Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree in related subject.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

The MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is the first step to a rewarding career in teaching English, with opportunities to travel widely and to experience new cultures. It’s also a unique opportunity to enter the field of TESOL without any prior teaching experience.

Benefit from a strong focus on developing your language awareness through explorations of the grammatical, lexical and phonological aspects of language, as well as of features of discourse.

You’ll also learn about the principles of testing and research methods and be engaged in professional development activities. This combination enables you to develop the reflective and analytical skills you need for professional life in the field of TESOL.

The course introduces important theories about language teaching and learning. The links between theory and practice are continually emphasised and you will explore the practical dimensions of the theories and models you examine.

Why study with us

• Our Professional Placement module is an opportunity to gain experience of professional TESOL practice and to enhance your CV. The placements follow completion of the course’s taught elements and usually last for 24 to 40 weeks.
• You’ll develop the skills needed for classroom practice by exploring various methods and approaches to teaching.
• Eligible candidates will be invited to pursue external TESOL teacher training qualifications to enhance their professional development.

What you'll do

• You may wish to become involved in research projects within the team or to work in a variety of TESOL positions around the world. We have a well-established network of alumni with whom we can put you in contact.
• Work and volunteer opportunities are available through the University Language Academy and partner institutions. These provide a great chance for you to develop your employability skills and to gain valuable experience of teaching and learning.
• The School organises a series of Research Seminars, which you are strongly encouraged to attend. Talks by external speakers and School staff, conferences and live sessions provide a really stimulating educational experience.

Learning and assessment

Taught sessions are designed to be interactive, and you’ll engage in varied discussions and activities. Tutors will also demonstrate teaching techniques and approaches in these sessions so that you can personally experience the ways these enhance learning.

Pre-session activities or reading, background reading and post-session tasks are all part of the learning approach. A variety of written and oral assessments are used across the modules.

The Worldwise Learning Centre provides a comfortable study environment and a rich range of resources for language learning and culture. You can also learn a new language using a computer software package available in the Centre.

The University Library offers a huge range of resources and facilities for study, with support from a team of friendly staff.

Members of the Course team are all experienced teachers, teacher-trainers and engaged in research activities. Their interests include second language acquisition, pragmatics, testing and assessment, language learning technologies, language teacher identity and professional development.

Pathway opportunities

There are two alternative exit awards available:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages