This session explains the MA TESOL, MA Applied Linguistics, and the Micro-credential currently offered by the University of Birmingham. The programs are part-time, asynchronous learning so that your studies can fit into your schedule. The presenter, Joanne McCuaig is a graduate of the MA Applied Linguistics and a current Doctoral Researcher in the department. She will present the information about the programs and explain her personal experience as a distance based learner. She is also able to answer questions about the PhD application process and her experience as a PhD student.   Click here for details about the program: https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/11732   Alternatively you can send your questions to the department using this email address: ELALpg@contacts.bham.ac.uk MYSTERY EASTER EGG

The 21st century ESP learner is required to demonstrate a broad range of communicative and professional skills in their chosen vocation. In order to facilitate the development of such skills, ESP instructors must be aware of the specific communicative needs of their students, while also considering the growing importance of soft skills in the modern workplace. This session will examine the terms ‘specificity’ and ‘soft skills’ and their role in ESP teaching. A clear distinction will be made between hard and soft skills and how they contribute to professional success. The speaker will then introduce practical methodologies and techniques to help learners develop specific communicative and professional skills simultaneously. Special attention will be paid to the implementation of these strategies, which include scaffolding techniques, use of authentic and specific materials, in addition to the integration and use of functional language and topic specific vocabulary. MYSTERY EASTER EGG