University of Sunderland

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - Distance Learning

Introduction

The MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) has been designed to enhance your abilities through knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of the English language classroom. The programme will help you stand out when you apply for jobs or promotion, and is suitable for teachers at any level of education: primary, secondary or university/college, in both private and state sectors. It also includes a practical teaching module designed to cater for applicants with no prior teaching experience.

The high level of flexibility within the programme is reflected in the opportunities for you to choose assignments related to your particular areas of experience and interest.

The University of Sunderland provides a high level of student support. Your tutors within the University will maintain contact with you via email, telephone and written communication.

The programme will be followed through to MA, or you may wish to study only for the intermediate awards of Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) or Postgraduate Diploma (PgD). These are choices you can make as you progress through the programme.

[Top]

Course Content

There are three stages to the MA. But, if you wish, you can limit your studies to a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.

Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits

There are three required modules:

• The Principles and Practice of English Language Teaching
• Linguistics for TESOL
• Practical Teaching

The three modules are studied simultaneously, normally over a period of 15 weeks.

Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 60 credits

During the diploma you will complete the following three modules:

• Research Methods in Language Learning and Teaching (Core)
• Theories of Second/Foreign Language Learning
• Language, Culture and Power.

Modules may vary from year to year.

Stage 3
Masters (MA) 60 credits

Dissertation: you complete a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a TESOL-related topic of your choice.

[Top]

Entry Requirements

All applicants should hold a first degree or equivalent and should have excellent English language skills. Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of IELTS level 6, TOEFL 550 or equivalent.

Teaching and Assessment

For the distance learning mode, you will have online access to the required materials. We will also support you through online tutorials, email, faxes (if appropriate) and telephone calls. Tutorial support is also given via WebCT and email.

Assessment on the entire programme will include written assignments, observing and teaching English language classes in your context, written presentations and a dissertation.

[Top]

Career Opportunities

A Masters qualification can enhance your promotion prospects and improve your employability. For example, the programme could equip you to take up a role managing change in education or to leading a department or school.

[Top]

Supplemental Information

Please note there is an additional cost of £295.

[Top]

Facilities

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland have made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the Murray Library and St Peter's have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use. CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others!  Further information is available from http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support for further information.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for Student purchases via any of its approved re sellers.  To use the University's Adobe supplier please visit http://www.student-software.co.uk/ for more information.

[Top]

Related Courses

• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - Combined Subjects (Major, Dual and Minor)
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - PT

[Top]