Program Overview

Programme: MA specialising in Applied Linguistics

Programme information

On completion of the qualification, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the theoretical bases of applied linguistics.
• utilise such theory to justify the design of a multiplicity of possible language interventions.
• demonstrate an ability to do research in applied linguistics that can be used at advanced levels of enquiry.
• apply the design principles encountered in the compulsory modules (specifically in the mini-dissertation) to design and justify a language solution or language solutions of their own design within multiple and varied contexts.

Admission requirements

1. Relevant honours degree with specialisation in a language, linguistics or a language-related discipline (NQF level 8)
2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 65% for the honours degree

Examinations and pass requirements

Students will be required to successfully complete the mini-dissertation, each core module and each elective with a minimum of 50%.

Pass with distinction

Students who obtain an average of 75% across all modules and the mini-dissertation will pass with distinction.

Programme structure

Students must complete 4 core modules (20 x 4 = 80 credits) + 2 elective modules (2 x 20 = 40 credits) and the mini-dissertation (60 credits) = 180 credits.

Core modules

• ALS 850: Mini-dissertation 850 (Credits: 60.00)
• ALS 851: Theory of applied linguistics 851 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: This module will consider the history of applied linguistics, from the perspective of different styles of work within the discipline from its inception to the present day.
• ALS 852: Language curriculum and course design 852 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: This module deals with the effect that both traditional and innovative approaches to language teaching have had on curriculum and course design.
• ALS 853: Language testing and assessment 853 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: This module focuses on the fundamental concepts underlying the assessment of language ability, such as reliability, validity, appropriateness, interpretability, and fairness.
• ALS 854: Language policy and planning 854 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: This module will investigate the processes of making arrangements to facilitate language use within institutions such as the state, the university or business.

Elective modules

• ALS 855: Language technology 855 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: The use of technical tools to manage language data and the beneficial effects of this on pedagogical presentation will be dealt with in this module.
• ALS 857: Second language acquisition 857 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: The various theories of how second languages are acquired are the focus of this module.
• ALS 858: Corpus linguistics 858 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: By the end of the module, students should be able to do the following: use corpus terminology accurately to talk about linguistic research; evaluate corpus methods and processes for particular purposes; review existing corpus construction projects and critique them; summarise and critique research using data from corpora; devise the construction of corpora to answer specific linguistic questions; build corpora using a variety of methods; use corpus methods to analyse linguistic data; use a variety of appropriate software for corpus construction and linguistic analysis; and comment on own projects critically.
• ALS 859: Advanced terminology 859 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: Structure and function of terminological databases, terminology management and terminology management systems, utilization of corpora for terminological purposes.
• ALS 860: Sociology of language 860 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: Like second language acquisition studies, this subfield has enabled us to understand language policy, curriculum and test design better, in this instance as activities affected by social context.
• ALS 861: Writing centre theory and practice 861 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the main principles and theories that underpin writing centre practices.
• ALS 862: Writing fiction and fact 862 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: Students will read significant texts from the main genres (drama, prose fiction, prose non-fiction, poetry).
• ALS 863: Introduction to sociocultural linguistics 863 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the key theories, concepts, and methodologies affiliated to sociocultural linguistics.
• ALS 864: Reimagining the teaching of academic literacies in a changing global space 864 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: This module seeks to examine how academic literacies can be reconceptualised to respond to the essential competencies required in a global context.
• LEX 851: Lexicography 851 (Credits: 20.00)
  • Module content: This will cover an introduction to basic lexicographical concepts; the typology of the dictionary; the structure of the lexicon; the prescriptiveness vs descriptiveness of dictionaries; needs assessment; problematic aspects of lemmatisation; corpus building; cross-referencing as a lexicographic device; and an introduction to specialised lexicography.