VU BS Lateral BS English (Applied Linguistics)
The BS English – Applied Linguistics (Lateral) is a two-year degree program specifically designed to enhance students’ academic and professional growth by equipping them with in-depth knowledge of applied linguistics and its practical applications in language use and language teaching. This comprehensive program emphasizes the development of skills and expertise that can be applied across a variety of professional contexts. It explores how language functions, its role in real-life issues, and its influence on society.
In addition to current theories and practices in English language studies, the program integrates insights from related disciplines such as Social Sciences and Applied Sciences, enabling students to confidently connect their linguistic knowledge with other fields and advance their professional careers.
The curriculum introduces students to core areas of Applied Linguistics, particularly in relation to second language teaching and learning. Learners are encouraged to build a strong theoretical foundation informed by contemporary research while examining the role of language in diverse social contexts. They will study how language varies across different communities, how it shapes social diversity, and how proficiency impacts individual and societal opportunities.
Students can choose from a range of specializations, including:
Second language acquisition and development
Linguistic theory and language structure
Bilingualism
Language pedagogy
Classroom literacy practices
Furthermore, the program provides opportunities for students to apply their learning in practical community-based projects, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Objectives
The program is designed to:
Equip students with the ability to describe language using accurate linguistic concepts and terminology.
Foster critical and reflective thinking skills to help learners connect language pedagogy with language policies.
Develop students’ understanding of the social and psychological principles underlying language acquisition and development.
Enable learners to comprehend the cultural and sociopolitical aspects of language, thereby strengthening their lifelong learning, communication, and social skills.
Increase students’ awareness of modern and effective pedagogical tools to enhance their professional growth.
Provide knowledge of diverse language teaching methodologies, encouraging learners to integrate technological innovations into their classroom practices.
Train students in the design and development of curricula and syllabi following standard procedures.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates holding a 2-year Associate Degree in English – Applied Linguistics (from an HEC-recognized institution) are eligible for lateral entry into the 5th semester of the BS program.
Applicants with an Associate Degree in another discipline or a conventional BA/BSc (annual system) must complete a bridging/deficiency semester to fulfill academic requirements.
The minimum eligibility is:
2.00/4.00 CGPA for Associate Degree holders (semester system), OR
45% marks in BA/BSc or equivalent (annual system).
All applicants must also meet the University’s general admission criteria (12 years of education). The University reserves the right to set higher standards for specific programs.
Assessment Criteria
Students’ academic progress is assessed through continuous evaluation, which includes assignments, quizzes, and Graded Discussion Boards (GDB), along with mid-term and final-term examinations. The mid-term and final exams, conducted at Virtual University’s designated exam centers, generally account for 80–85% of the total course marks. Additionally, in the final semester, students are required to complete and submit a mandatory research project as part of the degree requirements.
Award of Degree
To qualify for the BS English – Applied Linguistics (Lateral) degree, students must successfully complete the prescribed coursework totaling at least 132 credit hours and maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Project / Internship
In the final semester of the BS English – Applied Linguistics (Lateral) program, students must complete a 3-credit hour Research Project. The project should be properly supervised, well-researched, and formatted in accordance with HEC guidelines for layout, referencing, and indexing. Each student is required to submit a detailed written report on an approved topic and may also be asked to deliver a presentation of their work.
Scheme of Study
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| Bridging Semester | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| ENG502 | Introduction to Linguistics | Major | Domain Core | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG504 | Second Language Acquisition | Major | Domain Core | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG507 | Phonetics and Phonology | Major | Domain Core | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG508 | Semantics and Pragmatics | Major | Domain Core | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG509 | Morphology and Syntax | Major | Domain Core | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG510 | Sociolinguistics | Major | Domain Core | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| VU001 | Introduction to e-Learning | General Education | Bridging Semester | 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 1 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| EDU406 | Critical Thinking and reflective Practice | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| ENG505 | Language Learning Theories | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG511 | Psycholinguistics | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG512 | Bilingualism | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG518 | Research Methodology in ELT | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| Semester No. 2 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| ENG513 | Language Teaching Methods | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG514 | Teaching of Listening and Speaking Skills | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG515 | Teaching of Reading and Writing Skills | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG529 | Technology in Language Teaching | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| MGT501 | Human Resource Management | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 3 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| ENG498 | Field Work | Major | Field Experience / Internship | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG516 | Teaching Business Communication | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG517 | Computer Assisted Language Learning | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG523 | Discourse Analysis | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| PSY403 | Social Psychology | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 4 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| ENG499 | Capstone Project | Major | Capstone Project | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG519 | Curriculum Design | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG524 | Critical Discourse Analysis | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| ENG527 | Language and Gender | Major | Domain Core | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| MCM304 | Mass Media in Pakistan | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
Fee Structure
One-time fee payable at the time of admission