TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (TESOL) (MA)

This programme is designed for people who are already English language teachers and want to develop their career opportunities, or those with less experience but a strong interest in pursuing a career in this field.

The programme will develop your understanding of both classroom practice and key areas of research that inform practice. Through your acquaintance with current literature and the research you carry out in completing course assignments, you will be able to engage critically and constructively in debates relating to a wide range of aspects of language teaching.

The programme focuses on the multilingual and multicultural contexts of language learning and teaching. It allows students from all over the world the opportunity to share their experiences with locally based teachers, thus gaining insight into a range of language teaching contexts in the UK, including the state education system. In addition, you will be studying alongside students on the MA Language Teaching programme, thus benefiting from an exchange of experiences and perspectives with teachers of languages other than English.

The programme is also unique in offering you a choice between two dissertation pathways: an empirical research investigation of an aspect of language teaching and learning or an independent library-based project on a relevant topic of your choice.

The MA TESOL will enhance your career prospects in a number of ways. If you are an experienced teacher it will help you to progress to a more senior or specialised position in language teaching, such as a senior teacher, director of studies, teacher trainer, consultant or materials developer.

An MA TESOL is an essential qualification for those who wish to teach English at university level, whether for general or more specific purposes. For those with less teaching experience, an MA TESOL will give you a competitive early career advantage as you gain more experience in teaching posts.