This module enables you to make your own contribution to the field of materials development. You will do this by developing your critical awareness of language acquisition and pedagogy at a theoretical and practical level and the criteria for evaluation and adaptation of language learning materials. You will investigate different aspects of materials development and work both independently and in a team to produce a variety of language learning materials, justifying their principles, objectives and procedures.

This module carries 30 credits.

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" The course progressed logically and extremely thoroughly. I feel I am up to date with the very latest in materials design ideas. "

Gerald

Is this course for you?

 
Location: Online
 
Experience: Degree. Language teaching experience
 
Language Level: B2/C1 or higher
 
Course dates:
13 January - 19 March 2025
22 April - 25 June 2025
15 September - 19 November 2025
 
Certification:
Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or MA awarded by University of Chichester
 
Course Length: 8 weeks (+ 1 week break)
 
Course fees: £1210
 
Minimum age: 18
 
Max class size: 18
 
Tutor-led and highly interactive
 
Live and asynchronous eLearning platforms
 
Specialist ELT eLibrary
 
Accredited by AQUEDUTO

Course content

 
The theories of language acquisition and language pedagogy which are potentially applicable to materials development
 
How to develop and apply principled criteria for the evaluation and adaptation of language learning materials
 
The different aspects of materials development (e.g. text selection and exploitation; the writing of instructions; the use of illustrations; the design and layout of a unit etc)
 
How to work both independently and in a team to produce a variety of different types of effective language learning materials
 
How to justify the principles, objectives and procedures of materials which you produce
 
How to make your own contribution to the field of materials development

Assessment (written after completion of the course and supervised at distance by tutors):

Assignment 1 (50%):

A criterion-referenced evaluation of two comparable units of materials in relation to a specified context and a principled adaptation of one of these units for the same context.

Assignment 2 (50%):

The production of a unit of materials together with a theoretical rationale justifying and exemplifying the principles and procedures of the materials.

" This was one of the best courses I have taken. I feel like I learned so much. "

Owain

" It was intensive but what a fantastic learning curve. The course provided a very structured way of learning. "

Bina

Further Information

Online MA modules are highly interactive and learning takes place through varied and engaging multimedia content and the collaboration between participants from different contexts.

Courses are broken down into individual units and activities, forming a clear structure, and all participants work on the same unit in the same week. Within that time period there is a high level of flexibility to help you fit studying around your life and work. The interaction, via forums and other collaborative tools built into the platform, helps and encourages you to share ideas, ask questions, explore concepts and build up a community.

You need a computer, a headset (with microphone) and an internet connection. Much of the course can be done on a mobile device, but a computer is needed for certain activities and tasks.

All participants have access to NILE’s extensive ELT e-library and an innovative social and cultural programme.

MA Module Leader

Helen Marjan Helen joined NILE as a course tutor in 2020, after spending 15 years as the CEO of a large educational organisation in South-East Asia, with branches in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong. She began her teaching career in 1990, working as a teacher of young learners, and spent the next 30 years working as a teacher, teacher trainer, curriculum developer and education manager.

Helen holds a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Young Learners (6-16 year olds) with specialisms in materials design, teacher development, literacy-based language teaching and education management. In addition to tutoring at NILE, she works as an International Consultant for UNICEF, focussing broadly on curriculum development and teacher/trainer training projects in both formal and non-formal settings. Helen has recently opened her own small education publishing company and is a published author.

Helen has worked as a Consultant Teaching Fellow on the University of York’s MA in TEYL programme for more than 10 years.

In her spare time, Helen enjoys baking, painting, authoring and spending time with her two grandchildren, who often serve as inspiration for her writing.


Available dates:

Course dates Location Course length
13 January - 19 March 2025 Online 8 weeks
22 April - 25 June 2025 Online 8 weeks
16 September - 20 November 202415 September - 19 November 2025 Online 8 weeks