Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Study MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at one of the world's best known centres in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. Choose to start in September or the following February.

Reading's Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has 60 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 English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

This programme 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. A standout feature of our programme is the opportunity to enhance your teaching credentials and global employability by gaining a prestigious CELTA qualification. This is offered by a local partner of ours, based in Oxford. If you decide to pursue this opportunity, you will benefit from a promotional rate.

Discover Satomi Suzuki's experience to learn more about studying MA TESOL at Reading.

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 semester 2 in our renowned Global Academy.

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.