Alumni stories: Daniel Rocha, MSc Language Education

Language Education was my choice because when I looked over the curriculum, I saw it would offer courses which would add a lot to my theoretical background. They cover quite relevant subjects and perspectives towards the field of language education beyond the teaching practices themselves involving government, language privilege and policies which regulate and shape learning contexts across the globe.

'My favourite part was the friends I made'

By far, my favourite part was the friends I made throughout the term. They became my family away from home, and together, we helped each other to face the challenges of such a demanding academic life that this one-year master's programme requires.

In terms of content, the workshop discussions were great, very helpful and quite engaging. The discussions were one of my favourite parts since through so many culturally different perspectives there was so much to learn and share.

What skills did he develop on the programme?

I guess to be academically independent and to better manage my time and schedules in order to provide not only work done, but good-quality academic writing.

Academically independent in the sense that I had to choose subjects discussed throughout the course to write about in my assignments and learn how to present my arguments clearly.

To do that, we need to have good time-management skills because it is important to allow ourselves enough time to review our own writing and improving it to achieve the quality of a master's. That’s why academic writing is one of the most important skills. This programme helped me a lot to improve it, making it more objective and more critical.

In general, the programme helped me to develop skills to become a successful researcher. Choosing a topic to discuss in my assignments, providing critically towards the existing literature, and presenting justifiable rational for my theoretical choices.

'Be curious and open about new ideas'

The most useful thing I learned from my lectures was to be curious and open about new ideas. There are many perspectives about one topic and research is still being developed.

Discovering new things: rules change as knowledge is being expanded.

The workshops helped me to learn about respect and tolerance with those who might have a different point of view from mine. Tutorials provided me information on how to navigate through the University system, how to submit my assignments and how to make the most out of my experiences at the University of Edinburgh.

A programme for those who want to increase their world views

I recommend the programme to those who want to increase their world views and who wish to learn more about language education, deepening their theoretical understandings on teaching practices but also on many other important discussions that surround the classroom environment itself.

The programme is intense; there is almost no time to do other things, but it is definitely worth it.

'It broadened my perspectives to professional opportunities beyond teaching'

[The Master's] will contribute to my career in the sense that it broadened my perspectives to many more professional opportunities beyond the teaching positions.

The programme does focus on teaching and learning, but it also provides quite essential knowledge to be a researcher and to be aware of many issues connected to language education which are important for leading positions in educational institutions, educational government bodies, or as a language consultant for teachers or for schools, in general depending on your specialization.

'The city and the University provide the best combination a student could ask for'

The advice I would give is to come to Edinburgh. The city and the University of Edinburgh provide the best combination a student asks for: cultural diversity, security, student support, and the amazing travel opportunities around Scotland.

Want to learn more about our MSc Language Education programme?

Our highly flexible programme encompasses all languages and is suitable for both experienced and novice language teachers.