13. The MAAL Qualification
13.1 Is this a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree?
13.2 Will this degree make me more employable?
13.3 Does it provide teaching accreditation?
13.4 Is there a practical component to the degree?
13.5 Will the Master of Applied Linguistics allow me to pursue PhD research?
13.1: Is this a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree?
The Master of Applied Linguistics or MAAL (which we have offered successfully for many years) is not a TESOL degree, although many TESOL teachers have taken it and found it enormously useful in their work.
However the new major we are offering from 2011, the MAAL (TESOL), as its name suggests, is a specialised degree for those wanting TESOL qualifications. As you’ll see if you look at FAQ Section 4, The Structure of the MAAL Degree, it includes two TESOL units, EDLI502 and EDLI504. These units are taught in conjunction with our colleagues in the School of Education. These two units, plus the 4 units which are core to the MAAL, plus 2 electives (for example LING562, Second Language Acquisition or LING563 Bilingualism, Education and Society) add up to a comprehensive TESOL preparation.
We do emphasise, however, that the MAAL (TESOL) is aimed at people intending to teach at adult level. For example, in Australia you would be able to apply to teach in the Adult Migrant English Program, or in ELICOS (language centres which cater to international students learning English). In Australia you need an education degree to teach TESOL in the school system. However, this varies from country to country so you need to check the requirements of the country and the sector where you wish to work before enrolling.
13.2 Will this degree make me more employable?
It certainly should. A Master of Applied Linguistics may be helpful in finding employment in a number of areas including language centre management, materials writing, language planning, etc. It depends on your interests and the specific institutions. Many of our MAAL graduates are actively involved in ESL teaching, and many have found this degree directly beneficial to them in that job market
The Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) is a specialised TESOL major which will meet the requirements of educational authorities in many countries. However we suggest you enquire directly with organisations in the country where you wish to work, as we are not able to advise on the specific requirements of every country.
The MAAL (TESOL) provides a practicum in EDLI504 which is generally required by employers of ESL and EFL teachers in Australia.
13.3 Does it provide teaching accreditation?
The MAAL does not provide teaching accreditation in most countries. However, it may be accepted in many ESL or EFL situations as a qualification. Please check with your institution or accrediting agency.
The MAAL (TESOL) will usually be accepted by employers in Australia as a 'specialist qualification in TESOL which includes a practicum' for teaching ESL or EFL to adults or adolescents. For more information on teaching in Australia, please see the website of the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) http://www.neas.org.au/teachers/index.php
Please note that the MAAL (TESOL) does not qualify you to teach ESL in primary or secondary schools in Australia. For that you normally need a 4-year teaching degree. Please enquire at UNE’s School of Education for more information.
The MAAL (TESOL) will meet the requirements of many employers in countries outside Australia, but, again, you are advised to check carefully the requirements of employers in the country where you wish to work.
13.4 Is there a practical component to the degree?
In the MAAL there is no practicum. This degree does not focus on pedagogy, and there is no in-class placement program
The MAAL(TESOL) however does include a practicum, which is in the unit EDLI504. This provides supervised teaching practice, often in the student's own workplace.
13.5 Will the Master of Applied Linguistics allow me to pursue PhD research?
See FAQ Section 5.3.