Courses

Programme Specification

PgDip Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages and Applied Linguistics

Academic Year 2025/26

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

PgDip Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages and Applied Linguistics

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Postgraduate Diploma

Programme Code

EDU-PD-TA

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100513 - Teaching English as a foreign - 50
100970 - Applied linguistics - 50

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Full Time or Part Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Part Time - 2 Academic Years

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 7
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/the-frameworks-for-higher-education-qualifications-of-uk-degree-awarding-bodies-2024.pdf	N/A
Accreditations (PSRB)
No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Recognition of Prior Learning. Students may be awarded credit of up to 30 CATS for completed awards, such as the PGCE, and therefore gain exemption from optional taught modules of the programme.

Programme Specific Regulations

Students must pass 120 CATS points of taught modules on the programme
to be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL and Applied Linguistics.
Students must successfully complete a minimum of 80 points from the selection of core TESOL and Applied Linguistics
modules and a dissertation in the area of TESOL and Applied Linguistics. Students must also take module EDU7250 (20 CATS) and another 20 CATS points of their choice from optional modules available.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Educational Aims Of Programme

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of any educational research, policy, practice and theory covered in the programme;

critically evaluate research literature relating to the content of the programme;

apply critically research findings relating to the content of the programme to their professional practice SS

evaluate and reflect on their professional practice;

demonstrate transferable skills such as writing and research skills;

demonstrate knowledge of a range of educational research methods;

choose fit-for-purpose methods for a research project within the context of their own professional role;

apply the processes of research planning, data collection and analysis (as appropriate), and research reporting to undertake a research project

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically evaluate, synthesise and apply research
literature (empirical and conceptual work) relating
to the field of TESOL and Applied Linguistics

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities,
and liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework
(written Assignments of 3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Critically reflect on the relevance of current issues
in TESOL and Applied Linguistics to a variety of
local and international educational contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities,
and liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Apply appropriate processes of research planning
and reporting to undertake a research project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of some module
coursework (written Assignments of 3000
words) and dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Use research skills including library searches, ICT
skills, critical reading, and analytical thinking to
address knowledge gaps and solve problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework
(written Assignments 3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Employ presentational skills to effectively
communicate complex ideas asynchronously in
writing and/or multimodally mediated by digital
technology, and synchronously through in-person
delivery

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Use evidence-informed approaches to inform
professional teaching practice and critical thinking

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Articulate how language practices relate to
relevant subjectivities and power relations in
context

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Connect educational theories, practices, and
policies covered in the programme with specific
contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Discuss key principles, philosophies, and
controversies in language teaching, learning, and
use

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Identify and evaluate a range of language
pedagogies and policies

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Analyse applied linguistics literature and everyday
language use in a variety of contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Demonstrate advanced skills relevant to the
learning, teaching, and assessment of language

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Evaluate and reflect on their own professional
practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Choose fit-for-purpose methods for a research
project within the context of their own
professional role

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Completion of core modules and completion of
dissertation. This includes module readings,
participating in complementary class activities, and
liaising with assigned dissertation supervisor

Methods of Assessment

Successful completion of module coursework,
including numerous in-class activities as well as
written Assignments (3000 words) and
dissertation (15000-20000 words)

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion	EDU7256	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion	EDU7083	7	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Understanding Adults with ASD	EDU7241	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Language Awareness	EDU7195	7	20	YES	--	10 weeks	N	YES	--	90%	10%	0%
Fundamental elements of behaviour change	EDU7226	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	75%	0%	25%
		7	20	--	YES	10 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development	EDU7277	7	20	--	YES	10 weeks	N	YES	--	90%	10%	0%
Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach	EDU7254	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others	EDU7228	7	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives	EDU7185	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Understanding Children with ASD	EDU7240	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
E-learning: Concepts and Pract	EDU7275	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Leadership in Practice	EDU7209	7	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	--	YES	70%	30%	0%
TESOL: Principles and Practices	EDU7197	7	20	YES	--	10 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Contemporary Issues in Applied Linguistics	EDU7301	7	20	--	YES	10 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Leadership for School Improvement and Change	EDU7186	7	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education	EDU7250	7	20	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%

Notes

Students must take EDU7999 Dissertation or EDU7901 Research in Practice: Project for the award of MSc