Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MA)

Students on this programme complete four 30 credit modules which form Part 1 (120 credits) of the degree. In Part 2 (60 credits), students will write a research dissertation under the supervision of an experienced, research-active academic.

The course length is 1-2 years for full-time students (Year 1 to complete Part 1, Year 2 dissertation research) and 3-4 years for part-time students (Years 1-2 for Part 1 and Years 3-4 for Part 2). However, the programme can also be completed within one year of full-time study (12 months or 3 semesters of study and research without a break). The delivery schedule on this accelerated pathway is as follows: 

Students on this programme complete four 30 credit modules which form Part 1 (120 credits) of the degree. In Part 2 (60 credits), students will write a research dissertation under the supervision of an experienced, research-active academic.

The programme is delivered over the period of three semesters (October to September) without a break and can thus be completed within one year (12 months). The delivery schedule is as follows:

PART I (Taught Modules; 120 credits)

Semester 1 (October – January): Students complete two compulsory 30 credit modules:

• Methods and Approaches in the Study of Language and Literature (30 credits; compulsory)
• English Language Teacher Education (30 credits; compulsory).

Semester 2 (February – May): Students complete a further two 30 credit modules:

• Current Theories of Second Language Acquisition (30 credits; compulsory)
• Key Issues in Linguistics (30 credits; optional)
• Teaching EFL (30 credits; optional).

PART II (Research Dissertation; 60 credits)

Semester 3 (May – 30th September): Student work 4-5 months on their independent Research Dissertation (15,000 words) under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor.

Students who wish to take more time to complete the programme can do so. Full-time students have up to 2 years to complete the course, part-time students up to 4 years.

Teaching on Part One of the programme will follow the type and range of methods and approaches undertaken at postgraduate level and be a mix of styles, ranging from more formal lectures and whole-group study to small discussion groups, seminars, one-to-one tutorials. The programme will also benefit from various workshops and research seminar series that will operate alongside the delivery of the modules and will draw together students from across the programme (indeed where appropriate from across the campus).

The Institute of Education and Humanities is at the centre of an extensive network of schools and colleges and thus provides an excellent environment for research into language teaching.

As part of the module 'English Language Teacher Education (HPEN7005)', students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in a school, college or within the University to gain first-hand experience in applying what they have learned to the English language classroom.

Our research-active teaching staff supports a wide range of research themes and methodological approaches, including classroom-based action research, bi- and multilingualism, language development in early childhood education, translation studies, intercultural communication and language politics.

The course is suitable for English language teachers already in employment who wish to gain a qualification at Master’s level or prepare for a doctorate in Education or Second Language Acquisition.

PG Cert, PG Dip & MA

• English Language Teacher Education (30 credits; compulsory)
• Thesis Proposal (15 credits; compulsory)
• Literary Research Methods and Approaches (15 credits; compulsory)

PG Dip & MA

• Current Theories of Second Language Acquisition (30 credits; compulsory)
• Key Issues in Linguistics (30 credits; optional)
• Teaching EFL (30 credits; optional).

MA

• MA Dissertation (TESOL) (60 credits; compulsory). 

The programmes assessment strategy consists of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments aim to use the form of ‘spiral assessment’, encouraging students to revisit and implement standards that have been covered in previous modules. Likewise, self-reflexivity as a professional attitude that is expected of each graduate of this programme will be embedded and practiced though specific assignments in all modules.

Typical assessment formats include essays, oral presentations, critical reviews, teaching demos, and other short written assignments.

Module assessment is designed to prepare students for the task of submitting an MA dissertation in Part 2. Some modules therefore use a standard assessment pattern consisting of one or two longer essays and a presentation. In some modules, however, student progress is assessed by using the portfolio format. The portfolio offers greater flexibility in the assessment of professionally focused skills, both collaborative and personalised, than the standard essay/presentation format.

• Dr Jessica Clapham
• Dr Paul Wright

Applicants are expected to have a good first degree (a first or upper second), although every application is considered in its own merit, so places may be offered on the basis of professional qualification and relevant experiences. Candidates with a lower degree classification or no degree may be admitted at Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma level, with an opportunity to upgrade to Master’s level if satisfactory progress is made.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a growing area of employment. The skills you learn on this course (e.g. lesson planning, presentation skills, classroom experience, research skills) are transferable to other languages and a wide range of professional situations.

Career destinations include language tutors in various private and public sector contexts, primary/secondary teachers and vocational/industrial trainers and instructors.

Approximately £300 for literature.

• Professional Doctorate in English Language Education and English Literature

Please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.