PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MA in English Linguistics
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MA
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2014 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Arts and Humanities
Parent Department:
English Language and Literature
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/english
(if applicable)
Method of study:
full-time/part-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/english/prospective/MA_EnglishLinguistics
Length of the programme:
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Masters Level (Level 7)
No relevant postgraduate benchmark to date, though see:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subjectbenchmark-statement-Linguistics.pdf
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
This is a one-year MA with five components:
1. Modern English Grammar (30 credit core course)
(see guidance notes)
2. Either English Corpus Linguistics (Pathway 1) or English in Use
(Pathway 2) (both are 30 credit core courses)
3. Topics in Modern English Linguistics (30 credits: 15 credits each
for two option courses to be chosen from the current offering of
courses)
4. Research Methodology (30 credits)
5. Dissertation (60 credits)
Board of Examiners:
Assessment is by desk examination in the case of Modern English
Grammar and Topics in English Linguistics, and by long essay in the
case of English Corpus Linguistics and English in Use. The Research
Methodology course is examined by a Portfolio of Essays and
Assignments. All students write a Dissertation (60 credits).
Name of Board of Examiners:
MA in English Linguistics
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
This MA programme aims to introduce students to the core areas of the study of English Linguistics with
appropriate training in academic writing, (linguistic) argumentation and research methods.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
 The grammar of Modern English:
syntax and morphology.
 English Corpus Linguistics.
 English in Use.
 Selected topics in the study of the
English language.
 Research Methodology.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
These subjects are taught in seminars and tutorials.
Core courses run over two terms; option courses run
over one term (with the exception of two-term
undergraduate courses which can also be taken as
options; one of these runs each year). On each tutorial
occasion students submit an essay of up to 2,000 words.
The marks for two of these essays count towards the 30credit Research Methodology course. Students also
hand in assignments for the Research Methodology
course.
Assessment:
Pathway 1
A three three-hour desk examination for Modern English
Grammar and Topics in English Linguistics, and a long
essay for English Corpus Linguistics. A Portfolio of
Essays and Assignments for the Research Methodology
course.
Pathway 2
A three three-hour desk examination for Modern English
Grammar and Topics in English Linguistics, and a long
essay for English in Use. A Portfolio of Essays and
Assignments for the Research Methodology course.
For both pathways:
A 10,000-word Dissertation.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
This MA programme aims to train
students to:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:



These skills are taught in seminars and tutorials where
students are actively encouraged to take part in the
learning process by asking questions about, and
critically evaluating, the content of the teaching. Their
essays and assignments (see above) in the Research
Methodology course will enable them to set up a
detailed and sustained argument on a particular aspect
of English linguistics. Written feedback on essays by
tutors, and the discussion of essays during one-to-one
tutorials, plays a particularly important role.








Analyse evidence.
Assess evidence.
Understand and use central
concepts in the study of English and
linguistics in general.
Think logically.
Be precise.
Be consistent.
Be clear.
Be critical of published work and to
question interpretations.
Define and defend an independently
formed point of view.
Understand the nature of theories of
language and linguistics.
Formulate solid research questions
and carry out an independent
project.
Assessment:
These components are assessed by examinations,
essays and assignments.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Students will:











Coherently and clearly present a topic
in English language studies to fellow
students.
Use the library and all its resources,
specialised websites, discussion lists,
databases, etc.
Read and assimilate the primary
literature.
Communicate ideas in writing and
orally.
Summarise the main points of a book
or article.
Write coherently and clearly in an
academic style.
Manage time and work to deadlines.
Word-process and use other IT skills,
e.g. databases and web-based
resources, e-mail, etc.
Work independently.
Collect and interrogate data.
Develop problem solving strategies.
 Write essays and abstracts, and explain and discuss
these in tutorials.
 Do practical assignments during Research
Methodology sessions in College computer labs.
 Do a presentation (not assessed).
Assessment:
These components are assessed by examinations,
essays and assignments.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:




Seminars, tutorials and essays





Analyse evidence.
Assess evidence.
Examine arguments critically.
Define and defend an independently
formed point of view.
Communicate ideas in writing and
orally.
Communicate ideas in writing.
Manage time and work to deadlines.
Word-process and use other IT skills,
e.g. databases and web-based
resources, e-mail, etc.
Work independently.
Assessment:
Essays and assignments.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf;
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subjectbenchmark-statement-Linguistics.pdf);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Professor Bas Aarts
Name(s):
Date of Production:
June 2009
Date of Review:
December 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
16 July 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
16 July 2015
August 2015