This module enables you to make your own contribution to the field of materials development. You will do this by developing your critical awareness of language acquisition and pedagogy at a theoretical and practical level and the criteria for evaluation and adaptation of language learning materials. You will investigate different aspects of materials development and work both independently and in a team to produce a variety of language learning materials, justifying their principles, objectives and procedures.
This module carries 30 credits.
" The course progressed logically and extremely thoroughly. I feel I am up to date with the very latest in materials design ideas. "
Gerald
Is this course for you?
13 January - 19 March 2025
22 April - 25 June 2025
15 September - 19 November 2025
Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or MA awarded by University of Chichester
Course content
Assessment (written after completion of the course and supervised at distance by tutors):
Assignment 1 (50%):
A criterion-referenced evaluation of two comparable units of materials in relation to a specified context and a principled adaptation of one of these units for the same context.
Assignment 2 (50%):
The production of a unit of materials together with a theoretical rationale justifying and exemplifying the principles and procedures of the materials.
" This was one of the best courses I have taken. I feel like I learned so much. "
Owain
" It was intensive but what a fantastic learning curve. The course provided a very structured way of learning. "
Bina
Further Information
Online MA modules are highly interactive and learning takes place through varied and engaging multimedia content and the collaboration between participants from different contexts.
Courses are broken down into individual units and activities, forming a clear structure, and all participants work on the same unit in the same week. Within that time period there is a high level of flexibility to help you fit studying around your life and work. The interaction, via forums and other collaborative tools built into the platform, helps and encourages you to share ideas, ask questions, explore concepts and build up a community.
You need a computer, a headset (with microphone) and an internet connection. Much of the course can be done on a mobile device, but a computer is needed for certain activities and tasks.
Participants have access to NILE's extensive ELT e-library and an innovative social and cultural programme. All NILE Online courses include an element of professional language development, i.e. language related to course content and/or the classroom.
MA Module Leader
Helen joined NILE as a course tutor in 2020, after spending 15 years as the CEO of a large educational organisation in South-East Asia, with branches in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong. She began her teaching career in 1990, working as a teacher of young learners, and spent the next 30 years working as a teacher, teacher trainer, curriculum developer and education manager.
Helen holds a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Young Learners (6-16 year olds) with specialisms in materials design, teacher development, literacy-based language teaching and education management. In addition to tutoring at NILE, she works as an International Consultant for UNICEF, focussing broadly on curriculum development and teacher/trainer training projects in both formal and non-formal settings. Helen has recently opened her own small education publishing company and is a published author.
Helen has worked as a Consultant Teaching Fellow on the University of York’s MA in TEYL programme for more than 10 years.
In her spare time, Helen enjoys baking, painting, authoring and spending time with her two grandchildren, who often serve as inspiration for her writing.
Available dates:
| Course dates | Location | Course length | |
| 13 January - 19 March 2025 | Online | 8 weeks | |
| 22 April - 25 June 2025 | Online | 8 weeks | |
| 16 September - 20 November 202415 September - 19 November 2025 | Online | 8 weeks |
