Feature

Today's MA in ELT is an applied social science. It has a multidisciplinary dimension that combines Linguistics, Language and Education. The application theoretically and practically is focused on the making of an English language teacher. Taught by the country's leading ELT experts, the programme is aimed at qualified and experienced ELT practitioners who want to further enrich their professional acumen through greater practical and theoretical understanding of current issues relating to language in education. Because of its multi-dimensional focus, the ELT programme additionally helps participants to develop skills of a course designer, material developer, testing and evaluation expert, teacher trainer and ELT manager.

Delivered in four semesters with a strong focus on reflective learning and application to participant's own context, this Masters programme is especially designed for teachers and trainers who want an opportunity to enjoy and explore the latest developments in the field of ELT. Moreover, the dissertation track and teaching practicum finally give students a chance to follow their own interests, demonstrate their analytic abilities and produce a rigorously researched dissertation on a chosen ELT theme.

The MA programme in ELT offered by Presidency University is an internationally valued professional graduate teaching degree. The curriculum is based on requirements of Education and TESOL ( Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages ) and is aligned with graduate programme requirements of mainstream US and UK universities.

An MA in ELT from Presidency University is like no other because :

It is a comprehensive and highly relevant curriculum

Faculty of ELT Academics with reputable foreign academic and professional qualification6s (5 out of the top 7 ELT experts in Bangladesh)

Unmatched training in the skills and professional competence required in today's global demand for ELT

State-of-the-art practicum (hands-on experience of teaching )

Dissertation consolidating theoretical and practical issues through an investigative study

Library with state-of-the-art books, journals, international publications including CD-ROMs

Computer Lab with internet facilities to access international reading materials

Perceptions of teachers about the MA in ELT programme at Presidency University

S.M. Walid Rahman (The Aga Khan School )

ELT has opened up a new horizon in my teaching career. When I enrolled into this course, I had my share of doubts. But soon I found that it is a different world where regularity, punctuality, seriousness, quality and hard work are the real factors that determine grades and help sustain professional growth.

I think that the MA in ELT offered by Presidency University is essentially a career-based qualification and most suitable for present ELT job market. Components of teacher training programme are carefully crafted and embedded into the main course. This has given me full confidence of a professional.

The Dissertation and Teaching Practicum are the most challenging parts of the course that come towards the end. The Practicum is an on-going development process, which combines observation, planning, teaching and reflection. The vital part is maintaining a portfolio. A candidate may choose from a range of suitable ELT themes and write a full-scale research paper that reflects not only a wealth of knowledge gained, but the teaching experience of all those years.It is here that a teacher sees the fulfillment of his career. I think this is happening to me.

Last of all, doing an MA in ELT at Presidency University is indeed a satisfying experience for me. We have here a wonderful faculty especially Dr Rubina Khan and Dr Arifa Rahman whose inspiring words can be a powerful catalyst for any teacher to grow professionally. What counts more is that Presidency University is the nerve centre of the present ELT culture that has just started pulsating and is going to shape the future of many ELT professionals. I am happy to be a part of this team because future is looking at us.

Mushfequa Zabeen (Teacher trainer at SPEED )

I am about to finish my MA in ELT this year. I came from a different discipline and was quite apprehensive about my performance. However, after one semester, I found my way out and no doubt our most wonderful faculty helped me in every step and finally I am going to start the final semester. I feel this course has been especially designed to meet the growing demands of the present ELT professionals.

Husne Ara Khan ( Sunny Dale )

As a professional, I have always tried to look out for ways of developing myself. Enrolling into an MA in ELT programme at Presidency University has not only given me the opportunity of doing so but also made it possible to come in contact with other ELT professionals with whom I can share my views and ideas on teaching methodologies. At times when the pressure of maintaining a full time job and attending classes become a little too much, the faculty members have always been a source of motivation and support. A big thanks goes out to them for making learning much easier and fun for us adult learners.

Shirley C. Momen ( Sunbeams )

In a progressive country like Bangladesh, English is used in almost all spheres of life. Yet there is a lack of awareness of proper usage of language. The ELT programme at Presidency University has given me a chance to hone my teaching skills. MA in ELT being a very comprehensive course has broadened my horizon and deepened my insight into the teaching theories and methodologies. It has also given me a wonderful opportunity to work and study with a dynamic group of ELT professionals.

Atiya Siraj ( Shaheen College )

After teaching English for more than a decade, I thought I have attained excellence in my profession. But when I started an MA in ELT at Presidency University a year ago, I had a chance to review my career and restructure it once again. I realized that there is still a lot to learn. Teaching theories and methodologies have changed over the decades and without attending this course many developments in the field of ELT would have remained unknown to me. The course has helped me immensely to look beyond the traditional pedagogical practices still in use. I strongly believe that an MA in ELT should be today's ultimate choice of all the language professionals.

Rabeya Newaz (Dhanmondi Tutorial & Playpen )

When I first stepped into Presidency University, I was lost and confused in the midst of so many unknown faces. The warm smile of Dr Arifa Rahman and Dr Rubina Khan assured me that I had taken the right decision. I have been teaching English language for the last sixteen years. However, the MA in ELT programme offered by Presidency University has given me the right platform I had been looking for. This means while spending a busy time in the morning doing a full-time job, I can safely attend classes in the afternoon and still continue with professional development. I can honestly say that the MA in ELT programme is the ultimate qualification of an English language teacher.

Arifa Islam (Singapore Bangladesh Institute of Management )

I was really very glad when I learned that Presidency University was offering MA in ELT which I wanted to pursue in the U.K. Without a second thought I enrolled. I am eager to develop my teaching skills and update my knowledge with contemporary theories on English language teaching. I am about to finish my MA in ELT and at this point I can look back and think critically and analyze my teaching style and relate this new found experience with existing teaching and learning theories in a worthwhile way. To me teaching is enjoyable, challenging and self-transformational and an MA in ELT from Presidency University, I believe will further enhance my career.