OU Postgrad diploma in applied linguistics - do I dare?

[frannikin]

I'm worried the only reason I'm doing this course is because it looks really interesting. Is that sufficient reason for studying it?

I have no idea what I'm going to do with it!

I definitely have the time and the money and I suppose there are worst things to spend them on but is there any point doing a qualification because it looks like it'll be interesting and not because I need it?

Has anyone done it? Why did you do it and what have you ended up doing with it?

Bumping for you.

Yes, do it!

What did you decide to do? Am thinking about doing this course probably starting Oct 09 although might try to squeeze into the Feb 09 course.

Couldn't in the end - my tutor area for Feb 09 was full because I waited too long. But I think I'm on for October!

Sounds like we are in the same boat!! Which units are you thinking of? I really want to do E303 as it sounds so interesting hence my last minute scramble to sign up but it looks like its too late.

Looks fairly certain that I am going to be made redundant in a few weeks from my IT job so I might be finally free to indulge my main love of languages and literature. Professionally, am hoping that this will open the door towards freelance translation.

What are you hoping to gain out of it?

Yep, E303 was what I was heading for! I want to do it as a stepping stone to an MA in English language and thence to teaching English. But more specialising in English as an Additional Language in International schools rather than teaching English Lit. Does that makes sense?

Wasn't sure whether a postrad diploma in linguistics was the way forward or not though. But it looks interesting!

Sorry went away for a long weekend. Sounds like you are on the write track. I too would like to do the MA in linguistics (but thinking that far ahead is daunting. I have not studied for a very long time and my confidence is a bit shaky.

Can I ask how many Units you will be taking at a time? Just trying to work out how much time I will be able to commit to studing along with some translation work I will hopefully get.

I'm just going take 1 unit at a time, I think. Although I'm doind a 30 pointer right now and find I have time to spare. Wondering if I'm doing it wrong...