A9003 Professional Certificate of English Language and Globalisation

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to the Master of Applied Linguistics (A6001) subject to satisfying entry requirements.

In this course you will develop an integrated understanding of how the English language works, how it has evolved and diversified over time, and how it functions in a globalised world. You will engage with linguistic, historical, socio-cultural, and pedagogical perspectives, combining close analysis of English language structures with a critical exploration of its worldwide spread and contemporary use.

You will examine the global history of English and the processes of globalisation that have given rise to diverse World Englishes, exploring how English varies across time, place, media, and communities. You will consider key issues such as identity, intelligibility, transcultural creativity, and intercultural communication, particularly in transmedia and international contexts. At the same time, you will become more aware of what you already know about English by learning how to analyse it using linguistic tools and terminology. You will then put this into practice by applying your knowledge to real-world language questions, including how English is taught and learned.

This integrated approach will help you build a richer understanding of how English works — not just in its structure, but in its history and its role in society. Along the way, you will be encouraged to think critically about how meaning is shaped by context, power, and ideology. You will also explore how English has been shaped by colonial histories, question assumptions about “standard” language, and consider more inclusive ways of using and engaging with English in both global and local contexts. The certificate will prepare you as an internationally oriented English language professional, equipped to work thoughtfully and effectively with diverse linguistic communities.