Rationale ^TOP

The Postgraduate Diploma Course is meant to provide the participant with information regarding an understanding of major developments in the field of applied linguistics in order to enable him/her to undertake a practitioner's/programme developer's responsibilities with an awareness of language and language pedagogy related factors that require attention.

Objectives ^TOP

By the end of the course, students should have acquired at least:

1. a knowledge of the principles of analysis of language, of linguistic theories on the structural, psychological and social aspects of language and an awareness of how this knowledge can contribute to language teaching;
2.  an overview of the main current theoretical approaches to explaining second language acquisition and development; and
3. an understanding of the major approaches and methods in second language teaching.

Course of Study ^TOP

Core Modules

All four core modules are compulsory.

(a)        Grammar in Discourse (Modular credits: 4)

This module focuses on a socio-cultural perspective to the study of language which provides systematic links with the contexts of use.  Texts as instantiations of language use will form the basis of the development of the course.

The analyses of the grammatical patterns of organisation in various texts such as Cohesion, Theme-Rheme, Transitivity Patterns and Modality will enable the course members to make explicit linguistic statements about the language in use.  This in turn will empower learners with the linguistic tools for both learning to learn and for using language more meaningfully.

(b)        Language Acquisition: Social & Psychological Dimensions (Modular credits: 4)

This module will present an overview of the major theoretical approaches to language acquisition. Drawing from developments in psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics, it will build an awareness of the complex nature of language learning.  Students will have the opportunity to consider and discuss the implications of research in second language learning for learning and teaching languages in the Southeast Asian region.

(c)        Language Teaching Methodology (Modular credits: 4)

This module provides an overview of methodology in which the fundamental theoretical considerations are related to second/foreign language learning. It will deal with a description of method and what this involves and review approaches to language teaching as well as describe recent trends and emphases in the field.

(d)       Language Curriculum Design and Implementation (Modular credits: 4)

This module aims to enable students to analyse the major curricular initiatives from historical, political, ideological and socio-economic perspectives and to utilize the understanding thus gained in a study of language curricula under both existing and emerging paradigms. The understanding thus achieved will be used to gain better awareness of curricular innovations in Southeast Asia.

Not all elective modules may be available during any particular year.  Only two elective modules are required.

(a)        Research in Applied Linguistics (Modular credits: 4)

This module aims to acquaint students with the basic principles of how to read the research of others and how to conduct and present their own projects.  Prominent research paradigms will be discussed, as students read reports of studies in which these paradigms were applied.  The key parts of a research report will be described and exemplified.  Students will complete a special project as part of this module.

(b)        Language Testing (Modular credits: 4)

This module deals with the theoretical foundations of language testing, the relationship between teaching and testing, construction and evaluation of different types of language tests, analysis of test results, scoring and grading

(c)        Discourse Analysis (Modular credits: 4)

This module focuses on the nature of cohesion and coherence in discourse.  It deals with general features of discourse phenomena in both written and spoken texts with the aim of understanding how communication is achieved in these two mediums. Classroom research and the analysis of classroom interaction will be specifically treated. Students will be encouraged to apply some of the models described to the analysis of classroom talk.

(d)       English for Specific Purposes (Modular credits: 4)

This module introduces the principles and practice of teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP).  It enables students to assess the language needs of specific groups of learners, identify and describe the use of language in relation to specific purposes, develop appropriate materials and design activities that develop relevant language skills.

(e)        Materials Design and Development (Modular credits: 4)

This module deals with the principles and techniques of designing instructional materials for all levels of learning taking into account current innovations in the teaching and learning of languages.  This module also provides for practical work in writing, selecting, and adapting materials as well as in evaluating existing instructional materials.

(f)        Varieties of English (Modular credits: 4)

This module aims to study the English language in use in different parts of the world and in the various functions that the language performs as mother tongue and as a second/foreign language.  It also examines the various policy-planning, sociolinguistic and educational issues that arise in each case.

(g)        Teaching Reading and Writing (Modular credits: 4)

This module acquaints students with recent theoretical insights into reading and writing processes.  Practical implications are explored.  This module also provides them with opportunities to give in-depth consideration to issues of particular relevance to Southeast Asia.

(h)        Teaching Listening and Speaking (Modular credits: 4)

This module acquaints students with current knowledge in the teaching and learning of listening and speaking and also provides opportunities for studying a range of tasks relevant to oracy teaching and learning.  Provision is made for practical experience in adapting and designing usable listening and oracy tasks.

(i)         Media Resources in ELT (Modular credits: 4)

This module examines both the principles and techniques for applying the use of audio, video and computer technology to the English language classroom.  At the same time, this module is forward-looking and should help to break the techno-phobia from which many teachers suffer.

(j)         Language and Culture (Modular credits: 4)

This module examines the relationship between language, culture and society in general and language education in particular.  Language is viewed as a resource for expressing and making meanings in its cultural context.  In a context where the local languages come face-to-face with a language that is significantly different from that of their own, there are problems faced by both learner and teacher. Some of these issues are dealt with in the course.

Seminars will be organised on topics of professional interest to students. These are intended to provide students with an opportunity to benefit from instruction by visiting senior specialists and language consultants.

Course Requirements ^TOP

All students will have to pass all four core modules and two elective modules, which will be assessed by a written examination and assignment(s) each.

Students must satisfy class attendance requirements in all class sessions and seminars.

A student whose progress has not been satisfactory may be required to terminate his/her candidature.

Course Award ^TOP

The course will lead to the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics.

Admission Requirements ^TOP

Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree or other acceptable qualification in an area approved by RELC.  Consideration may be given to a mature candidate without this qualification who in the opinion of RELC will profit from the programme.

The candidate must have a minimum of two years of full-time language teaching experience or a minimum of two years of experience in language planning and language development programmes.

The candidate must have a sufficient command of English to follow advanced study conducted in the English Language and to prepare written and oral assignments. Those from non-English medium education systems must have a recent TOEFL score of at least 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test or 80 for the internet-based test. Alternatively, an IELTS result of 6.5 is required.

(If you are registering for the TOEFL test, please quote our code number 2042. Your official score report will be sent to us directly from Educational Testing Service.)

Fees ^TOP

The following are the fee components (in Singapore dollars):

• The fees indicated above are inclusive of prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• The fees indicated above are subject to change at any time.
• Accommodation at the RELC International Hotel is available @ S$135 nett per night with breakfast (twin room)
• Students from outside Singapore are advised to subscribe to the Group Health Insurance Scheme at S$53.50 per month (inclusive of GST), as medical costs in the event of illness can be very high
• The provision of S$900 per month for subsistence allowance should cover the participant’s basic living expenses while in Singapore.

  NOTE:

1. RELC does not accept any responsibility for accidents on journeys to and from Singapore, or in Singapore, or for the loss of baggage and other personal belongings in transit or in Singapore.
2. RELC will also not be responsible for taking out air travel and personal accident insurance for course members.

Application ^TOP

The following forms must be duly completed and submitted:

1. Application Form RELC A238 (in duplicate).
2. Certified copies of a valid TOEFL/IELTS result (for applicants from non-English medium education system).
3. Medical Examination Form RELC A228 (1 original and 1 copy) to be issued not more than six months before course commencement.
4. Copies of degrees/diplomas/certificates/transcripts should accompany the application.  Where a transcript is in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by a certified translation into English.

Payment of Fees ^TOP

Fees are payable before the commencement of the course. 

Cheques should be crossed and made payable to the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.

Refund of Fees ^TOP

Cancellations of enrolment must be made in writing. Cancellations received before the commencement of the course will receive a refund less the registration fee.  Withdrawals after the course has commenced will not be eligible for refund.

The closing dates for applications are 26 February 2010 (for SEAMEO Scholarship applicants) and 30 April 2010 (for private fee-paying applicants).