Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Online)
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject like English Language or Linguistics.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry. Please include details of your current and/or previous employment in your application.
Months of entry
February, April, July, October, December
Course content
Enhance your skills and advance your career as an English language teacher. You'll discover linguistic theories and methods for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Study from anywhere in the world and start applying practical skills from day one in your classroom.
This online MA will enable you to advance your future without needing to leave your current teaching job. You'll access expert teaching from the well-established Department of Linguistics and Communication with over 25 years experience delivering distance learning TESOL courses.
- Choose from multiple start dates throughout the year.
- Apply real-world insights to the classroom as you learn.
- Learn from experts in a range of linguistic areas at a World Top 30 department for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings 2024).
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in TESOL. You'll study online using our University's 'virtual learning environment' and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Virtual learning environment course materials: including aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, and details of assignments.
- Course handbook introducing you to the team, so you know who to contact if you have any questions or need guidance during the course.
- Consult academic staff in Birmingham via Zoom.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time30 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiries