Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Linguistics and Education

Overview

We use the English language every day, in a multitude of different contexts and for a variety of different purposes. Our thoughts, perceptions, understandings, and participation in this world are constantly being shaped and filtered through language, as we use it to make sense of reality, record and remember significant events, enact social transactions, and communicate our thoughts and feelings. The study of language, or linguistics, therefore, goes to the very heart of human experience.

BA(Ed)/BSc(Ed) students who choose English Language as their Academic Subject will join an exciting and rigorous programme of study that is designed to offer a solid foundation in the fields of theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics and English Language pedagogy.

The BA(Ed)/BSc(Ed) programme comprises 9 areas of study:
1. Academic Subject (AS) courses
2. Curriculum Studies (CS) courses
3. Subject Knowledge (SK) courses
4. General Elective (GE) courses
5. Essential Course (EC)
6. Language Enhancement and Academic Discourse Skills (LEADS) courses
7. Education Studies (ES) courses
8. Group Endeavours in Service Learning (GESL)
9. Practicum

More information on the Academic Subject (AS), Curriculum Studies (CS), and Subject Knowledge (SK) courses that will be taken by BA (Ed)/BSc (Ed) students specialising in English Language is available  here.

What our students say:

“NIE has taught me to be a reflective practitioner, i.e., always questioning why I do what I do. We were given ample opportunities to examine principles underpinning EL teaching and learning in Singapore so that we could adopt evidence-based practices in our own classrooms. The interdisciplinary approach adopted by the BA-EL programme aptly equips us with the necessary skills to prepare pupils to be literate in the 21st century."
~ Janelle Lim,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2016-2020)

“During my time under the BA-EL programme, I have benefited tremendously from the rich discussions and reflections about language, such as how it relates to society and education. It has definitely made me a more confident language teacher and critical thinker, equipped with theoretical and pedagogical knowledge to support my teaching practices. I am grateful to have learned from passionate EL lecturers and professors who have shown their support throughout my undergraduate journey.”
~ Adeline Ong,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2016-2020)

“The 4 years in NIE has been an enriching one, where we are equipped with various opportunities to engage in critical thinking and to hone practical pedagogical skills. The EL professors made the experience a fulfilling one as they provided a safe environment for us to explore and challenge ourselves while supporting our growth. They are committed to guide us to become professional teachers of the 21st century.
~ Brenda Tan,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2016-2020)

“International Practicum (IP) was an enriching experience because I was immersed in a culture that is vastly different from what I grew up with. Having the opportunity to experience the differences helps me as a future teacher because I now can make more informed choices about the teaching practices that I could implement in my classes.” 
~ Lisa Chi,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2015-2019), on her International Practicum in California, USA

“It was an enriching teaching and learning stint for us, witnessing first-hand how English is taught as a second language. It was heartening to engage the Hong Kong students who have very positive attitudes towards English, in a different socio-cultural and linguistic classroom setting.” 
~ Vanessa Chin & Jane Chan,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2015-2019), BA(Ed) English Language, on their International Practicum in Hong Kong

“The semester exchange programme definitely enriched my experience as an undergraduate. It was very meaningful for me to have been exposed to a different way of teaching in university because it is not something I could readily experience in Singapore. I also got to travel around a lot which helped me to broaden my mind in many things.”
~ Nurafiqah Bte Ismadi,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2014-2018), on her semestral exchange at Queen Mary, University of London

“My semester exchange at Cambridge Uni was an enriching and eye-opening cultural experience. I was able to try new things in a different environment. The exposure has certainly helped in my development as a teacher.”
~ Denise Chng,  Teaching Scholars Programme (2014-2018), on her semestral exchange at University of Cambridge

“The BA-EL Programme in NIE has helped me to hone my skills of critical thinking, close reading and effective communication. As a returning teacher, I strongly believe in continuous self-improvement and this programme has been a valuable platform for my personal and professional development. The engaging and knowledgeable lecturers facilitated thought-provoking discussions about both language and educational issues which have broadened my perspective on teaching practices. The diverse spectrum of elective and core modules has expanded my knowledge of English theories, introduced research-based practices and developed my research capabilities. The knowledge gained enables me to reflect on my teaching strategies and apply various learning theories to effectively engage my students.
~ Anusuya D/O Haridas, Returning Teacher student (2018-2020)

“I’m glad I did the BA-EL programme. Going back to NIE this time round as a returning teacher has definitely broadened my perspectives.  The exposure to the EL theories and studies not only helped me to understand our local classroom practices but also the factors to be considered when planning at the department and/or school level. I realized that I have become more confident when I share my point of view with the teachers and key personnel; this was unlike me in the past. I felt that I lacked the theoretical knowledge for teaching and learning then. Having knowledge of the relevant EL theories and research studies not only supports and justifies my classroom practices, but also ensures its credibility.

This is not possible without the guidance of the nurturing EL lecturers in all my courses. I was challenged to not only apply the theories, but also encouraged to critique, adopt and adapt them to suit the local context. Admittedly, it was tough considering that I have been teaching for more than 10 years. But I guess, that is the beauty of coming back to NIE as a retuning teacher to learn, unlearn and relearn. Not only have I learnt to embrace the art of lifelong learning, but I have also achieved my personal goal of becoming a better educator who is competent in both subject and pedagogical content knowledge.  The BA-EL programme did just that; I should have done it sooner.”
~ Nurazeela Bte Abdullah, Returning Teacher student (2018-2020)

Learning Experiences

Annual Welcome Tea
Learning Journey to CPDD (Pri-EL)
Learning Journey to CPDD (Sec-EL)

Presenting at International Conferences

End of BA(Ed)EL Journey

Contact Information

Student Work

Creative Writing from AAE446 / AAE43P: Special Topics in Language and Education

              Sample chartwork during tutorials