Overview
This MA Course offers you advanced academic study of English literature and language as well as giving you the knowledge-base necessary to become an effective manager in a variety of education settings (e.g. Higher, Further, Schools – state and private).
The course enhances your knowledge of English language and literature while at the same time giving you the opportunity to engage with education management themes with the purpose of either obtaining better employment or becoming a more effective manager in education settings.
You will practise microteaching for either language or literature and discuss innovative teaching theory and practice.
You will explore the stylistics features of the English language, discuss major English literature themes and authors in relation to sustainability and environmental issues, engage with the theory and practice of English teaching (both language and literature) and approach key issues in education management.
You will also have the opportunity to gain a recognised professional teaching qualification: the Teaching Knowledge Test accredited by Cambridge Assessment English, as part of module Professional Enhancement: Managing the Teaching and Learning Process.
The course includes the opportunity to take part in study trips*. In recent years (e.g. 2018-2019) we have for example ran study trips* for MA students to Stratford-upon-Avon to study the impact that Shakespeare’s language has had on modern English.
*Study trips may be subject to additional fees, application processes and/or be subject to availability.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
By studying this course, you will have the opportunity to obtain the vocational qualification Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) in Managing the Learning Process, awarded by Cambridge Assessment English, which is fully integrated and is part of the course. The TKT is a globally recognised qualification. Students who already have this qualification will be given Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for it.
Related Links
Building Redevelopment
We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.
Creative Community Hub
We hope that you are all staying safe in these uncertain times. Creative activities can really help fill the days, while we are spending more time at home and we have some ideas to keep you busy.
Virtual experience
Visit our online degree show where we have brought together the work of over 500 students.
What our graduates say
I enjoyed all the modules and learnt a lot from the highly qualified and efficient teachers who paid undivided attention to all individual students. I have got ten years teaching experience, but I must admit, I learnt so many things that I was not familiar with. Moreover, all the lecturers have been cooperative, friendly and available whenever we need them.
Course information
This MA course has been designed to enhance your knowledge of English language and literature while at the same time providing you with the opportunity to engage with education management and English teaching themes. The course should put you on a good stead for the purpose of either obtaining better employment or becoming an effective manager in education settings.
On this course you will explore the stylistics features of the English language, discuss major English literature themes and authors in relation to sustainability and environmental issues, engage with the theory and practice of English teaching (both language and literature) and approach key issues in education management.
You will also gain, on successful completion, a recognised professional teaching qualification: the Teaching Knowledge Test accredited by Cambridge Assessment English, as part of module Professional Enhancement: Managing the Teaching and Learning Process and practise teaching for English Language and Literature.
A diagnostic task is administered at the start the course to support your academic development and this task is discussed with your allocated personal tutor, who can support your learning journey and provide sign-posting for your pastoral needs.
Students are also invited to take part in the community of English Language Teaching research practice in the School of Humanities, for example the Corpus Linguistics at Coventry CLAC (CLAC ) monthly seminars and the occasional visiting lectures by famous experts in English language and literature (e.g. Prof David Crystal in 2018).
The distinctive features of this course are:
- A task-based/problem-based approach to language/literature learning and teaching and education management;
- Varied and innovative assessment tasks;
- The innovative themes covered in literature (e.g. environment and ecocriticism);
- The accreditation of the Teaching Knowledge Test TKT (TKT) professional qualification*.
*If you already have TKT you will be given Accreditation of Prior Learning for it.
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
- Become part of an international community of practice, which normally includes visits from groups of teachers and students from partner institutions.
- Take part in curriculum-related study-trips, for example to London to design teaching tasks based on museum artifacts and to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see Shakepeare’s plays (N.B.: Trips may be subject to additional fees, application processes and/or be subject to availability of places).
- Take advantage of a variety of job opportunities (both voluntary and paid) available to students to apply for, ranging from student proctor/mentor to lecturer in English on the pre-sessional course; lecturer in the students’ own language on the Linguae Mundi programme on the Add+Vantage University-wide programme or translator.
- Maximise your employability skills. The course has a stress on linking theory and practice.
- Benefit from the excellent level of both pastoral and academic support offered on the course, which includes the extensive support provided for the dissertation.
- Have the opportunity to obtain the Cambridge Assessment English vocational qualification embedded into the course, the TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test), that is recognised worldwide.
This course covers four main study themes: English Literature, English Language, English Teaching and Education Management.
In the first term you will be introduced to stylistics and the analysis of texts, both language and literature texts. You will engage with literary texts in depth and explore them through the innovative lens of ecocriticism, focusing on the environments within which said texts are set. You will be introduced to the principles and practice of effective education management.
The second term explores the themes covered in the first one from a more practical perspective, building on them. So you will think of how you can teach English and English language through literature, engage in microteaching and English class observations. You will discuss how to manage challenging educational scenarios and practise problem-solving in educational case studies. You will also start thinking of what topic you would like to explore for your dissertation and you will be able to choose a dissertation based on any of the four above-mentioned themes covered on the course. You can of course also cover more than one at the same time.
In the third term you will develop your individual research project. You will also critically evaluate the principles underlying the teaching and learning process with a focus on professional enhancement for effective classroom management (this will include passing the relevant TKT assignment).
The integrated approach adopted for most modules using lectures, seminars and workshops ensures that taught sessions are interesting and varied. We use 'Flipped classroom' techniques and online resources so that time in class can be utilised to concentrate on checking that learning is taking place and that you benefit from an interactive and social-collaborative learning environment. The emphasis on addressing specific teaching and learning contexts provided in many modules encourages you to engage with intercultural themes and reflect on your future community contribution and responsibility as teacher or educational manager in your country, whether in the UK or overseas.
This course has a professional focus and the programme has inquiry-based foundations as illustrated by its module descriptors and by the integration within it of a vocational qualification (Teaching Knowledge Test by Cambridge Assessment English). You will also be able to apply for work-experience opportunities.
You will be encouraged to co-construct knowledge with peers and staff and there may be opportunities for you to present your findings at conferences and publish academic work with peers and staff. The course embraces research-inspired teaching, as all staff on the course engage with research and most of them have published on topics that relate to their taught syllabus.
Active learning includes the opportunity to take part in visits to museums to design tasks based on the artefacts seen, theatre visits to encourage innovative approaches to curriculum design, and observation of how English is taught at Coventry University.
You will apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired in a variety of ways. For example, when you study 7028HUM Teaching English through Literature in semester 2, you will be able to utilise knowledge relating to literature acquired in 7066HUM Shakespearean Spaces linking theory with practice. You will be able to tailor part of your assessment journey: for example in 7031 English Language Teaching in Practice you will develop a microteaching session of your choice to suit your teaching needs that reflects theory and practice acquired in related modules. Also, the two education management modules 7078HUM and 7080HUM will provide you with the opportunity to solve education management challenges that relate to all other modules on the course.
A formative diagnostic essay task is given at the beginning of the course, to support you with your learning journey into academic practice at MA level. A variety of summative tasks is administered on the different modules to cater for the variety of assessment needs of the multicultural cohort of students who enrol on this course. The course assessment includes academic essays, reports, individual and group presentations, poster presentations, online quizzes, in-class seen tests, project plans, teaching observations, the Teaching Knowledge Test, micro-teaching and a dissertation.
All modules but two have two assessment points: one around weeks 6-8 and one around weeks 11-12. Marking schemes and criteria are provided for each task and you will submit most assignments online.
Feedback and ‘feed forward’ are provided throughout the course both by individual module leaders and by the Academic Personal Tutor.
On successful completion of the relevant modules, you should be able to obtain either a Certificate of Higher Education in English and Education Management (60 credits), a Diploma of Higher Education in English and Education Management (120 credits) or the full MA in English and Education Management (180 credits). On successful completion of the TKT test, you will also be able to obtain the TKT vocational qualification.
On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the principles underlying the teaching and learning process with a focus on professional enhancement for effective classroom management.
- Engage in high-level research-informed reflections and decision-making on the teaching of English through language and/or literature across contexts.
- Articulate and critique the role of literature in reflecting environmental concerns and in relation to human emotions.
- Utilise stylistic analysis to inform critical interpretation of literary and non-literary texts.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role that programme management has within organisations.
- Analyse different education management settings in different contexts and engage in decision-making when discussing and addressing educational management case studies, including culturally sensitive ones.
- Critically evaluate research methods in English and Education Management and articulate project plans, in the context of ethical and professional frameworks.
- Devise, manage and complete a sustained body of independent work informed by appropriate research/scholarship and critical analysis, to appropriate academic and ethical standards.
- Employ high level information retrieval and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret, evaluate, synthesise and organise archival and digital material, to formulate independent and critical judgements, articulate reasoned arguments and find creative solutions.
Each of the eight 15 credit modules is taught face-to-face for three hours per week for 11 weeks. The 10 credit module in term three is taught for two hours per week for 11 weeks and the 50 credit dissertation module consists mainly of guided study, 5 hours of workshops and 5 hours of tutorials.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
This course offers the opportunity to engage virtually with overseas partners through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and other blended learning projects.
Also, the course offers you the opportunity to discuss how the approaches to education management and to the teaching of language and literature vary in different countries, as you bring insights from your contexts and experience to the workshops and seminars.
Additional internationalisation opportunities are available to all students via the Centre for Global Engagement (see ‘Global Ready’).
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
International experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
EU Student Fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
According to the British Council, there were around 1.5 billion people learning and using English worldwide in 2018, forecast to rise to 2 billion by 2020. So there is a high demand for teachers and managers of English in language schools, private schools, state schools, universities and colleges throughout the world.
In addition to enabling you to learn more about classroom management and blended and online teaching and learning of both language and literature, this course will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills to perform the role of education manager. It can also lead to a variety of careers associated with teaching English or the use of English language and literature, including academic consultancy, journalism, information management and human resources, among others.
In order to enhance your employability prospects, you will have the opportunity to apply for internal part-time job opportunities, both voluntary and paid. For students on a related course these have included over the years: Pre-sessional English Teacher and/or Conversational Assistant; Academic Tutor at the Centre for Academic Writing; Linguae Mundi teacher (teaching their native language for the Centre for Global Engagement); Volunteer for English classes for refugees; Volunteer for English classes for members of the public; Academic English tutor for modules on degree courses; Language module tutor on the Add+Vantage university-wide provision and Student Ambassador
Recognised the world over as evidence of advanced skills and knowledge, a Master's degree can assist you to secure professional advancement. It can provide access to senior management posts in both private and state educational institutions around the world.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The Talent Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Job destinations could include International Recruitment Officers, Language Centre Directors, English Examiners, University Lecturers, School Teachers, Academic Consultants, Pre-sessional Tutors and Course Leaders.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
