Second Language Studies

University College Dublin

Qualification Letters

MA

Enrolment and Start Dates Comment

Start date: September 2013

Application Weblink

http://www.ucd.ie/apply/

Duration

1 Years - Full Time Z038
2 Years - Part Time Z148

Link to Course Fee

http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/2013/

Financial Support

Local Authority Funding:
Grant holders who complete a primary degree course may have the grant renewed in order to undertake a full-time taught or research graduate course. To apply for renewal, final year students should inform the UCD Grants Office in June, and write to their Local Authority when they have completed their primary degree. The grant, which covers fees, may be renewed in subsequent years but is limited to one graduate degree or diploma course for each student. For further information on budget 2012 please visit Student Finance.ie Funding Initiatives

Student Grants - New Grant Applications for 2012-13 APPLY AS EARLY AS YOU CAN, from the end of May - don't leave it till July

A new ONLINE ONLY grant applications system is being introduced for 2012 in Ireland. All new applications will be made online to a single awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie.

Entry Requirements

Normally, entrants hold an honours BA degree with a 2H2 or higher in a language subject or cognate area. Applications from students whose qualifications or academic experience do not meet these exact criteria are nevertheless welcome, and will be considered on their own merits.

Informal enquiries may be directed to the German Postgraduate Co-ordinator:
theo.harden@ucd.ie

Course Content

The MA in Second Language Studies is for those seeking to extend their knowledge of Second Language Acquisition Theories and their application to the practice of Second Language Teaching.

Who is the MA in Second Language Studies for?
The MA in Second Language Studies is for those seeking to extend their knowledge of Second Language Acquisition Theories and their application to the practice of Second Language Teaching. It may be viewed as an end in itself or as a portal for those seeking to undertake higher research.
Parallel to the MA in Second Language Studies, the School offers a (60 credit) Graduate Diploma in Second Language Studies which contains all course elements of the MA, yet without the (30 credit) Final Thesis.

What will I learn?
The MA in Second Language Studies is a themed, modular programme of study, typically combining core elements in Second Language Acquisition Theories and research skills with an array of more specialized modules on Second Language, Applied Linguistics, Psychology and Sociology. The delivery is in English. In addition to the completion of taught modules, students are required to write a 15,000 word minor thesis on a topic of their own choosing, under supervision.

How will I benefit?
Students are trained in the fundamental research skills through practical tasks which aid in the development of a critical attitude towards primary and secondary sources and at providing them with the necessary skills in the formulation of research proposals, conference paper proposals, and so prepare them for independent research.
Modules are taught in small groups by academic specialists, mainly through alternating lectures and seminars. A variety of assessment methods are employed, including class tests, individual presentations and term essays. These are designed to enhance reflective learning and good communication skills.

What is the programme about?
Loosely clustered around the theme of ‘learning and acquisition', the MA in Second Language Studies investigates the current debate in this area, focussing on questions concerning the applicability certain theoretical approaches, the teachability and learnability of languages. The programme furthermore aims to equip students with the critical ability and research skills required to pursue independently their own research interests. Two core modules on Research Skills enable students to improve their theoretical and practical research potential. Additionally, optional modules on, for example, Psycholinguistics or Sociolinguistics may be available.

Parallel to the MA in Second Language Studies, the School offers a (60 credit) Graduate Diploma in Second Language Studies which contains all course elements of the MA, yet without the (30 credit) Final Thesis.

Programme Highlights
•Includes inter-School and inter-disciplinary modules (for instance, Research Skills; Sociolinguistics, General Linguistics)
•Participative teaching methods
•Emphasis on formative assessment rather then final examination

Features
•Second Language Acquisition Theories
•Second Language Teaching
•General Linguistics
•Research Skills

Subjects Taught

Students must accumulate 90 credits
(The following list is for guidance only, and is neither binding nor exhaustive):
•Second Language Acquisition I (12.5)
•General Linguistics (7.5)
•Research Skills I & II (10)
•Second Language Acquisition II(10)
•Linguistic Relativism(10)
•Sociolinguistics (10)
•Translation Theory (10)
•Second Language Teaching and Learning (10)
•A 15,000 word thesis is written under supervision in English (30), and submitted by 31 Augus

Parallel to the MA in Second Language Studies, the School offers a (60 credit) Graduate Diploma in Second Language Studies which contains all course elements of the MA, yet without the (30 credit) Final Thesis.

Careers or Further Progression

Where can I go?
Previous MA graduates have embarked upon a broad range of career paths at home and abroad: chiefly, second-level teaching and the civil service. A few have successfully undertaken doctorates.

Further Enquiries

Lydia Capitano
mailto: lydia.capitano@ucd.ie
Tel: +353 (0)1 716 8309

Course Web Page

http://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/coursefinder/taughtprogrammes/ma-secon...