Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a language or relevant subject such as journalism, history, social sciences subjects, business (english), education

Months of entry

September

Course content

About this course

The MA TESOL is a UK-based master's degree designed for recent graduates who want to start a career in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or work in the teaching education sector. The program provides specialist knowledge and skills in TESOL and related linguistic areas. You will explore the theory and practice of English language teaching, focusing on the most recent approaches to curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy (the interaction between teachers, students, and the learning environment). We are ranked 6th in the UK for Linguistics as per Times and Sunday Times 2025.

Key compulsory modules include:

• Analysing Language for ELT/TESOL

• Developing Approaches to Language Teaching

• Principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Your future career

This course prepares you to be a leader in the English language teaching profession. Graduates are employed globally across all areas of English language teaching. The degree equips you to challenge current practices and take an innovative approach to your future career. For those who already have teaching experience, the university offers a separate MA TESOL for Experienced Teachers course.

Key features of this course

• Focus on Pedagogy: Study current issues in teaching methodologies and explore specialised areas.

• Flexibility: Optional modules allow you to pursue interests in subjects like learner autonomy, English as an international language, Corpus Linguistics for Language Teaching, or Digital Education and English Language Teaching.

• Research Emphasis: Core modules like Research Skills and the final Masters Dissertation prepare you for independent research in Applied Linguistics or English Language Teaching.

• Guest Speakers: You will benefit from seminars delivered by guest speakers and other extension activities.

Further information

This is a one-year, full-time master's course. Taught modules occur during the first two semesters, and you complete your research dissertation project over the final 18 weeks of the course. The minimum entry requirement is typically a 2:2 degree.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English ability by meeting our Band C requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see our website.

Fees and funding

A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MA
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk

Phone: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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TESOL