Faculty of Humanities
CODE
71026
SUBCODE
71026-MPF-MPP-MAF-MAP-MSF-MSP-MTF-MTP
ENTRY

Sept 2025 Entry

STUDY MODE
Mixed Mode
DURATION

1 year (Full-time)
2 years (Part-time)

CREDIT REQUIRED

31

FUND TYPE
Self-Financed
  • This programme has four specialisms:

    • English Language Arts (英語語言藝術)

    • English for the Professions (專業英語) 

    • English Language Studies (英語語言)

    • English Language Teaching (英語教學)

  • Applicants should indicate their chosen specialism when applying.

  • Students admitted to the programme may switch to another specialism after completing the 4 Core Subjects (12 credits in total). 

Application Deadline
Local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2025 Entry - Early Round Application Deadline: 2024-11-21; Main Round Application Deadline: 2025-04-30
Non-local - Mixed Mode
Sept 2025 Entry - Early Round Application Deadline: 2024-11-21; Main Round Application Deadline: 2025-04-30

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About Programme
How to Apply
Aims & Characteristics

Aims and Outcomes

The programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the theory and practice of English in educational and professional contexts. The knowledge and skills students acquire in the programme enable them to become innovative and reflective professionals in a range of institutional settings.

 

After completing the MAESP programme, students should have the following attributes.

Professional competence

1. A comprehensive understanding of the principal language systems of English (sound, semantics, discourse and lexico-grammar) and their interrelatedness

2. An awareness of contextual variation in English across a range of modes, genres and settings

3. A profound understanding of how English functions in educational and professional contexts and communities

4. A deep understanding of advances in theory, research and practice in their chosen specialism

5. Ability to apply a repertoire of methodologies, approaches and tools to analyse language and communication in settings relevant to their specialism

6. Ability to plan, conduct and report on empirical research into issues and problems relating to the acquisition and use of English for educational and/or professional purposes

7. An advanced understanding and appreciation of a wide range of literary and imaginative texts and events

 

Strategic thinking

8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively to analyse and resolve theoretical issues and practical problems relating to the use of English in their chosen specialism

9. Ability to apply critical and creative thinking skills strategically in educational and workplace contexts

 

Lifelong learning

10. Capability for lifelong learning and professional development through inquiry into and reflection on professional practices.

 

Characteristics

There are two possible study outcomes and qualifications, as follows:

1. Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies for the Professions (19 credits): students should complete the 5 Core Subjects (13 credits) and any 2 subjects from the lists of specialism-related Core Subjects. 

2a. Master of Arts in English Studies for the Professions (English Language Studies/English Language Teaching/English for the Professions) (31 credits): students should complete the 5 Core Subjects (13 credits); 2 specialism-related Core Subjects (6 credits); and either 4 specialism-specific Electives (12 credits) or the Research Project (6 credits) plus the Associated Research Methods subject (3 credits) and 1 specialism-specific Elective (3 credits).

2b. Master of Arts in English Studies for the Professions (English Language Arts) (31 credits): students should complete the 5 Core Subjects (13 credits); 3 specialism-related Core Subjects (9 credits); and either 3 specialism-specific Electives (9 credits) or the Research Project (6 credits) plus the Associated Research Methods subject (3 credits).

Recognition & Prospects

Whom is the programme for?

  • English Language Teaching (ELT) – for serving and future English language teachers who wish to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to design and deliver engaging and effective English-language courses for general and specific purposes.

  • English Language Studies (ELS) – for professionals who have a genuine interest in English and/or wish to develop their understanding of the systems and uses of English and how these relate to their work.

  • English for the Professions (EP) – for professionals of all disciplines who wish to upgrade their ability in English and need to demonstrate a high level of communicative competence in English in their professional workplace.

  • English Language Arts (ELA) – for professionals who are interested in language arts (e.g. plays, poems, and literature) and/or English language teachers who wish to receive in-depth training in the study of language arts.

 

Professional Recognition

  • New and serving English language teachers who have successfully completed the MAESP (ELT/ELS/ELA) programme are regarded by the Education Bureau (EDB) as having a degree with a relevant language major.
  • The MAESP (ELT/ELS/ELA) programme meets the EDB’s Subject Knowledge Requirement (SKR).
  • All four specialisms meet the Language Proficiency Requirement (LPR) provided that on graduation students meet the training requirement for language teachers.
Curriculum

Programme Structure

Full-time mode: 1 year (2 semesters and 1 summer term)

Part-time mode: 2 years (4 semesters and 1-2 summer terms)

 

Core Areas of Study

Compulsory Subjects

  • Introduction to the Sound System of English

  • Discourse Analysis

  • English Semantics and Lexis

  • Analytical Perspectives in English Grammar

  • Professional Ethics and Academic Integrity

 

Specialism-related Core Subjects

English Language Arts

  • Second Language Learning

  • Language Development and Use

  • English Literature and Language Arts

 

English for the Professions

  • Practical Communication Strategies I

  • Practical Communication Strategies II

 

English Language Studies

  • Language Development and Use

  • English Literature and Language Arts

 

English Language Teaching

  • Second Language Learning

  • Second Language Teaching

 

Specialism-specific Electives

English Language Arts

  • Popular Culture and English

  • Oral Language Arts

  • Second Language Teaching

  • Drama for Language Learning

  • Critical Language and Cultural Studies

  • Multimodality and Professional Communication

  • Research Design and Methods

  • Communication

  • The Sociology of Language: Social and Economic Perspectives

  • Syllabus Planning and Materials Design

 

English for the Professions

  • Pragmatic Disorders

  • Language and Intercultural Communication in the Workplace

  • Communication

  • Multimodality and Professional Communication

  • The Sociology of Language: Social and Economic Perspectives

  • Critical Language and Cultural Studies

  • Research Design and Methods

  • Language and Crime

  • Syllabus Planning and Materials Design

  • Drama for Language Learning

 

English Language Studies

  • Pragmatic Disorders

  • Communication

  • Oral Language Arts

  • Multimodality and Professional Communication

  • Popular Culture and English

  • The Sociology of Language: Social and Economic Perspectives

  • Language and Intercultural Communication in the Workplace

  • Research Design and Methods

  • Language and Crime

  • Syllabus Planning and Materials Design

  • Drama for Language Learning

 

English Language Teaching

  • Syllabus Planning and Materials Design

  • Testing and Assessment

  • Drama for Language Learning

  • Oral Language Arts

  • Critical Language and Cultural Studies

  • Popular Culture and English

  • Multimodality and Professional Communication

  • The Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching

  • Research Design and Methods

  • Communication

  • The Sociology of Language: Social and Economic Perspectives

 

Information on the subjects offered can be obtained here.

Credit Required for Graduation

31

Programme Leader(s)

Dr William Dezheng Feng
BA, MA, PhD

Subject Area
English Studies for the Professions
Entrance Requirements
  • ​A Bachelor’s degree in any subject or the equivalent from a recognised institution. In the case of applicants intending to specialise in English Language Teaching, English Language Studies or English Language Arts, preference will be given to those who majored in English or a communication-related field. Applicants wishing to specialise in English for the Professions are not expected to have majored in English or a communication-related field.

  • Applicants are expected to meet ONE of the following requirements:

    • A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 96 or above for the Internet-based test;
      OR

    • An overall Band Score of at least 7 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module; 
      OR

    • A level of competence in English as demonstrated in the admission interview and written test set by the Department of English and Communication, which indicates that the applicant is capable of studying successfully at the taught MA level*.

 

Notes

*This only applies to either native English speakers or non-native English applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from a university using English as the medium of instruction (EMI). Non-native speakers or applicants without a Bachelor’s degree from an EMI university must still fulfil the University-wide minimum language requirements. Exceptional cases will be considered individually.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact:
Dr William Dezheng Feng (email: will.feng@polyu.edu.hk); 
or Ms Jenny Kwan (email: jenny.py.kwan@polyu.edu.hk).

Initial Registration Credits

4 for local students
6 for non-local students

Programme Leaflet

Please click here to download.

Tuition Fee

​HK$6,500 per credit for both local and non-local students

Student Message

MAEP is not just about English grammar and business writing. It is more about developing strategic thinking. As a senior manager of a renowned multinational organisation, I know that effective English skills are key to communicating with customers, suppliers, colleagues, and superiors operating in many different parts of the world. Understanding cultural differences and deploying the appropriate tone and manner can make the difference between winning and losing valuable business contracts and relationships.

 

Whilst building stronger English skills is a serious business, learning in MAEP classes is pressure-free and fun. The small class sizes make possible a high level of interaction between teachers and students, creating a relevant, real-life language learning environment.

 

I strongly recommend MAEP to everyone, at any stage of their professional career, who aspires to achieve a higher level in English, the lingua franca of business.

Connie Lee, General Manager, Suntory Beverage and Food HK, Brand Suntory HK; Graduate of 2014, MA in English for the Professions

The programme allowed me to study a new discipline that covers key subjects and essential knowledge that lay a solid foundation for further study and prepare students well for their future careers. It is structured in a practical and systematic way, so that students can learn effectively over the course of a year. I also learned many practical analytical skills through various workshops and activities. I have noticed that linguistics researchers are often needed in other disciplines, so I have come to realise how useful the programme is and what a huge advantage it gave me. The teachers were very supportive and always gave us useful advice. It was easy to ask them for help whenever needed. What I learned and gained from the programme far exceeded my expectations.

Zhang Wenxin, Project Associate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Graduate of 2013, MA in English Language Studies

Doing my MA degree in the Department of English at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was truly an eye-opening, rewarding, and transformative experience. Studying at PolyU opened a window to knowledge, critical thinking, and lifelong learning for me. PolyU is equipped with abundant resources, ranging from a fantastic library, where I could find every single book and article I needed, to an English language centre, where I received personal consultation services to improve my written and oral English. The teachers here typically adopt a student-centred approach combining varied teaching methods, including interactive lectures, case studies, group work, and online discussion. During lectures, students are encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas. This kind of learning style has gradually transformed me academically, professionally, and personally. My professional and academic achievements at PolyU have helped me to excel in different jobs, ranging from teaching at a language centre to working as an administrator at a university in Hong Kong. The lifelong learning experience I gained at PolyU during my MA degree motivated me to embark on my academic journey again, pursuing a PhD degree here at PolyU after years of working.

Yating Yu, PhD Graduate, Department of English and Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Graduate of 2013, MA in English Language Arts

Completing my MA in English Language Teaching at the Department of English at PolyU was a tremendously rewarding experience in many ways. Not only did the programme offer a range of highly relevant and interesting courses, which equipped me with skills and knowledge that are vital to any career teaching EAP/ESP, but through attending the courses I also met some of the leading scholars in the field, who provided expert knowledge and guidance. Indeed, the programme and its inspirational professors motivated me to pursue a PhD degree at the department a couple of years after the completion of my MA. Beyond studying, an invaluable aspect of the MA is the opportunity to meet many different and interesting classmates with whom you will establish lasting bonds. I would recommend the MA without hesitation to anyone who seeks to advance their skills and knowledge in any of the four specialisms offered by the degree programme.

William Lee (PhD), Lecturer, Center for Language Education, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Graduate of 2012, MA in English Language Teaching
Additional Documents Required
Transcript / Certificate

Copies of both academic transcripts and graduation certificates are required.

Others
  • Copy of IELTS or TOEFL results is required (if your Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English).
  • Recommendation letter, CV and personal statement are optional.

Note

For students who fail to provide original or true certified copies of the above documents upon request, PolyU has the right to withdraw their offers to the program, or terminate their student status.

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