The course provided me with a substantive body of knowledge to link my research project with theory. It covered a wide range of topics, equipping me with a basic and solid academic background concerning second language education
| Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Route Co-ordinator: Dr Yongcan Liu | Full-time enrolled 2017-18: 18 |
| Open to: MPhil, PACES-MEd, PGCE-MEd |
Part-time enrolled 2017-18: 6 |
| Full-time deadline: 29/03/2018 | % International: 75% |
| Part-time deadline: 31/05/2018 | % Home: 25% |
| Application Written task | |
MPhil/MEd in Research in Second Language Education (RSLE) is a one-year research master's course with a strong emphasis on methodology training. It is intended for students who have a background in languages and seek to develop substantial knowledge and skills in researching language education. A major part of the degree involves developing a good understanding of a wide range of empirical and non-empirical research methods in social sciences. The course provides an excellent transition to and a valuable introductory experience for full-scale PhD research.
The course adopts a broad definition of the term 'second language education'. It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of modern languages in English schools and communities (e.g. French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Urdu, etc.) as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a Second/Foreign/Additional Language across the world. A special feature of the course is its broad-based training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research. The disciplines and perspectives that are heavily drawn upon in this course include applied/educational linguistics, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, sociocultural theory, bilingualism in education, and language teacher development.
Why choose us?
- Create grounds for cross-fertilisation between Modern Foreign Language, Community/Heritage Language and English as a Second/Foreign/Additional Language through the unique design of the course
- Provide a broad base of training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research
- Offer an interdisciplinary perspective drawing on insights from psychology, anthropology, sociology, linguistics and education
- Collaborate with Cambridge Language Sciences Initiative, providing opportunities for students to study courses offered by other departments
- Well connected to the University's interdisciplinary research initiatives on Migration, Language Sciences and Public Policy
- Cultivate a strong research culture and an intellectually stimulating environment to advance knowledge and scholarship
- Involve students in the activities organised by the Second Language Education Group (SLEG) and Cambridge Research in Community Language Education Network (CRiCLE-Net)
- Provide one-to-one supervisions and individual support by a dedicated team with specialist expertise
- Support an international alumni network comprising former students and visitors on the programme for networking and collaboration
What does this course offer?
We aim to combine in-depth critical understanding of the main currents of conceptual thinking in second language education with practical training in conducting L2 empirical research. You will:
- examine key theoretical perspectives which have influenced recent research in second language education and relate these to the wider context of social and educational research;
- develop critical skills with respect to the literature on research in second language education, focusing mainly on core readings which provide instructive examples of empirical research;
- analyse and develop effective methodologies in conducting empirical research in second language teaching and learning in schools and communities;
- investigate language and cultural issues from an international and comparative perspective.
How is the course organised?
The MPhil/MEd programme comprises two strands of courses: Research Methods Strand (RMS) and Research in Second Language Education (RSLE) course. RSLE has four modules:
Module 1 - Learning Context: Second Language Learning Theories across Disciplines
Module 2 - Pedagogical Context: Second Language Classroom Pedagogies across Cultures
Module 3 - Policy Context: International Perspectives on Language Education Policy and Multilingualism
Module 4 - Research Context: Multiple Approaches to Researching Language, Learning and Education
The four modules cover various topics, each focusing on the theme of Learning, Teaching, Policy and Research respectively. These themes provide overall structural coherence to the course. The taught sessions in this strand are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays. Part-time PGCM-MEd students are required to complete half of each module and attend the sessions on Wednesdays only.
Students on the MPhil course complete the course in one year and have teaching sessions throughout the week. Students on the PGCE-MEd course have one teaching session per week on a Wednesday afternoon (2-7pm).
Further detailed information.
Research Method Strand
Alongside these modules, you will benefit from 32 hours of Research Methods teaching. This is taught across all thematic Masters within the Faculty of Education, allowing you to interact with others on different courses. It covers a broad range of social science research methods and is essential for Masters level understanding and critical engagement with the research literature in many specialist areas and in education more generally. Through this strand you will acquire the skills necessary for designing, conducting, analysing, interpreting and reporting a research study for thesis.
Who are the course team?
The course is staffed by a team of established faculty members who provide teaching and supervision. Other colleagues also contribute one-off lectures and tutorial support:
Dr Yongcan LiuAdministrative queries should be addressed to:
Christine Zwierzanski (for MPhil) or Lisa Zwierzanski (for PGCE-MEd).
Where do our students go?
We aim to foster future leaders in the field of second language education. Our graduates follow a wide range of professional options, examples including further doctoral study, international NGOs, UN bodies, government departments, language testing and assessment services, book publishers, schools and universities.
Before Applying
Applicants normally have a good BA or MA degree in a language, and an interest in the educational aspects of applied linguistics. Some prior professional experience in second language education is desirable (for instance, in teaching, assessment and teacher training).
Please note that this is a popular course and the course is usually oversubscribed well before the deadline. Potential applicants are advised to make early application, preferably before January.
