Speech, Language & Sociolinguistics MSc
Social and Individual Variables in Language Learning and Teaching ENGLANG5122
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Critical Studies
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: Yes
Short Description
This course seeks to understand the myriad reasons for individuals experiencing differential outcomes in the second language learning process. We will explore both seminal areas in the field (e.g. language learning motivation; language learning anxiety), as well as new directions in individual differences research (e.g. multilingualism, identity, and teachers' beliefs).
Timetable
10x 2hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus
Excluded Courses
none
Co-requisites
none
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Report (2000 words) - 40%
■ Essay (3000 words) - 60%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions).
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Introduce students to the key theoretical issues in learner and teacher variables in language education and to outline the evolution of research into social and individual variables over the past 60 years
■ Enable students to identify and define complex social and individual variables relevant to language learning and teaching
■ Provide practical skills training in research design and implementation through a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Critically analyse the theoretical and methodological trajectory of research into social and individual variables in language learning and teaching over the past 60 years
■ Evaluate the key findings from selected seminal studies in the research area and relate these to their experiences or areas of interest
■ Interpret and interrelate the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis of real-life data
■ Identify and articulate future directions for research in language learning and teaching
■ Identify, critique and apply a range of appropriate methodologies for researching social and individual variables and language learning and teaching