University of Sunderland, BA (Hons), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with English Language and Linguistics

This is a major-minor Honours programme which allows the student to study 2 subjects with an emphasis on 1 of them; this allows the student to pursue 2 subjects of interest rather than 1 and can enhance the development of transferable skills and widen postgraduate opportunities; the student also has the opportunity to elect module(s) each year, in a different subject to their chosen 2; many students choose to take a modern language or a module to enhance their learning skills; a feature of the teaching English to speakers of other languages course is the depth of knowledge, skills and understanding that the student builds up; it isn’t just be book knowledge; a number of modules typically include structured opportunities for the student to teach English themselves; the student may also be able spend time teaching in the local community; all this practical experience increases the students confidence and allows them to learn from their own real life experiences; English languages and linguistics introduces the student to the nature and functions of language in society; overall the emphasis is on analysis of real language; the knowledge and skills the student gains help them to understand and appreciate the dynamics of communication, which is very useful for careers where interpersonal skills are required, for instance, television and radio, journalism, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL); in particular, there may be a strand designed for those who anticipate working with children (eg as teachers).