(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Linguistics
BA QXH1
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD
GCSEs: Linguistics with Data Science requires GCSE Maths grade C/4
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655 (Linguistics with Data Science also requires Standard Level Mathematics grade 4). We will accept grade 4 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma:15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Mr Conrad Hechter Heyns
Director - Centre for Academic Language and Literacies
Goldsmiths, University of London
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
Introduce students to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning and language teaching.
Familiarise students with (and encourage them to critically evaluate) contemporary materials and methods in Teaching English as a Foreign Language/TEFL, and give them practice in producing TEFL materials.
Develop students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, and research methods used in contemporary work in TEFL and English Language; equip students with a set of techniques for the description of aspects of the linguistic structure of English; and make them aware of relevant methodological, theoretical, descriptive and pedagogical issues.
Equip students with a wide range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning, and language teaching and how researchers in another country approach the study of language.
A2: A selection of work in language learning, TEFL, and the pedagogical description of English.
A3: Key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, methods and materials used in contemporary work in TEFL and English Language, and associated methodological, theoretical, descriptive and pedagogical issues
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant
B2: Make observations and generalisations about data or behaviour or other materials, using appropriate analytic techniques
B3: Critically evaluate contrasting theories, accounts, explanations, approaches, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data and be aware of possible cross-cultural differences in the way that theories, accounts and explanations are evaluated.
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work
Assessment methods
Cognitive skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Gather and process information from a range of different sources
C2: Plan, undertake and present an independent piece of work which involves reviewing existing work on a given topic, making use of standard referencing conventions
C3: Utilise specialised techniques for the collection, analysis, presentation or evaluation of materials, data or behaviour
Learning methods
A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work
Assessment methods
Practical skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate ideas, information and arguments in a manner which is relevant, focused, effective, and clear, using an appropriate register, style and format, and with an international audience in mind
D2: Use appropriate computational tools and software to obtain, store or process information electronically and (where required) produce materials in electronic form
D3: Analyse complex data, materials or behaviour, using appropriate specialised techniques, formulating and testing research hypotheses, identifying problems and evaluating solutions
D4: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management, responding constructively to feedback and learning new material and techniques.
Learning methods
Communication skills are taught through lectures, seminars, classes, advice in the Departmental Handbook, and feedback from teachers on assessed work.
Generic IT skills are taught on induction courses run by the University and the Department, with more specialised IT skills (where appropriate) being taught on some LG courses.
Analytic and study skills (D4, D6) are taught through lectures, seminars, and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff.
Assessment methods
Key skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.