Migration and Language Acquisition

Migration and Language Acquisition will develop your knowledge and understanding of language acquisition and migration in the global context of the 21st Century. The module focuses on two broad but intertwined areas of study.

Firstly through theoretical perspectives and case studies of schools and multilingual pupils, including some very young children, you will use first, second, additional and home languages in educational settings and critically examine how these benefit learners themselves, their educational communities and the wider society.

You will critically reflect on how languages that remain alive in learners’ lives will serve as linguistic, artistic, social and cultural resources for the speakers, their families and communities.

Secondly, you will examine the patterns of current and global migration. You’ll develop knowledge and understanding of migrating people including multiple-origin and transnationally connected families in complex socio-economic situations. Using González et al’s (2005) ideas around ‘funds of knowledge’ you’ll explore combining languages and migration within social networks which are flexible, adaptive and active.

This module is one of the core / recommended modules on our Pastoral pathway, but when combined with other modules can also be completed as part of a different pathway on our SEND and Inclusion Programme or our Inclusive Educational Leadership Programme.

Why take this module?

Choose this module and:

Develop your knowledge and understanding of additive approaches multilingualism and languages and the processes of translanguaging as a tool for thinking
Explore deficit models that surround minority languages and many migrating communities and how you can combat these views by examining global mobility and theoretical perspectives on multilingualism
Find and use reliable data on migration, as relevant to your context and educational setting
Evaluate policy documents in the light of theoretical frames focusing on multilingualism.
Achieve 30 level 7 credits that you could put towards further study on our SEND & Inclusion programme

How will you benefit?

This module will benefit you and your setting in a wide variety of ways. Over the duration of the course, you will:

Put theory into practice by considering the literature and legislation and developing a case study examining issues relating to migration and language, including proposals for intervention and support to address issues
Create real impact by exploring the use of home languages in your educational setting and how embedding these in everyday routines and practices can accelerate the process of learning the school language
Develop strategies to support students with additional languages to feel confident and comfortable in your setting
Prepare for long-lasting and meaningful change in your setting by reflecting on leadership implications in relation to migration and language acquisition

The module content

The curriculum is organised around these main themes:

Global trends: populations, migration and the changing terms used to examine these topics
Learning and acquiring languages – neo-Vygotskian approach to thought and language
Benefits of multilingualism
Case-studies of multilingual communities and community provision for home-languages
Practical solutions for supporting multilingualism in educational settings, including new technologies

How will you be assessed?

Your assessments will consist of the following:

Self evaluation questionnaires for you to check your knowledge and understanding throughout the module
Submission of prepared materials as part of practice activities
Three assessed tasks:

Critical analysis (2000 words)

Critical perspectives on migration and language acquisition including historical development and current legislation and policy. Identifying and conceptualising languages, and language use, and patterns of current and global migration.

Practice analysis (2000 words)

A case study examining issues relating to migration and language, based on the student’s understanding of the literature, legislation and guidance and including proposals for intervention and support to address issues.

Reflective analysis (2000 words)

Reflections on the module, the process of developing the case study and the leadership implications relating to migration and language acquisition. Next steps for your professional development.

How is the module delivered?

Our courses are delivered through Campus Online, our unique provision for online learning.
Campus Online allows you to study at your own pace, without the need to travel, or commit to particular dates or times. Log in to access your study materials, contact your personal tutor for support, connect and network with other delegates and make use of the extensive resource library.
You can easily track your progress throughout the course and submit your work and evidence of assignments for feedback.

Are you eligible?

You will need to hold an undergraduate degree.

You will need to be working in an educational setting for this module. If you aren’t currently working in an educational setting you will need written permission from a senior member of staff to regularly access a setting.

Are you based in an international setting?

This module is available online and can therefore be completed anywhere in the world. The programme content is designed and written with both UK and international settings in mind.

Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.

How much does it cost?

We offer a flexible range of fees to suit you:

A one-off payment of £1,495 + VAT
Three instalments of £523+VAT
Ten instalments of £162+VAT

For further information please visit our payment FAQ page.

Speak to us on +44(0)1273 358080 or make a booking.

When does the course start?

This module will run for the first time in September 2024. After that, cohorts will begin in January, May and September each year.

As it takes time to process your application and payment, we strongly recommend registering as soon as possible, so that you don’t miss the next intake.

Please note: This course is currently subject to approval

How long does it take to complete the course?

The duration of this module is up to one year.

We do understand, however, that circumstances can arise that could prevent the course from being completed at this time. If this is the case, an extension can be arranged in conjunction with the admin team and your tutor.