SPE8155 : MSc Linguistics
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Elaine Lopez
- Lecturer: Mrs Sarah Barnett, Dr Janet Webster
- Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module consists of four core components:
Linguistics: This part of the module explores theoretical concepts in linguistics, exploring morphology, lexis, syntax and semantics. Current psycholinguistic frameworks of lexical organisation, the storage and processing of morphologically complex forms and models of the comprehension and expression of language are introduced. Regional, social, gender and age-related variation in language structure are considered.
Clinical Linguistics: This part of the module explores the clinical applications of linguistics, exploring the aims and methods of speech and language sampling, clinical analysis of language samples and linguistic profiling and interpretation for differential diagnosis.
Pragmatics, Conversation and Discourse: This part of the modules explores theoretical models and frameworks of and current approaches to the analysis of pragmatics, conversation and discourse as applied to clinical practice. Regional, social, gender and age-related variations in language use are considered.
Multilingualism: This part of the module introduces unique features of, and theories around multilingual linguistic development over the lifespan. It introduces the sociolinguistic issues around managing individual multilingual cases and implications of multilingualism for assessment and intervention in speech and language therapy practice. There will be reflection on the relationship between language and culture. Practical issues and the wider legal responsibilities of speech and language therapy services in relation to multilingual clients will be considered.
The mapping in relation to HCPC Standards can be found in additional data.
Outline Of Syllabus
The Linguistics component covers morphology lexis, semantics, sentential semantics, syntax, and psycholinguistic models of the comprehension and expression of language.
The Clinical Linguistics component covers collecting and analysing language samples from children and adults, with consideration of lexical, syntactic and thematic analysis.
The Pragmatics, Conversation and Discourse component explores discourse processing, with consideration of coherence, cohesion, inference and Gricean pragmatics. The application of discourse and conversation analysis to clinical practice is introduced.
The Multilingualism component covers multilingual populations and situations, multilingual language acquisition and maintenance, code-switching and its clinical implications, the practicalities and issues associated with working with languages and cultures other than British English and clinical management of multilingual clients including consideration of cultural competence.
In relation to the RCSLT curriculum guidance, the module covers aspects related to phonetics and linguistics (4.4.1) including general linguistics and clinical applications, psycholinguistics, conversation and discourse analyses, sociolinguistics and multilingualism.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Clinical Linguistics Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Pragmatics/Discourse Lectures |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Preparation for Linguistics Lectures & Workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 106 | 1:00 | 106:00 | Completion of two reports and preparation for exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Linguistics Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Multilingualism Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Self study exercises for Pragmatics/Discourse |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Opportunity to practise linguistics |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Self study exercises for Clinical Linguistics |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Linguistics Workshops |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Clinical Linguistics, Pragmatics and Multilingualism Sessions taught with SPE2055. Linguistics sessions only for MSc students.
Introductory materials will be provided on Canvas prior to the linguistic lectures. Interactive lectures (with interspersed practical activities) will introduce key concepts. Workshops will then allow students to work through practical examples for consolidation of their knowledge. For Clinical Linguistics and Pragmatics, lectures will introduce key learning, with the opportunity for students to independently work through examples of clinical data to apply their knowledge to practice. For multilingualism, lectures will introduce key concepts and will include clinical examples. The multilingualism sessions are followed by a practical session in year 2 Clinical and Professional Education which prepares the students for their external clinical placements.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 50 | Linguistic Examination Using Inspera |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 25 | 1,500 word report on clinical management of multilingual client. |
| Report | 1 | A | 25 | 1,500 word report on application of analysis of pragmatics, discourse and/or conversation to clinical practice. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The exam assesses both conceptual understanding, and ability to conduct semantic and syntactic analysis of speech. Prior to the exam, students will have an opportunity to practise, with online quizzes and practical examples within the seminars. The two reports look at the clinical application of the students’ learning in each area.
Students need to pass all three assessments (i.e. no compensation) as assessments capture different aspects of the RCSLT curriculum guidance and HCPC Standards.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SPE8155's Timetable