PhD in Applied Linguistics
Overview
The PhD in Applied Linguistics is a 4-year full-time programme, which allows students to examine the interconnections between language and language use in an in-depth fashion. The programme provides an path to understanding of various second language acquisition theories, current issues in Applied Linguistics and relevant methodologies and approaches in the field from a wide range of perspectives (i.e., theoretical and applied). The PhD programme is suitable for students who are specialized in English Language, Applied Linguistics, TESOL, Sociolinguistics, or other specialties related to Applied Linguistics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The research focus of the programme allows graduates to pursue a teaching/lecturing careers in Applied Linguistics at both secondary and tertiary levels.
The programme entails full-time study, with students taking five modules during the first year of the programme totaling 60 credits. Upon successful completion of their first year of coursework including defending their proposal at the candidacy viva, students will need to engage in serious PhD-level research in the three subsequent years of the programme on a full-time basis.
The main aims of PhD in Applied Linguistics are to:
– Provide an advanced study of Applied Linguistics that focuses on topics in the field but especially those relevant to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (e.g. multilingualism, second language acquisition, language policy and planning, English-medium instruction, qualitative approaches to sociolinguistics, sociolinguistic variation, teaching methodologies, the role of L1 in teaching foreign languages, digital literacies, multimodality, among others).
– Examine contemporary critical developments in Applied Linguistics.
– Facilitate the ability to apply theories of Applied Linguistics to advanced research studies (e.g., sociocultural activity theory, translanguaging theory, decolonization theories, and others).
– Conduct original research that employs a certain theory, trend, or point of contention on which expert opinion is divided and current data are contradictory, and its application in the field of Applied Linguistics.
– Develop advanced skills in conducting research, synthesizing literature to critically express opinions, and understanding canonical and recent texts in Applied Linguistics.
– Promote understanding of the methods, theories, data collection, and analysis practices for quantitative and qualitative or mixed-method research in Applied Linguistics.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a BA in the field of English Studies with an average of no less than 60%.
- Completion of an MA in the field of Applied Linguistics with an average of no less than 70%.
- A detailed proposal which includes a research topic, working title, research questions, background including a concise review of previous literature, significance of the research questions, a proposed methodology and timeframe, and a detailed bibliography.
- English proficiency score: 7 on IELTS, 68 on PTE, or 96 on TOEFL.
- Two confidential and sealed recommendation letters from previous research supervisors.
- Equalised transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions/universities.
- Applicants dismissed for any reason from any university, school or college will not be considered.
- Application Form: Online application form is required.
- Official Transcripts: Provide a copy of your undergraduate and postgraduate transcript with your application.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters are required to be submitted with your application, preferably one of which will be from a university academic.
- Research Proposal
- Interview: Aplicants who meet all of the academic entrance requirements will be invited to attend an interview at which they may be asked questions regarding their intended programme of study. The interview is a compulsory stage of the selection process.
- Applicants with high quality publications are preferred.
- A copy of your CV.
- A copy of your passport or national ID.
Curriculum
Modules
There are five compulsory modules offered in the first year:
Semester 1:
1. Quantitative Research Methods in AL
2. Critical Applied Linguistics
Semester 2:
1. Contemporary Research in SLA
2. Language Policy and Planning
3. Qualitative Research Methods in AL
Skills Development
Throughout the PhD studies in Applied Linguistics, students will gain invaluable skills in what it takes to become a scholar in the field especially in regard to critical analysis of texts and discourses, identifying problems in language use and offering research-oriented recommendations, offering solutions to language phenomena using sociolinguistic data and approaches, and evaluating language use across various educational and institutional domains with a critical applied linguistics lens. Additionally, students develop key skills required to conduct scholarly research in applied linguistics including conducting data collection and analysis, presentation, and academic defense and discussion.