The purpose of this module is allow for specialised and responsive content based on the most up-to-date research, and to create a context for participants to access, explore and critically evaluate specialised/applied avenues of research. An understanding of the main problems in the field of applied linguistics is an essential pre-requisite to articulating and developing ways of addressing them. This module enhances participants' access to current research within the broad field of applied linguistics, a multidisciplinary area which investigates real-world problems involving language, such as the impact of mobility and diversity on lived experiences of language, the intersections of language and race, ethnicity, gender, class and their contribution to the causes of and potential solutions to forms of discrimination. In order to access, explore and ultimately work independently with such problems in applied linguistics, participants need to understand how new problems are framed theoretically and researched practically.

This module focuses on applied and (socio)linguistic theories and findings in various related domains of relevant current research and so the syllabus is designed to be responsive both to this, in addition to the research backgrounds and specialisations of Faculty and guest contributors who will teach on the module.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Recognise and categorise current research in applied linguistics by theory and method; Evaluate in critical and practical terms how linguistic theories inform problem-based research; Identify emerging research areas in applied linguistics; Address real-world problems in applied linguistics by articulating them clearly and contextually; Apply relevant theoretical and/or analytical lenses to real-world problems.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Position themselves confidently within the disciplines that make up applied linguistics; Articulate and meet language challenges and opportunities in ways that connect to wider issues in local and global spheres such as education, policy making, and social justice.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

Facilitators teaching the module, both faculty and guest instructors, are all highly research active in their respective areas. Each facilitator will teach the methods which they use in their own research, enabling students to benefit from deep expertise and experience. In this way, students have the opportunity to become knowledgeable in the latest methods and applications. The module is highly practical in nature and students will develop their collaborative capacity. A fundamental focus will be on instilling a high level of research integrity and ethical understanding in order to foster responsibility. The objective of both this module is to foster a proactive approach to identifying and solving real world language problems among students, including in their future working lives.