Bilkent University Quality Management in Education
Masters of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Foundation

1988

Qualification Awarded

Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Level of Qualification

Second Cycle Degree

Mode of Study

Full Time

Admission & Registration Requirements

-Proof of degree: Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program
-A minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 (or 70/100)
-ALES*: min. 60 (verbal)
-GRE**: 295 (or 950) (verbal and quantitative combined score), and 3.5 in analytical writing
-Language proficiency: One of the following valid*** English proficiency results (All exams are valid for two years):
YDS: 87; TOEFL (IBT): 87; IELTS: 6.5 (min. 5.5 in each section); FCE: B; CAE: C
-Two sealed and signed letters of recommendation
-Official copy of transcript of academic record
-Statement of purpose
-Interview and on-site language testing
-Minimum two years of EFL/ESL teaching experience
-Current CV: Applicants may choose their own format

* ALES is required for resident Turkish citizens who are applying for the MA or PhD programs. Turkish citizens who are residents of foreign countries and those applicants who are not Turkish citizens may provide GRE scores instead of ALES. ALES scores are valid for 3 years.
**GRE scores are valid for 5 years.

To apply online: https://stars.bilkent.edu.tr/gradapp/

Assessment of Student Performance

Apart from work conducted throughout the semester, students are usually asked to take a final examination and at least one midterm examination for a course. If a staff member considers it appropriate, practical laboratory work or other such assignments may be assessed as midterm examinations or as a final examination.

Grades are finalized when they are announced via the internet on the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Semester grades for practical studies and other non-lecture courses are determined by an evaluation of the student's overall work and performance throughout the semester.

The University grading system uses letter grades with pluses and minuses. Letter grades and their grade point equivalents are: A+ to D; F, FX is failing. The quality-point equivalents of the grades are:

  A+   4.00   B+   3.30   C+   2.30   D+   1.30   F   0.00
  A   4.00   B   3.00   C   2.00   D   1.00   FX   0.00
  A-   3.70   B-   2.70   C-   1.70           FZ   0.00

Other grades used are S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), I (Incomplete), P (In Progress), T (Transfer), and W (Withdraw). These grades do not have grade point equivalents.

S : accorded to students who are successful in non-credit courses.
     
U : accorded to students who are unsuccessful in non-credit courses.
     
I : accorded to students who, although otherwise successful, have failed to complete the required assignments for a course due to illness or some other valid reason. Proof of illness or other reason for non-completion must be submitted within two days of the date of the final exam. A student receiving an incomplete grade for any course must make up for the deficiencies within 14 days after the final exam in order to obtain a grade. Otherwise, the grade I automatically becomes FX. At the discretion of the department chair, the period specified above may be extended until the beginning of the following semester. P : progress, used for multi-semester courses.
     
P : progress, used for multi-semester courses.
     
T : reflects approved transferred courses from other universities or from an exchange program. A student with a grade of T is exempted from an equivalent number of credits on the condition that the courses are accepted by the department on the recommendation of the department chair and with the approval of the board of the faculty/school. This grade may provide an exemption for a particular course at the program.
     
W : student has withdrawn from the course before the withdrawal deadline of the respective semester.

A student with extraordinary performance in a course may be granted an A+ grade. However, the number of A+ grades in a given course is limited based on class size: If the class size is less than 25 students, no A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 25 and 74 students, only one A+ grade may be given; if the class size is between 75 and 124 students, two A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 125 and 174 students, three A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 175 and 225 students, four A+ grades may be given; if the class size is more than 225 students, five A+ grades may be given. (The letter grade A+ was instituted beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year.)

Students who have not met the minimum performance and/or attendance requirements to qualify to take the final exam receive an FZ grade before the final exams begin. Failing students who have not shown up at the final exam receive an FX grade instead of an F.

In graduate programs, in addition to grade S, a grade of C or higher is a passing grade in masters programs and a grade of B or higher is a passing grade in Ph.D. programs. Letter grades lower than C and grade U are failing grades in masters programs and grades lower than B and grade U are failing grades in Ph.D. programs.

A student's academic performance is determined at the end of each semester by computing an average of the letter grades he/she has received during that semester. For each course, the grade point equivalent of the letter grade received by the student is multiplied by the credit units for that course; the sum of these products is then divided by the total credit units taken in that semester to yield the Grade Point Average (GPA) for that semester. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated by multiplying the grade point equivalent of the letter grade by the credit units for each course and then dividing the total sum by the total credit units taken in the program.

National Degree Qualifications

Teacher Education and Educational Sciences Basic Field Qualifications (Academic Weighted) - 7th Level - Master
NQF-HETR
LEVEL		 KNOWLEDGE
- Theoretical
- Conceptual		 SKILLS
- Cognitive
- Practical		 COMPETENCES
Competence to Work
Independently and
Take Responsibility 		Learning Competence Communication and Social
Competence 		Field Specific Competence
7th Level Master's
EQF-LLL:
7th Level
QF-EHEA:
2nd Cycle
Qualifications that signify completion of the sixth cycle are awarded to students who
K1. Based on undergraduate qualifications, has expertise in theoretical and practical knowledge in an area of educational science, develops and deepens this knowledge.
K2. Discusses the interaction between the disciplines related to the area.
S1. Uses theoretical and practical expertise knowledge gained in area and develops and deepens this knowledge.
S2. Functionally integrates information in area with information from different disciplines and creates new information.
S3. Produces solutions to problems that require expertise using both quantitative and qualitative scientific research methods.
W1. Independently constructs, develops solutions, resolves, and evaluates the results to a problem in the area and applies as needed.
W2. Takes responsibility in developing and producing new strategic approaches to complex situations and unforeseen applications in the area.
W3. Actively participates in teamwork and / or takes leadership role in activities related to the area.
L1. Critically evaluates information related to the area and guides learning.
L2. Executes to lifelong learning of studies within area of study.
C1. Systematically transfers developments and own works to groups in the area and outside in written, oral and visual forms.
C2. Examines the social relations in the professional and professional environments and the norms that direct these relations from a critical point of view, acts and leads to develop and change them when necessary.
C3. Using one foreign language at, at least B2 level in the European Language portfolio, communicates in oral and written form.
C4. Shares information related to the area at national and international level in oral and written form.
C5. Uses information and communication technologies at an advanced level along with the computer software required by the field.
F1. Interprets strategic, political and implementation plans related to area, develops these plans and evaluates the results obtained within the framework of quality processes.
F2. Inspects stages in collecting, interpreting and announcing data within area on the basis of social, scientific and ethical values and teaches these values.
F3. Applies the acquired knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary studies.
F4. Evaluates current developments in line with national values and realities of the country.
F5. Develops strategy, policy and implementation plans regarding issues related to area and evaluates the obtained results within the framework of quality processes.

Program Outcomes

  1. a. conduct, or demonstrate how to conduct, independent research to exhibit a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of the core, concepts, emerging trends, significant issues and innovative methodologies in the target areas of research.
  2. b. use rigorous research methodologies to investigate and examine the philosophical, psychological, historical, and sociological foundations of education as lenses to explore core concepts, trends, issues and methods in the target areas of research.
  3. c. analyze, critique, and contribute to the advancement of theories, empirical research, and policy frameworks pertaining to language, language learning, language teaching, language assessment and language curriculum development
  4. d. engage in systematic research to critically evaluate and apply relevant theories, research findings, and policy documents related to the effective teaching of English for General and Specific Academic purposes
  5. e. design, and rigorously evaluate, research-based language instruction, teaching materials, assessment tools, language programs and policy interventions, with a focus on addressing specific needs and challenges in academic contexts.
  6. f. analyze, critique, and apply theories, research and policy in information and communication technology to enhance the process of teaching and learning, and wider professional and academic activities
  7. g. cultivate a research-oriented mindset that fosters critical thinking, transformative perspectives, and innovative approaches in order to advance academic and professional knowledge in the field of English for Academic, and Specific, Purposes.
  8. h. actively engage in scholarly discourse, disseminate research findings, and regularly contribute to research discussions
  9. i. conduct independent and original research, incorporating national and/or international developments in the field of EAP, ESP and/or Applied Linguistics.
  10. j. collaborate with academic and professional communities to undertake collaborative research projects, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives and contributing to the advancement of knowledge
  11. k. demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in presenting and disseminating research findings, engaging in academic discourse
  12. l. exhibit advanced proficiency in academic writing, adhering to rigorous research methodologies, scholarly conventions, and publication standards

Program Outcomes/Degree Qualification Matrix

 Program Outcomes
Qualification(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k)(l)
K1✓
K2✓✓
S1✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
S2✓✓✓✓✓✓
S3✓✓✓✓
W1✓✓✓
W2✓✓✓
W3✓✓
L1✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
L2✓✓✓✓✓✓
C1✓✓✓✓✓
C2✓
C3✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
C4✓✓✓
C5✓✓✓
F1✓✓
F2✓✓✓
F3✓
F4✓✓✓
F5✓✓✓
Qualification
Program Outcome

Program Curriculum

Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
GE 500 Research Methods and Academic Publication Ethics 0 0 0 1 [ Syllabus ]
GE 590 Academic Practices 0 0 0 12 [ Syllabus ]
TEFL 531 Research Methods in Linguistics I 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
TEFL 532 Research Methods in Linguistics II 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
TEFL 550 Thesis Seminar 2 0 0 2 [ Syllabus ]
TEFL 554 Thesis Writing 3 0 0 55 [ Syllabus ]
TEFL 555 Written Academic Discourse 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
Restricted Elective I 3 [ Courses ]
Restricted Electives II 18 [ Courses ]


Elective Courses in the Curriculum

Elective Count Program Outcomes Options
Restricted Elective I 1 (conduct, or demonstrate how to conduct, independent research to exhibit a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of the core, concepts, emerging trends, significant issues and innovative methodologies in the target areas of research.a) (use rigorous research methodologies to investigate and examine the philosophical, psychological, historical, and sociological foundations of education as lenses to explore core concepts, trends, issues and methods in the target areas of research. b) (analyze, critique, and contribute to the advancement of theories, empirical research, and policy frameworks pertaining to language, language learning, language teaching, language assessment and language curriculum developmentc) (engage in systematic research to critically evaluate and apply relevant theories, research findings, and policy documents related to the effective teaching of English for General and Specific Academic purposesd) (design, and rigorously evaluate, research-based language instruction, teaching materials, assessment tools, language programs and policy interventions, with a focus on addressing specific needs and challenges in academic contexts.e) (analyze, critique, and apply theories, research and policy in information and communication technology to enhance the process of teaching and learning, and wider professional and academic activitiesf) (cultivate a research-oriented mindset that fosters critical thinking, transformative perspectives, and innovative approaches in order to advance academic and professional knowledge in the field of English for Academic, and Specific, Purposes.g) (collaborate with academic and professional communities to undertake collaborative research projects, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives and contributing to the advancement of knowledgej) (demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in presenting and disseminating research findings, engaging in academic discoursek)   [ Courses ]
Restricted Electives II 6 (conduct, or demonstrate how to conduct, independent research to exhibit a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of the core, concepts, emerging trends, significant issues and innovative methodologies in the target areas of research.a) (use rigorous research methodologies to investigate and examine the philosophical, psychological, historical, and sociological foundations of education as lenses to explore core concepts, trends, issues and methods in the target areas of research. b) (analyze, critique, and contribute to the advancement of theories, empirical research, and policy frameworks pertaining to language, language learning, language teaching, language assessment and language curriculum developmentc) (engage in systematic research to critically evaluate and apply relevant theories, research findings, and policy documents related to the effective teaching of English for General and Specific Academic purposesd) (design, and rigorously evaluate, research-based language instruction, teaching materials, assessment tools, language programs and policy interventions, with a focus on addressing specific needs and challenges in academic contexts.e) (analyze, critique, and apply theories, research and policy in information and communication technology to enhance the process of teaching and learning, and wider professional and academic activitiesf) (cultivate a research-oriented mindset that fosters critical thinking, transformative perspectives, and innovative approaches in order to advance academic and professional knowledge in the field of English for Academic, and Specific, Purposes.g) (collaborate with academic and professional communities to undertake collaborative research projects, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives and contributing to the advancement of knowledgej) (demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in presenting and disseminating research findings, engaging in academic discoursek)   [ Courses ]