The principal objectives are for students to understand the main phenomena in language acquisition, to learn about the latest research questions and results in the field of applied linguistics, to learn to transfer research results to teaching practice, and to acquire the independence to propose and carry out a basic applied research project.
The programme is closely linked to on-going developments in international research in the field of applied linguistics carried out by members of the teaching staff. Among other topics, this research focuses on the role of age, input, individual differences in second language acquisition, vocabulary acquisition, perception, second language production, bilingualism and multilingualism, content and language integrated learning, and specific methodological and technological aspects of applied linguistics research.
The course is divided into the following modules, of 15 credits each:
- Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition
- Research Methodology in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition
- Research Topics in Second Language Acquisition and the Teaching and Learning of Second Languages
- Final Project (MA thesis)
Possible bridging courses may also be recommended to students.
