Master of Arts in English for the Professions

For students joining in the academic year 2006/07 or before.

Programme Code : 71006

Aim of the Programme

This two-year credit-based programme, offered by the Department of English, is intended for professionals of all disciplines who wish to upgrade their qualifications in English for professional contexts. It is designed primarily for middle-level managerial staff who need to demonstrate a high level of communicative competence in English in situations relevant to their personal needs. The Programme will enable students to communicate effectively, appropriately and confidently in managerial tasks requiring a high level of English.

The aim of the Programme is to equip graduates with an understanding of the concepts and skills that underlie the use of English in professional contexts. These include:

  • a critical awareness of how communication (including computer-mediated forms of communication) functions in organisations;

  • an improved understanding of the principal language systems of English (grammar, phonology, discourse);

  • an effective repertoire of practical communication strategies for demanding managerial tasks; and

  • research skills required to undertake and write up an optional research project focusing on organisational communication.

Programme Content

Stage 1

  • ENGL 561 Practical Communication Strategies I*

  • ENGL 560 Analysis of Contemporary English I*

  • ENGL 563 Analysis of Contemporary English II*

Stage 2

  • ENGL 564 Practical Communication Strategies II*

  • ENGL 510 Analysis of Contemporary English III**

  • Elective subjects **

Stage 3

  • ENGL 511 English as an International Language

  • ENGL 566 Research Design and Methods or Elective subjects

Stage 4

  • ENGL 580 Research Project or 2 Elective subjects

Elective subjects (Students choose 4 from 6)

  • ENGL 512 Analysing Professional Discourse

  • ENGL 562 Communication

  • ENGL 567 Discourse and Management

  • ENGL 568 Intercultural Communication in Business

  • ENGL 513 Professional Case Studies

  • Free Elective subject from another MA Programme

Students taking Research Design and Methods and Research Project take only one elective at Stage 2. All subjects are 3 credits except for Research Project which is 6 credits.

Completion of 12 credits (indicated with a single asterisk in the table) is the requirement for the award of PgC and completion of a further 6 credits (indicated in the table with a double asterisk) is the requirement for the award of PgD. Completion of 30 credits is required for the award of MA.

Programme Structure

The MA in English for the Professions is a part-time Programme that takes place over two academic years ˇV a total of four semesters of 14 weeks each.

Classes take place on weekday evenings (and on Saturday afternoons in the first year of study). Students must attend at least 75% of the taught classes for the subjects Practical Communication Strategies I & II in order to obtain a passing grade.

Award

Completion of all taught subjects in Stages 1 ˇV 4 leads to the award of a Master of Arts Degree in English for the Professions. Students who exit the Programme after the completion of 12 credits are eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in English for the Professions. Students who exit the programme after the completion of 18 credits are eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in English.

Entrance Requirements

Bachelorˇ¦s Degree or equivalent qualification; and

A minimum of two yearsˇ¦ relevant post-qualification work experience.

Applicants should be in relevant full-time employment. They must show evidence that they have either studied English at tertiary level or studied at that level through the medium of English.

Direct entry to Stage 3 is possible for those already holding a PgD in English for the Professions (with preference given to those with a Credit or Distinction).

Application Period

Applications for admission to the Programme are made in February and March for the intake in September, with a possible second round of applications in May or June.

The English competence of short-listed applicants will be appraised by test and interview, to ensure that they can successfully follow a course at this level.

For further information please contact

Professor Martin Warren (Tel. 2766-7559) or Ms Zoe Mak (Tel. 2766 7573) in the Department of English.

Fees

HK$3,000 per credit