From September 2016, Mary Immaculate College (MIC) will offer three new doctoral programmes to research students. These include two new structured PhD programmes in the areas of Applied Linguistics and Development Education and Practice, as well as a professional doctorate programme in Educational and Child Psychology.
PhD in Applied Linguistics
The new structured PhD in Applied Linguistics (PhD AL) is a four-year full-time programme. It includes a combination of taught modules (in year 1 of the programme) and individual research. The principal component is the doctoral thesis. The programme aims to enhance the professional knowledge of language teachers and language professionals. It focuses on the core features of language as a system, language learning and acquisition, as well as language in its broader societal context. The taught modules take place in a face-to-face environment. In addition, blended learning offer flexibility for PhD candidates.
The core educational principle of the programme is that it will be research-led. It will also entail engaging with cutting-edge research across a range of sub-fields of Applied Linguistics. This will mean promoting enquiry-based learning by posing real world problems relating to language use and acquisition.
The fostering of critical thinking is also core to the educational principles of the programme. Students will engage critically with received models of language use and acquisition. In addition, a range of pedagogical strategies will promote active research-led learning and scholarship. Residential summer schools will also be a key component of the programme. As a result, students will engage with high profile Applied Linguists and also to present their own research, with the aim of enhancing their development as independent researchers.
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