Master's Degree in English Language Acquisition and Teaching
Program Overview
The Master's in Language Acquisition and Teaching English as a Foreign Language from UIC Barcelona combines online learning and school placements to train teachers in innovative methodologies and approaches to teaching English as a foreign language. The program emphasizes the development of pedagogical skills, theoretical knowledge, and intercultural awareness. Graduates will be equipped to promote multilingualism, digital literacy, and intercultural understanding in bilingual and multilingual contexts.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master's Degree in Language Acquisition and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (ALE) is an online master's program offered by the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona). It provides advanced training for teachers in innovative methodologies and approaches to language acquisition and the teaching of English as a foreign language. The program aims to improve teachers' skills and teaching competencies. It combines an online teaching-learning environment, online contact sessions, and school placements. These placements can be in the candidate's country of residence or abroad, through pre-existing contacts with schools in Finland, the UK, Ireland, and the US. The program's objectives are to train teachers capable of teaching English as a foreign language using current and innovative theoretical models and methodological approaches in English didactics, and the processes of learning and acquiring English as a foreign language in bilingual and multilingual contexts (within compulsory education, professional training, formal and non-formal education, and the business world). It also aims to train teachers to promote the development of multilingual and intercultural awareness among their students; to train specialists with theoretical-practical and interdisciplinary knowledge of models and methodologies of educational research on language acquisition, teaching, and learning (first, second, and foreign languages) in different contexts and at different educational levels; to train professionals capable of working effectively in multilingual, multicultural, and interdisciplinary professional and/or academic teams; and to train professionals capable of using English and academic skills in English, both orally and in writing, for academic and professional purposes.
- L'Adquisició de l'Anglès com a Llengua Estrangera en Contextos Bilingües i Multilingües: (The Acquisition of English as a Foreign Language in Bilingual and Multilingual Contexts) - First Semester - 4 ECTS
- La Literatura en l'Ensenyament i l'Aprenentatge de la Llengua Anglesa: (Literature in the Teaching and Learning of English) - First Semester - 4 ECTS
- Aspectes Culturals de l'Ensenyament i Aprenentatge de la Llengua Anglesa: (Cultural Aspects of Teaching and Learning English) - Second Semester - 4 ECTS
- Factors Cognitius en l'Aprenentatge de Llengües Estrangeres: (Cognitive Factors in Foreign Language Learning) - Second Semester - 4 ECTS
- Pràctiques Escolars: (School Placements) - Second Semester - 10 ECTS
- Treball de Fi de Màster: (Master's Thesis) - Second Semester - 8 ECTS
- Didàctica 2: Habilitats Lingüisticoacadèmiques en l'Ensenyament de la Llengua Anglesa: Teoria i Pràctica: (Teaching Methodology 2: Linguistic-Academic Skills in Teaching English: Theory and Practice) - Annual - 6 ECTS
- Metodologies de Recerca Educativa i Habilitats Acadèmiques en Anglès: (Methodologies of Educational Research and Academic Skills in English) - Annual - 4 ECTS The program is delivered online, with classes scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm (8 hours per week), supplemented by the Moodle platform. Therefore:
Teaching:
The program uses a blended learning approach, combining online teaching-learning environments and online contact sessions. The faculty consists of researchers and experts in their fields. The program also includes school placements.
Careers:
The program aims to improve a wide range of professional competencies for teachers and educational specialists in foreign language instruction. Graduates will be able to identify educational needs and design innovative educational proposals; improve teaching and learning processes in bilingual and multilingual contexts; promote the development of students' linguistic, multilingual, and digital competencies and intercultural knowledge; and work efficiently in multilingual, multicultural, and interdisciplinary professional or academic contexts.
Other:
The increasing importance of English as a universal language, its introduction at increasingly younger ages in nurseries, and the widespread implementation of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) have radically changed the needs, objectives, and realities in the field of teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in schools. Schools need professionals who not only master the English language but also have the necessary pedagogical skills and competencies to effectively meet the current demands of the school context and who are capable of working in multilingual, multicultural, and interdisciplinary professional environments. The program is accredited by the Agency for Quality of the University System of Catalonia.
Tuition Fees: 80,00€ / ECTS x 60 = 4.800,00€ (+ 494,00€ Drets d'inscripció).
- Preus corresponents a l’any acadèmic 2024-2025.
Introduction to UIC Barcelona
UIC Barcelona is a private university founded in 1997 and located in Barcelona, Spain. It is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and strong ties to the business and professional world. The university operates across two campuses: one in Barcelona and another in Sant Cugat del Vallès. UIC Barcelona is known for its Christian humanist ideology and offers pastoral care through its Chaplaincy Service, reflecting its values of ethics and social responsibility.
Academic Programs
UIC Barcelona offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate degrees, master’s programs, PhD programs, and continuing education. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in health sciences, architecture, business administration, and law. It also provides double degrees and international programs, with over 300 exchange agreements with universities worldwide.
International Focus
With students from over 99 nationalities, UIC Barcelona fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment. The university emphasizes global perspectives through its international agreements, mobility programs, and courses taught in English, Spanish, and Catalan. This international outlook prepares students for global careers and cross-cultural collaboration.
Research and Innovation
UIC Barcelona is committed to advancing knowledge through research and innovation. Its faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research across various fields, including health sciences, architecture, and social sciences. The university also collaborates with industry partners to ensure that its research has practical applications and societal impact.
Student Support and Campus Life
UIC Barcelona provides a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of 8.75:1. The university offers extensive support services, including career guidance, internships, and accommodation assistance. Students can also participate in cultural, sports, and social activities, enriching their university experience.
Employability and Alumni Network
The university boasts a 93.75% employability rate, thanks to its strong connections with the professional world. UIC Barcelona has over 5,197 work placement agreements with companies and a network of 20,000 alumni. These connections provide students with opportunities for internships, job placements, and networking.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
UIC Barcelona invests €5.5 million annually in scholarships to attract talented students. These scholarships support academic excellence, international mobility, and social commitment. The university also collaborates with organizations like Banco Santander to provide additional financial aid and research opportunities.
Community Engagement
UIC Barcelona is dedicated to making a positive impact on society. Through its university clinics, such as the Dental Clinic, Psychology Clinic, and Palliative Care Clinic, the university provides essential services to the community while offering students hands-on experience in their fields.
Location and Campus Facilities
Located in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, UIC Barcelona offers students access to a vibrant cultural and social environment. The university’s modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs and simulation centers, enhance the learning experience.
Vision and Mission
UIC Barcelona’s mission is to transform society through the transfer of knowledge. The university aims to educate ethical leaders and professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on the world. Its vision is rooted in academic rigor, humanism, entrepreneurship, and an international outlook.
Entry Requirements:
The master's program is open to:
- Graduates with a minimum of 180 ECTS who want to change their profession to teaching English as a foreign language.
- Teachers of early childhood or primary education.
- Secondary education teachers.
- Members of the management team of an educational center who want to discover new perspectives on the teaching and learning of English as an additional language.
- Graduates working in non-formal education contexts who aim to teach English as a foreign language.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The minimum English level required to access this master's program is B2+.
