Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

Expand your horizons. Travel the world. Qualify for a range of academic and professional teaching positions in many international contexts.

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Overview

MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a world-renowned qualification which will enable you to access reputable and high-paying teaching roles in many international contexts.

You will develop an in-depth theoretical knowledge of the English language, and develop your identity as a language educator, as well as practical and effective teaching skills.

Why us?

Gain experience of practical teaching and also receive a postgraduate degree
Work in any country where people want to learn English

Practise teaching skills in a supportive environment
Benefit from over 20 years of teaching on the MA TESOL course

Course structure

You will be taught via lectures, seminars, practical tasks and independent learning activities. Your progress will be assessed with written assignments, teaching observation, oral and written presentations, and your dissertation.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Master's degree requires a higher level of independent working. However, you will have a high level of support from staff throughout your degree.

Core modules:

TESOL: Principles and Practice (30 credits)
Linguistics for English Language Teaching (30 credits)
The Research Process (30 credits)
Dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a TESOL-related topic of your choice (60 credits)

Optional modules (choose one):

Theories of Second Language Learning (30 credits)
Corpus Linguistics for Language Teaching (30 credits)
Language, Discourse and Power (30 credits)

Please note that modules may vary from year to year. Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

You'll be taught on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s - a modern and vibrant campus with a riverside view.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s is nestled between the River Wear and the sea, just two minutes from the coast, and set in expansive green space on the banks of the river next to the historic St Peter's Church. This provides a picturesque backdrop and a great location for travelling to the beach or the city centre.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is

2:1 classification or equivalent from a Canadian bachelor's degree
2:1 classification or equivalent from a USA bachelor's degree

If you hold any of the following ELT qualifications, please ensure you include a copy of your certificate with your application:

CELTA
Trinity CertTESOL
DELTA
Trinity DipTESOL
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in any element.

Fees and finance

2019/2020 annual fees are:

£6,000 if you are from the UK or EU
£12,500 if you are an international student

2020/2021 annual fees are:

£6,250 if you are from the UK or EU
£13,000 if you are an international student

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

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This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

A TESOL qualification is an essential qualification for many overseas teaching jobs. Other career options can include senior roles in educational institutions, educational advisers, and educational inspectors.

You will find that possessing a Master's postgraduate degree will also support a career in other fields, as employers recognise the higher levels of research, analysis and communication that a postgraduate degree requires.

Meet the students

My experience of studying at a foreign university was incredible

Ksenia Provalennikova
The academic staff were always there for us, ready to offer their professional support.

Maria Benovia
When I faced difficulties I always e-mailed my tutor who was the greatest help during this journey.

Stefanie Deri
The design of the course has helped prepare me well for the language teaching profession

Thanh Loan Nguyen
If you like peace and friendliness then come to Sunderland

Thi Thao Suong Nguyen

Meet the team

Related courses

MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Education and Society

Page last updated: 29 May 2020

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