Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | English for Specific Purposes |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Language and Linguistics |
| Final award: | MA |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Master |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | None |
| JACS code: | Q114 |
| Publication date: | 22/08/2007 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
Good degree, for non-native speakers of English, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: MA English for Specific Purposes
Programme aims:
To provide students with knowledge and skills regarding: the historical and theoretical foundations of ESP; the critical evaluation of syllabuses and materials in a variety of language teaching/learning contexts; written and spoken discourse in ESP; language learning strategies in different academic disciples; the development and implementation of research projects in ESP
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : Knowledge of key principlies involving the historical development and existing practice in ESP A2 : A detailed acquaintance of genres spanning written/spoken discourse and a variety of specialised contexts (academic and non-academic) in which English is taught and used A3 : An appreciation of the strategies employed by ESP learners in different disciplines and of the roles of ESP teacher A4 : An understanding of how the above apply to particular teaching situations, especially those that the student is familiar with, in the context of accepted contemporary professional practice |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B1 : Critical skills needed to evaluate disparate sources of information, both academic (e.g. lectures, books) and experiential, and collate, select, and apply the information to a specific teaching issue or situation
critical skills needed to evaluate disparate sources of information, both academic (e.g. lectures, books) and experiential, and collate, select, and apply the information to a specific teaching issue or situation B2 : An ability to formulate coherent and logically sound arguments B3 : Ability to reflect independently on own teaching/learning experience and relate it to the ideas and research in the field B4 : Ability to identify a research question or hypothesis, choose appropriate research methods, and interpret own and others' data and see the implications for a hypothesis or question |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : Ability to seek and retrieve relevant information from a variety of sources (e.g. library, journals, WWW) C2 : Ability to communicate lucidly in speech and writing about theoretical matters, teaching and learning issues and own teaching experience, in appropriate style C3 : Practical skills in analysing the core properties of syllabuses and materials in different language learning/teaching situations C4 : Ability to propose, plan, execute and write up an original, complete but limited study related to ESP with due treatment of appropriate prior research and theory, generation of research aims, application of relevant methods (e.g. empirical data gathering, or syllabus/materials design or evaluation) and management and presentation of the whole project with due attention to proper professional practice and ethics. |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : a. Oral participation in group discussion and lectures
b. Academic writing, both in the form of argumentative academic papers and research reports, in appropriate style
c. Critical reading: researching and utilising information, including scanning, recognising opinion and bias, detecting relevant points, collating different sources IT Skills: D2 : Using advanced computational tools and software packages to obtain, store and process information stored in electronic form (e.g. from the Library, WWW or CD-rom), and (where appropriate) SPSS to analyse data and results Numeracy: D3 : a. Analysis of tasks and identification of objectives b. Identification and use of relevant information sources c. Establishing main features of a complex problem d. Planning and selection of approach to reach a solutio Problem Solving: D4 : Participation in pair/group class tasks (including organising and evaluating own and others' contributions) Working with Others: D5 : a. Use of independent time management skills, initiative, and different approaches to working autonomously to meet assignment and dissertation targets b. Use of feedback and support from peers, lecturers and supervisor to meet targets and improve over the yea |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods 1-4 are taught initially through staff-led modules, using a variety of means of delivery (formal lecture, seminar, question-answer discussion session, group-work task-based session, computer lab session, student oral reports, workshop). 4 is enhanced by classroom observation. Staff feedback to students on coursework is a connected important feature enhancing learning. Learning is expected to be deepened through directed and independent self-access library study and use of web material both put up by staff and generally available on the internet. Later, the dissertation research deepens understanding of 1-4 via a real integrated project supported by staff supervision and group tutorials. At any time support is available in the form of advice from staff in their consulting hours, and staff replies to student email queries. Assessment Methods Initially 1-4 are assessed through a 3000-word written assignment (or equivalent) for each module, either of the essay type (e.g. literature review, or argumentative) or practical exercises. 1-4 are also assessed later in an integrative way when the student has to draw on this knowledge selectively for the dissertation. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods 1-4 are fostered repeatedly by all the means of teaching/learning described in (A) Assessment Methods 1-4 are all assessed via 3000-word written assignments (or equivalent shorter pieces) of the literature review or argumentative type, and finally collectively in the dissertation research project |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods 1 is promoted by library staff guidance and by a departmental IT induction course, as well as being guided by staff teaching particular modules, and giving advice 2 is promoted by the oral and written tasks associated with the taught modules, and feedback on them, and by guidance in course booklet and an unassessed module on assignment and dissertation writing 3 is dealt with by embedding practical data analysis tasks into specialist modules. 4 is promoted by supervision of the obligatory dissertation 1-4 are further supported by advice from staff in consultation hours or by email, and by web-based self-access material. Assessment Methods 1 and 2 are assessed indirectly via the written or oral assessments for the taught modules generally 3 is assessed specifically in the modules dedicated to them, by essay (or equivalent) 4 is assessed primarily via the dissertation, along with 1-3 again |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods 1 and 5 are promoted by many taught modules, and involve listening and note taking in lectures. They are also facilitated by feedback. 2 is promoted mainly by the practical tasks of the IT induction course, and any specific requirements associated with modules, as well as self access material on WWW. More generically, students will be expected to become familiar with basic PC management and the word processing of academic documents, internet searching, etc. in connection with their work for all modules. In working for their dissertations, students will also gain familiarity with electronic library and bibliographical databases. 4 and 6 are promoted via the assignments and dissertation which impose requirements for students to apply these skills 1-2 and 4-6 are all further practised for the dissertation, and aided when necessary by staff advice by email or consultation Assessment Methods 1-2 and 4-6 are assessed integratively with other skills/knowledge in the module assessed work and the dissertation. |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Components
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award | Status in PG Diploma | Status in PG Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | LG981-G-FY | Dissertation: Ma | Core | ||
| 02 | EL408-G-AU | Teaching English for Specific Purposes | Compulsory | ||
| 03 | EL409-G-SP | Teaching English for Academic Purposes | Compulsory | ||
| 04 | LG523-G-AU | Foundations of English for Specific Purposes | Compulsory | ||
| 05 | LG623-G-SP | Research Topics in English for Specific Purposes | Compulsory | ||
| 06 | LG689-G-SP | Genre Analysis, Academic English for Esp | Compulsory | ||
| 07 | ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PUROPOSES OPTION (15 CREDTIS) | Optional | |||
| 08 | ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PUROPOSES OPTION (15 CREDTIS) | Optional | |||
| 09 | ESP OR LINGUISTICS OPTION (15 CREDITS) | Optional | |||
| 10 | LG592-G-AP | Assignment Writing and Dissertation Preparation | Compulsory |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/pgt/pgrules.htm
Further to the Course Structure for the Masters award, for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma the following modules are core: None specified.
For the award of a Postgraduate Certificate the following modules are core: None specified.
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Online Resource Bank.
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)