This pathway in Research in Second Language Education course adopts a broad definition of the term "second language education". It considers issues relating to the teaching and learning of languages in schools and communities as well as issues relating to the teaching of English as a second, foreign, or additional language across the world. A special feature of the course is its broad-based training which enables students to combine linguistic and social analysis in their research.

The course aims to combine in-depth critical understanding of the main currents of conceptual thinking in second language education with practical training in conducting L2 empirical research.

The main aims of the course are as follows:

• to examine the theoretical frameworks used in the study of education and its constituent disciplines
• provide training in research methods appropriate to education
• advance students’ capacity for professional reflection and judgment
• cater to a range of specialists interested within the field of education or one of its constituent disciplines.