations and charities
Discover more on our Careers webpages.