English Acquisition and Multilingualism - master

Facts

Duration:	2 År
Credits (ECTS):	120
Qualification:	Master of English Linguistics with specialization in Language Acquisition and Multilingualism
Admission requirements:	Bachelor in English
Application deadline:	Nordic applicants: 15 April International applicants: 15 November
Application code:	Nordic applicants: 5064 International applicants: 2056

Programme description

The Master comprises a course component of 60 ECTS and a thesis of 60 ECTS. The course work consists of five compulsory modules; two of these will run in the Autumn (first semester) and three will be offered in the Spring (second semester):

ENG-3019 Psycholinguistics and Neurocognition of Multilingualism (10 ECTS. New course offered in the spring 2023)
ENG-3050 Second Language Acquisition (10 ECTS)
ENG-3060 Multilingualism (10 ECTS)
ENG-3070 Varieties of English (10 ECTS)
HIF-3082 Quantitative Methods in Linguistics (10 ECTS)

In addition, the student can choose between the following two or three courses in the first semester (Autumn):

HIF-3010 Syntax I (10 ECTS), or
HIF-3022 Phonology I (10 ECTS), or
ENG-3040 First Language Acquisition (10 ECTS, may not run every autumn)

The 60 ECTS based on course work should be completed in the first year of study, while the second year (60 ECTS) should be dedicated to writing the thesis. While working on the Master's thesis, a seminar is offered to support the students' research projects. In the Autumn (third semester), the seminar involves linguistics majors from all languages, and in the Spring (fourth semester), there is a seminar for English linguistics and theoretical linguistics. Students will also get the opportunity to present their work in research seminars at the AcqVA Aurora Centre.

Programme structure

Studieplan

	10 ects	10 ects	10 ects
1. sem. (autumn)	ENG-3019 Psycholinguistics and Neurocognition of Multilingualism - 10 stp. ENG-3060 Multilingualism - 10 stp. ENG-3070 Varieties of English - 10 stp.	ENG-3040 First Language Acquisition - 10 stp.	ENG-3050 Second Language Acquisition - 10 stp.
2. sem. (spring)	HIF-3082 Quantitative Methods in Linguistics - 10 stp.
3. sem. (autumn)	ENG-3991 Master's Thesis in English Linguistics - 60 stp.

Learning outcomes

Upon the completion of the Master's programme the candidate will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate has extensive knowledge about:

the acquisition of English as a first, second and third language
different theoretical accounts of language acquisition, variation and attrition, both in general and with regard to specific linguistic phenomena
how languages may influence each other in multilingual situations, and which factors determine the direction of this influence
how the English language can both affect and be affected by contact with other languages, and how this has shaped varieties of English around the world
methodological approaches to the study of acquisition, variation and attrition

Skills

The candidate can:

make use of available literature appropriately and evaluate it critically
identify linguistic structures in language acquisition, variation and attrition that may add to our knowledge of these phenomena
make use of appropriate methodology to study language acquisition, variation, and attrition, taking into account the context in which the relevant phenomenon occurs and the speakers it affects
apply a theoretical framework to the linguistic structure in question, even when this represents a novel analysis of the relevant linguistic data
undertake a small research project with the help of a supervisor

General competence

The candidate is able to:

apply methodological and theoretical knowledge to other linguistic contexts
communicate academic content in a way appropriate for audiences of both experts and the general public, and can do this both orally and in writing

Teaching and assessment

The course work consists of a combination of lectures and seminars. The candidate is expected to take an active part in their own learning experience, and acceptance of an offer to study on the programme is to agree to do so. All courses include various compulsory assignments, such as oral presentations, problem-solving tasks, and smaller paper assignments.

The Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism is a demanding programme that requires the student to work throughout the term. The students are expected to spend 40 hours per week on their studies, including preparation for lectures and seminars, work on term papers and other assignments.

Most courses contain assignments that must be approved in order to take the exam. These may include researched or reflective writing assignments, problem solving tasks, or oral presentations.

The most common forms of examination are home exams written on assigned topics over a one-two week period or term papers on topics that students choose in cooperation with course instructor.

Grades range from A-F, where A is the highest grade and F is fail.

For further information about work requirements, exam format and evaluative criteria, see the individual course descriptions on the UiT website.

Language of instruction

The language of all teaching and examinations is English.

Exchange possibilities

Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive on the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experience. Students taking the Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism are encouraged to make use of one of our exchange agreements in the second semester.

The department has a student exchange agreement with the following institutions:

The University of Konstanz, which offers an MA in Multilingualism
The University of York (via the Norwegian Study Centre in York)

For an updated overview of exchange universities, please take a look at UiT's webpage on student exchange.

The application deadlines are:

1 February (autumn semester)
1 September (spring semester)

Job prospectives

With increasing migration, experts on multilingualism are constantly becoming more sought after in both public and private work places. The programme provides the candidate with a solid background in language acquisition and multilingualism. Upon completion of the study, candidates are well suited for work in educational institutions, administrative public institutions related to issues of multilingualism, as well as international associations, organisations, and enterprises that deal with multilingual and multicultural issues. The programme is also an excellent starting-point for further study at the PhD-level, as it provides the candidate with in-depth training in an exceptional research environment which places a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and co-publishing.