Following the dynamic and challenging advances in computing, corpora, and corpus linguistics software, have become a powerful tool for theoretical linguists, English language teachers, and researchers of several disciplines seeking to perform corpus linguistic investigations in different areas of applied linguistics, pedagogy, lexicography, as well as literary studies. This module aims to familiarise students with the basic concepts that inform the study of language using corpus linguistics tools. Students gain knowledge and understanding of basic theoretical concepts and issues related to the structure, types, and development of corpora; they are also presented with the applications of said concepts in different areas of applied linguistics and language studies. During the practical sessions, students obtain hands-on experience exploring different online tools and software, which seek to introduce them to different ways of approaching linguistic investigations by means of structured methodological decisions, followed by informed interpretation and application of said findings in different areas of language study (i.e. teaching, testing, materials design, and so on). By the end of this module, students will be able to design and apply their own corpus linguistic methodology and undertake their own corpus-based research.

This module offers an overview of Discourse Analysis, including definitions, its breadth of application, and its relevance to language teaching. It examines the central concepts of the role of context in textual interpretation, creating coherence, genre and register, discourse markers and their functions, as well as text and cohesion. In terms of written discourse, register, genre and style are explored. The implication of these characteristics in teaching is also considered. In terms of spoken discourse, principles and rule communication, Speech Act theory, racism, gender, and politeness are explored, and their implication in the teaching of conversation is considered. The module also explores different methods in Discourse Analysis, such as the Ethnography of Speaking and Critical Discourse Analysis.

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to develop an independent research project on a particular topic of their choice, which will fall under the broader area of Linguistics and/or TESOL. Students will determine an appropriate topic for research, they will form a research question, they will review the literature on the particular subject, they will collect and analyse primary or secondary data, report their findings, make conclusions and recommendations for future research and they will develop an appropriately structured Dissertation report. This process will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge about the scientific subject and to gain new knowledge about the discipline, demonstrating their ability to conduct genuine research within the specific field of studies and to critically evaluate issues arising within the specific topic.

This module builds on the preceding English Language Teaching Methodology modules in the MA programme of studies. Having been equipped with the theoretical background and the principles underlying teaching English as a foreign/second language, in their Practice in English Language Teaching MA students are offered the opportunity to practise and critically reflect on their teaching skills. Prior to students’ allocation to a specific class, there are four sessions that examine certain main methodological issues associated with ELT. During the semester, students are expected to work closely with the Module Leader and generate a Teaching Practice Portfolio which reflects their preparation for each teaching session and their actual teaching.

This module offers students a critical introduction to Intercultural Communication. It is organised around three basic axes: key concepts and dominant theoretical models in Intercultural Communication, certain ‘macro’ sociolinguistic issues that underpin Intercultural Communication, and a ‘micro’ approach examining Intercultural Communication from a discourse-pragmatics perspective as meaning-in-interaction. Students are offered ample opportunities for considering the implications of the above models and issues during tutorials and group discussion sessions.

This module provides an in-depth overview of the most current research trends in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) through the main theories and the most significant research findings. It offers students the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical models (e.g. Universal Grammar) and hypotheses by applying them to the analysis of real data produced by second language learners. Moreover, it familiarises students with relevant methodological and practical aspects associated with experimental research design.  

This module encompasses the core areas of linguistic study. Students examine formal linguistics in depth and from a critical perspective, covering notions and implications in a number of areas; Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, as well as Neurolinguistics are among the areas explored. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ ability to apply linguistic categories and techniques to the description of English and other languages, and to identify solutions of specific language issues.

This module reviews the principles, thinking and history underlying contemporary language teaching practices. It explores the processes involved in language reception and production from the perspective of second or foreign language teaching, as well as the implications involved in teaching receptive, productive and 21st century language skills. Moreover, it presents and assesses developments in the teaching of the grammar and vocabulary of English as a Foreign Language, and touches upon methods of classroom-based assessment and principles of language course design.

This module familiarises students with the basic principles of management, as well as the tools and techniques to apply in a workplace related to foreign language education. Individuals working in organizations in the twenty-first century have a greater need than ever for effective management skills. Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage as the owner/manager of a foreign language school, or being a member of the workforce in such an institution, necessitates an awareness of strategic organisational issues aligned with employee performance systems. Students attending this course have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the basic management functions (i.e. planning, organizing, leading and controlling) to be applied in their professional life.

This module has been designed to equip students with the essential practical and theoretical foundations necessary for independent postgraduate research in all areas of Applied Linguistics. It offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of key research practices, examining issues pertinent to research design, research ethics, data collection, and data analysis. Examples of good practice, as well as potential practical and theoretical problems are explored in a range of research contexts related to the field of linguistics. Students receive systematic and ongoing practical training in a variety of research methods and in the corresponding tools and are also encouraged to reflect critically on their own research practices.