Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Full-time) (MA)
The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MA) is a course designed for those passionate about English language teaching and eager to develop the skills needed to teach learners from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Whether you are from the UK or overseas, this programme provides the essential knowledge and TESOL practical skills to pursue a career in teaching English to non-native speakers of English across various global teaching contexts.
This course is carefully crafted to train self-reflective language teaching professionals who value understanding and growth in their teaching practice. It offers a solid grounding in language teaching theory and practice, focusing on applied linguistics and language teaching pedagogy. You’ll explore second language acquisition and research-based methods, all while building the confidence and adaptability needed to succeed in this field. As you progress, you’ll gain both practical teaching skills and in-depth knowledge of TESOL research and curriculum development, which are invaluable in any educational setting.
A unique element of the TESOL (MA) is its focus on research skills, enabling you to design and carry out research projects on topics that matter in English language education. This emphasis on research also provides opportunities for career advancement in TESOL, including pathways into doctoral studies. Graduates with these skills can go on to make significant contributions to the field or take up roles in TESOL research and curriculum development, community-based TESOL projects, or educational leadership.
International students are warmly welcomed and will need to meet specific English language requirements to join this programme. The University requires an IELTS score of at least 6.0 (or equivalent), with no component below 5.5. Meeting these standards ensures that all students have the language abilities needed for study at the Master’s level and can fully engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course.
Completing this TESOL (MA) will equip you not only with a teaching certification but also with a deep understanding of linguistics and education. It opens doors to teaching and training roles worldwide, preparing you to support students of all ages and abilities. In addition to providing the essential skills to teach English language, this programme helps you build a fulfilling, adaptable career in an ever-evolving field.
Course details
- Full-time
- On-campus
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our TESOL (MA) course is driven by a philosophy that effective English language teaching requires both solid theoretical grounding and extensive practical experience. By integrating research skills, self-reflection, and pedagogical training, we aim to develop adaptable professionals ready to meet the diverse needs of English learners worldwide.
In the first year, you’ll establish a foundation in language teaching theory and practice. Key modules include Current Theories of Second Language Acquisition and English Language Teacher Education, where you’ll explore effective teaching strategies and gain insight into the processes of language learning. Optional modules such as Key Issues in Linguistics and Teaching EFL allow you to tailor your studies to specific interests. With Literary Research Methods and Approaches and a Thesis Proposal, you’ll begin honing the research skills that will support your future studies.
Compulsory
(15 credits)
(15 Credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
The second year focuses on your MA Dissertation (TESOL), where you’ll apply your theoretical and practical knowledge to a research project on a chosen TESOL topic. This dissertation allows you to explore areas of TESOL research and curriculum that interest you, while reinforcing self-reflective language teaching practices. This research-based approach not only strengthens your understanding of applied linguistics but also prepares you for potential career advancement in TESOL and future academic research opportunities.
Compulsory
(60 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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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. -
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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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.