Can sounds be analysed in terms of their constituent components of voicing, place and manner of articulation? Which features of sound are relevant for distinguishing word meanings? Is there a set of universal constraints on the way that sounds are related to mental representations? Acquire a solid understanding of phonological analysis, and apply that understanding to new data in a variety of languages.

How do children develop phonologically? And how does this change if they have delayed or disordered speech? Examine how phonological theories have been applied to first language data. Apply the knowledge you gain to sample data sets of child speech.

This module focuses on how language testing and assessment have developed in educational settings, by looking at the types and purposes of tests and the processes involved in test design and administration. It also considers high-stakes testing and language exams. Additionally, the module covers key concepts and principles of language testing and the theoretical foundations and practical implications surrounding testing of language skills within general English and English for Specific/Academic Purposes (ESP/EAP).

Wish to undertake psycholinguistic experiments? Work as a group on designing and preparing your own psycholinguistic research. As a team, collect and organise your experimental data. Use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse your findings. Produce your own report that discusses your theoretical and methodological outcomes.

What are research methods? What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative research? Learn more about the research tools available for studying applied linguistics and TEFL. Examine each available research method in-depth. Build your understanding, while preparing for your MA dissertation or other future research projects.

This module will acquaint you with some of the existing approaches and issues in intercultural communication, balancing theoretical insight with advanced practical skills. You will investigate communication patterns in different cultures and languages including illocutionary force, indirect speech acts and politeness and look at how cultural norms, values and conventions influence linguistic choices across languages and cultures.

Research at the interfaces poses unique, challenging questions for the field of linguistics, and this module aims to equip PGT students with the tools to think critically about language and linguistics while developing their skills in argumentation and research planning. This module aims to synthesize the knowledge across subfields by exploring the interfaces between different domains of grammar, including two case studies that have been looked at in depth within the field: syntax-semantics interface and the semantics interfaces. This module is open to all students interested in understanding more about the role of syntax and semantics in the field.

What factors determined the varieties of English which evolved in Wales, Scotland and Ireland? How can you tell a New Zealander from an Australian? Investigate the different accents of English spoken outside England. Understand how English changed as it spread across the globe.

During this module you have the opportunity to gain hands on experience teaching real students. You will be able to have individual tutorials for advice on lesson plans and materials prior to teaching your own classes.

Reflect on your experiences as a teacher and consider how you could optimise your teaching to meet your learners’ needs and your own. This module will include small-group discussions and input sessions, so you really have the opportunity to reflect on your individual practices and career.

What is English for Specific Purposes (ESP). and who teaches it? Is English for Academic Purposes the same as ESP? Engage in the current debates and practices within the broad field of ESP. You will explore the connections between such fields as EAP, Discourse Analysis and use of Copora in ESP and look at the ways in which these areas of the field of English Language Teaching have emerged and developed over time and across educational contexts. exploring the different academic traditions from which these approaches draw.

Do you want to explore in some depth a research question that has emerged from one of your modules? Are you keen to do some independent research? Survey the existing literature on a topic that has intrigued you. Prepare the ground for your MA dissertation, under the watchful eye of a supervisor.