Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Full-time) (MA)
The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MA) equips students with the knowledge and skills required to teach English language to learners of different age groups and educational needs. The course is designed for home or international students who wish to pursue a career in teaching English to non-native speakers of English.
The aim of the programme is to train self-reflective language teaching professionals with a solid foundation in research skills, applied linguistics, second language acquisition and language teaching pedagogy.
The programme’s emphasis on applied research skills offers successful graduates progression opportunities into further research at doctoral level.
All international students on this programme must demonstrate that they fulfil the English language requirements of the University for study at Master’s level: An overall English Language level equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element lower than 5.5 in reading writing, listening and speaking.
Course details
- Full-time
- On-campus
- Distance Learning
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
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:
Compulsory
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(60 credits)
(15 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Accommodation
Further information
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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.
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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. -
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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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.