English Language & Teaching with Foundation Year

What is the difference between how we produce the sounds 'p' and 'b' ? Why does the rhythm of English sound different to Spanish? What are the processes that allow us to create new words and phrases? In this module you will discover how we describe and analyse the sounds, words and structures of languages, with a focus on English. You will learn the fundamentals of how languages work and how to identify differences and similarities between them. In the process, you will be developing your knowledge of key concepts and terminology that professionals use to support a range of people and their language needs, from learners of English to those with speech and communication disorders.

You will go on a journey of when and where English language began to sound like an English you can recognise and how it changed and evolved into the English language that we use today.

Unlock the secrets to effective learning! This module explores how we learn, offering innovative approaches and tools to help you and your future learners become lifelong, independent thinkers. Perfect for anyone passionate about inspiring curiosity and resilience in education.

Embark on an exciting exploration of how we learn language from birth and beyond! This introductory module delves into the key theories and stages of language acquisition, examining how children and adults develop communication skills. You’ll discover what makes language learning unique and how this knowledge can inform effective teaching. Perfect for those starting their journey into linguistics or education.

The TESOL Methodologies module will guide you through the approaches and techniques that professional language teachers use for teaching English, or other languages, in the UK and all over the world. You will find out about the development of methodologies over time, from audiolingualism to the post-methods era, enabling you to develop a toolkit of techniques that you can select from and identify in practical teaching modules. A particular focus will be how these methods can be applied for the teaching of the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Not only will you learn about language teaching methods and approaches, but you will understand the principles that underlie them by examining the relationship between method and general learning, as well as language learning, theories. This part of the study develops your criticality and professional capacity to select appropriate methods and builds on the theoretical knowledge of Second Language Acquisition you gained in Year 1. Further topics covered in the module will include lesson planning, classroom management, teacher and students roles, among others.

You will study the regional, national and international varieties of English and how social and occupational groups, gender and ethnicity influence the individuals’ language use and attitudes.

This is a highly practical module in which you have the opportunity to train to become an English language teacher over the course of 2 semesters.

In order to accomplish this, you will work with English Language learners on both a 1-2-1 basis and in small groups in a language classroom. You will also experience language learning (possibly Mandarin) using a range of teaching methodologies to help you gain an understanding of how language learners feel. You will be supported and guided by staff who are qualified ELT professionals and have language teaching experience.

The module will include four elements:

• Language Awareness

• Developing an Individual Learner Profile

• Study of an Unknown Language

• Teaching Skills

You will engage in needs analysis, linguistic analysis, lesson planning and materials adaptation as well as teaching individuals and groups of learners. In order to develop your teaching identity, you will observe and reflect on lessons taught by qualified teachers and your peers. You will also work closely with tutors to develop your practice and to build your confidence as a teacher. Assessment includes a range of work such as: a portfolio of lesson plans and observations; reflection of your own language learning; development of a leaner profile.

In this module you will have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate how English language, in spoken, written or digital forms, shapes meaning for use in fields ranging from media to politics to marketing. You will also explore how factors such as audience, purpose, genre and mode affect our use of language.

Dive into the world of educational research! This module introduces you to key research principles and skills, giving you the tools to investigate, analyse, and contribute to best practice in education and care.

The psychology of language learning is an important and developing field of study, and one which is important for aspiring language teachers to engage with. In this module, you will be introduced to theories and approaches used in the field by researchers, and their real-world applications in the classroom. Ways in which teachers can use psychology of language learning theories to inform their practice and engage and motivate their students will be explored.

You will consider the impact of learners’ home culture, the classroom environment and the teacher on learner psychology. Areas of focus may include motivation, engagement, emotions and the self.

Embark on your journey to professional excellence. This module guides you through the values, ethics, and behaviours that define outstanding educators and practitioners, helping you to develop a strong professional identity and confidence.

This module will introduce you to the basic principles of how teachers construct and present English language tests. You will look at the different purposes of tests and you will critically evaluate testing techniques.

This module will give you the opportunity to evaluate and design materials for English language teaching use. You will develop a practical understanding of the role, principles and procedures of the design and evaluation of language teaching materials.

In this module you will demonstrate your ability to design, conduct and report the results of a research project in an area of TESOL and/or Linguistics. You will work independently and under the guidance of a supervisor.

Dive into the fascinating world of how language and literacy shape learning! This advanced module explores the vital connections between language development, literacy skills, and educational practice. You will investigate current research, innovative strategies, and practical approaches that empower learners of all ages to become confident communicators and critical thinkers. Perfect for those passionate about making a real difference in language education.

Take your research skills to the next level. Learn how to structure impactful studies, analyse data, and present findings that shape educational practice and policy.

Bring your knowledge to life in this dynamic capstone module. Tackle complex problems, demonstrate your skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the field of education.

Clinical linguistics is the application of linguistic theories and analytical techniques in the field of speech, language and communication impairment. It can be used in the description, explanation and remediation of a wide range of impairments in children and adults. All areas of linguistics can be applied clinically to study disorders in the perception, production and representation of language in all its modalities (spoken, signed and written). Clinical linguistics thus also focuses on characterising the language use of atypical populations, for example, speakers with autism, dementia, aphasia, and so on. By investigating the ways in which communication may be impaired, clinical linguistics also provides insights into the nature of unimpaired language, its development and use.

This module aims to provide an introduction to the field of communication sciences and disorders, as well as an overview of professional practice in the area. The aims of this module are to provide an introduction to: Models of health and disability within society; Key developmental and acquired disorders of speech, language and communication; The wider effects of speech, language and communication (including participation in education and employment, effects on wellbeing); and the value of studying individuals with communication difficulties in terms of increasing understanding of normal development and variation and normal speech and language processing.