Introduction
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, information about courses starting in September 2021 may be subject to change. We continue to improve your teaching and learning experience so you gain skills and understanding which are valuable to you and sought after by employers.
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Gain specialist knowledge and practical skills for the teaching of academic subjects in English.
English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), also sometimes referred to as English-medium teaching or bilingual education, is seen as a crucial aspect of helping institutions internationalise their offer and prepare their students for a globalised job market.
All over the world, educational institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels are increasingly using English to teach academic subjects to students whose first language is not English. These subjects include business, engineering, science, biology, chemistry, physics, agriculture and medicine.
If you work as an educator in this field already or aspire to do so, this master’s course offers you a unique opportunity to acquire specialised knowledge, skills and expertise in this rapidly-expanding area.
This course covers everything from EMI policy design to classroom pedagogy and strategies for intercultural communication with diverse student groups.
You will learn how to develop effective EMI courses and teaching materials to suit your students’ learning needs, and how to draw on research to inform your daily practice and decision making.
We place particular emphasis on helping you apply the latest thinking about EMI teaching to your own country and context. Assignments are closely linked to real-world activities that you will need to perform as an EMI educator.
Bath is highly regarded in the field of English language education. Working with our researchers, you will develop knowledge and skills from a range of academic fields, equipping you for employment in diverse EMI-related fields.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
teach your subject matter in a ‘language conscious’ way, drawing on effective strategies and ideas
develop effective techniques for communicating the content of your courses
teach culturally diverse groups of students through the medium of English
develop an appropriate language policy for your institution
design an appropriate curriculum, syllabus or set of teaching materials for use in your context
assess and evaluate an English medium programme of study
train other educators to teach their subject matter effectively through English
If you are interested in teaching English as a subject to non-English speakers, explore our MA TESOL course instead.
Graduate prospects
Once you graduate from this course, you will be well qualified to work in a broad variety of EMI-related roles.
You could work in international primary and secondary education, an international school, migrant education or educational policy development.
Your skills would also lend themselves towards working in:
English as an additional language (EAL) in primary and secondary education
bilingual and multilingual education
international university education
English medium training in the industry
intercultural communication training
business communication
working with an educational NGO, UN organisation or other internationally-oriented educational organisation
Course structure
This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2021 and ends in 2022. Welcome week starts on 27 September 2021.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Compulsory course units
These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.
Semester 1
Research methods for second language education 1
Bilingualism, multilingualism and plurilingualism
Policy and curriculum of English as a medium of instruction
Semester 2
Research methods for second language education 2]
Teaching and assessing in English as a medium of instruction
Intercultural communication and learning
Summer
Dissertation for English as a medium of instruction
Learning and assessment
Learning
Lectures
Online resources
Seminars
Tutorials
Workshops
Assessment
Coursework
Dissertation
Essay
Portfolio
Presentations
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘We put a lot of emphasis on tailoring the content and helping students to develop an appropriate curriculum and methodology that suit their setting.’
—
Dr Trevor GrimshawDirector of Studies for MA English as a Medium of Instruction (2019)
Entry requirements
British qualifications
You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically 2:1 or above.
To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.
We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.
If your language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.
MA English as a Medium of Instruction from University of Bath on Vimeo.
Fees and funding
Home tuition fees: £10,000
Overseas tuition fees: £21,500
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Scholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.
Other payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Budgeting
As well as the cost of books, you will also need to cover the cost of scanning and photocopying. You should budget at least £100 for this.
Some courses involve engagement away from the University campus, and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs for these optional events.
