Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Entry requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).
Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Those with other qualifications and relevant work experience may also be considered.
For the MA TESOL dissertation track, you normally need a minimum of one year’s relevant work experience. For the MA TESOL portfolio track, no teaching experience is required. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Months of entry
February, September
Course content
Study MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at one of the world's best known centres in TESOL and Applied Linguistics.
Reading's Department of English Language and Linguistics has more than 50 years of excellence in the field. David Crystal OBE (awarded for services to the English language, 1995) set up the first linguistics degree at the University of Reading, and sociolinguistics was born at Reading.
This course is suitable for graduates already working or just starting a career in the field of English as a second/foreign language and who wish to develop and deepen specialist knowledge and skills in TESOL and related linguistic areas. We’re in the top 150 universities in the world for these subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
It connects theory with practice to build relevant teaching expertise in key TESOL areas, and provides up-to-date, thorough and critical knowledge of the field taught by top researchers and teachers.
This course offers flexibility through a choice of tracks to suit individual needs and experiences using small-group teaching and a wide choice of optional modules are available. The 'Dissertation Track' is suitable for students who already have teaching experience, and is especially recommended for those who wish to pursue further study. The 'Portfolio Track' is designed for those with little or no teaching experience. It involves completing a portfolio based on classroom observations and teaching experience gained during the summer term in our renowned International Study and Language Institute (ISLI).
Our specialist research areas include:
- testing and assessment
- second language acquisition
- intercultural communication
- second language teaching
- multilingualism
- vocabulary studies
- language teaching and creativity
- language curriculum design
- EFL teacher training
- child language development
- language and migration
- world Englishes
- sociolinguistics.
For more information, please visit the English Language and Applied Linguistics website.
Fees and funding
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,800
New international students: £22,350
Tuition fee information
The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.
EU student feesWith effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Global Recruitment Team
- student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk