Core courses:

EDML 601 Introduction to Linguistics
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the study of language and linguistics, and especially applied linguistics, with emphasis on their implications for classroom practice in multilingual settings.

EDUC 602 Educational Context and Reform in Kazakhstan
This required course develops students’ capacities to critically analyze education systems and issues from different perspectives, with a focus on Kazakhstan. The overall goal of the course is to provide a broad understanding of current education issues and initiatives and to teach students to think critically about education reform.
EDML 610 Foundations of Multilingual Education
The course gives basic knowledge on foundations of multilingual education.

EDML 613 The Multilingual School
This core course focuses on the multilingual school, examining issues related to multilingual education theories, policies and practices. Building on the knowledge gained in courses on the plurilingual individual and multilingual society. This course examines the education of plurilingual individuals in schools in a multilingual society.
EDML 614 Multilingual Curriculum Development and Assessment
This course will present the important issues regarding multilingual curriculum development and assessment.
Research Methods I & II (Qualitative/Quantitative)
This is a two semester course covering education research methods. Students will develop knowledge and skills required to design and understand research projects, conduct research ethically, and plan data collection and analysis.
EDML 612 Multilingual Society
This course explores multilingualism and its impact on society.
EDML 620 Language and Literacy Development
This elective course covers issues related to first language, second language and additional language acquisition and development, with focus on pedagogical approaches to facilitate language and literacy development.
EDUC 510 Advanced English Education for Professionals
The course provides in depth knowledge of English Language which will be used by professionals in educational sphere.

Elective courses:

EDML 611 The Plurilingual Individual
This course explores the advantages of multilingualism, its social, economic and physiological benefits and impact on communication and language development. It also explores the topics of neurolinguistics, cognitive abilities and personality.
EDML 621 Principles and Methods of Language Education in Multilingual Contexts
This elective course focuses on principles and methods of language education in multilingual contexts, covering the latest international developments in the field including CLIL research, and applying this knowledge to analysis of current policies and practices in Kazakhstan.
EDML 623 Globalization and Language Education
This elective course examines multilingual education within the context of globalization. Students develop of knowledge and understanding of globalization theories and trends, and their impact on language education policies and practices.
EDML 627 Application of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in teaching
This course focuses on the application of Content and Language Integrated Learning in teaching.
EDML 630 Language Policy and Education Reform across Contexts
The purpose of this course is to allow students to investigate more thoroughly concepts of language policy and education reform that are addressed in one or two week units in core MA courses the first year. The course uses a comparative case study approach in which key concepts or issues in language policy and education are explored through literature on a particular country (e.g. Malaysia, Singapore) or region (e.g. Basque country).

Teaching and Learning

Our pedagogical methods are centered around fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. We use a variety of instructional techniques, including:
·Interactive Lectures and Seminars: Encouraging active participation and critical thinking through discussions, case studies, and group work.
·Experiential Learning: Incorporating real-world projects, fieldwork, and community engagement to connect theory with practice.
·Mentorship and Peer Learning: Facilitating strong mentor-student relationships and peer support networks to enhance personal and academic growth.

Assessment

Assessment in our MA program is designed to be comprehensive and reflective of each student's learning experience. We utilize a range of assessment methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure a fair evaluation of student progress:
·Formative Assessments: Including quizzes, presentations, and class participation to provide ongoing feedback and support learning development.

• Summative Assessments: Such as essays, research projects, and examinations to evaluate the depth of understanding and mastery of subject matter.
• Reflective Practices: Encouraging self-assessment and reflection through journals and portfolios to promote continuous personal and academic improvement.

Our commitment to an interactive and humanistic approach, combined with our global faculty, prepares our graduates to become thoughtful, skilled, and culturally aware professionals in their respective fields.
Our program is designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to navigate the complex landscape of multilingual or trilingual education in Kazakhstan. Our faculty believes that language is not just a tool of communication but a gateway to understanding culture, forging identity, and championing social justice.
We recognize the critical importance of language in addressing issues of educational equity, diversity, and social justice. You will engage in meaningful dialogues and research to examine and address the role of language/s in creating equity, diversity, and social justice within the contexts of classrooms, schools, universities, the workplace, and communities.

In our program, you will develop the capacity to engage in thoughtful discussions, articulate your ideas effectively, and engage in critical reflection on the intricate interplay of language, culture, and identity. This deeper understanding will empower you to explore the profound connections between these elements and enable you to recognize and ponder the central role that language and culture play in shaping:

• the self (our identities)
• society, community, and nation-building
• educational spaces and the importance of fostering inclusive and culturally responsive learning and teaching environments.

It is a full-time two-year program.
Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
Language: English
Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus.
Total ECTS credit: 120

Candidates applying to the “M.A. in Multilingual Education” program are expected to submit electronically the following documents on the website www.admissions. nu.edu.kz:

•  an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and a graduate degree (if applicable) in a relevant discipline. During the application period final year students may submit official current transcript for consideration.
•  a minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.00 or equivalent on applicant’s degree (bachelor, master or PhD (if masters and PhD have adopted a GPA approach);
• the absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the Programs is an overall IELTS test score of 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5), or the equivalent TOEFL (except Home edition) score as posted on the ETS website*;
• 1 (one) year of work experience in a relevant field. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee applicants with less than 1 year work experience may also be considered;
• high level of motivation and strong interest in the Program outlined in a personal statement;
• GRE test (recommended). Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance his/her application with a competitive GRE score;
• 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation;
• a curriculum vitae (up to 2 pages).

The Admissions Committee keeps the right to invite for additional interviews if necessary. They may take place on campus or by Microsoft Teams. All documents shall be submitted in English or with a certified English translation before the deadline.
Applicants to the Programs, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:

• one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
• an undergraduate or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English. Applicants must provide an official document confirming English as the language of instruction;
•  the applicant is a graduate of Nazarbayev University.

By the completion of the M.A. in Multilingual Education program, the student should be able to:
● operate professionally, and at a high degree of fluency, in all skill areas, in the English language;
● function professionally, at a reasonable degree of fluency, in the Kazakh language;
● demonstrate knowledge and critical awareness of current problems and of the contemporary research base related to bilingual and multilingual teaching and learning practice;
● demonstrate an understanding of the processes of L1, L2 and L2+ acquisition;
● demonstrate familiarity with core concepts in linguistics, and especially in applied linguistics, as they relate to multilingual individuals, schools and classrooms;
● demonstrate sensitivity to issues of bilingualism and multilingualism in the context of modern Kazakhstan;
● design and conduct basic research dealing with language issues in schools and classrooms;
● articulate the nature and purposes of language education policy, both internationally and in the context of Kazakhstan; and
● demonstrate an understanding and an awareness of the role of English internationally and in Central Asia.