Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Applied Linguistics

Entry requirements

You will normally have at least an upper second-class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in TESOL, Linguistics, English Language, English, Education or a related/compatible subject or combination of subjects. Candidates with a lower second-class degree or degrees from unrelated disciplines are however encouraged to apply and will be considered on their merits, as will people with non-traditional qualifications. Some teaching experience is desirable, but not essential, provided applicants can show evidence of sustained interest in TESOL.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

This rich and exciting course blends research into recent developments in the industry with hands on opportunities to develop your practical skills and your employability.

Interactive sessions are delivered by industry experts and key researchers. They include lectures and student-centred learning methodology such as discussions, debates and role-play to stimulate learning and demonstrate modern TESOL practice.

Right now, there’s a demand for skilled communicators ready to work in culturally diverse environments. It’s a demand our graduates are equipped to meet. Study with us and you can follow in the footsteps of former students pursuing careers around the world in schools, language schools and university language centres as managers, teacher trainers and consultants – to name but a few.

Choose to study the course on campus full-time in one year or part-time over two, starting in either January or September. You could also take this qualification online via distance learning.

Features and Benefits

• Study in a truly international environment – in recent years cohorts have included students from all over the world including, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Germany, Iran, Korea, Libya, Norway, Pakistan and Thailand to name a few.
• Increase your Employability – With a strong focus on the practical realities of classroom teaching and learning, many of the assessment tasks on the MA TESOL and Applied Linguistics are designed to enhance your employability. For example, you may be asked to evaluate materials, design tests or design a course for a group of learners of your choice.
• Develop your Teaching Skills - If you hold a Trinity Cert/CELTA certificate, as an alternative to the dissertation, you can choose to pursue the Professional Portfolio route where you will be observed teaching by Diploma and MA qualified practitioners and receive constructive feedback on your teaching. You will also be asked to produce a mini-research project of your choice.
• Recognition of Prior Learning - If you hold a diploma in English Language Teaching, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, where you can opt out of up to 50% of course content, significantly reduce the cost of your MA and study time.
• Gain Teaching Experience at a UK University - As the university has a Language Centre where international students are learning English you have the option to practice your skills in real life contexts. You would help these students with their pronunciation, fluency development and natural expression.
• Continuing Professional Development - We have close links to NATESOL (Northern Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), a professional development charity organisation. As a Manchester Met student, you will qualify for free entry to all events and a discount to conferences held here where you can learn more about industry developments and network with practising professionals.
• Support for students - Receive guidance throughout your studies, including feedback on assignments, writing and study skills sessions, dissertation workshops, study group feedback and personal consultations with course tutors and a postgraduate support tutor.
• Additional support for International students - The Coaching for Academic English programme is free and includes English for Academic Purposes and Academic Skills classes, 1-2-1 writing consultations and online independent study materials.
• Online distance learning - you can participate in the programme through the university online learning platform, this will follow the same course outline as those attending in person (with the exception of Uniwide language units). Teaching and learning is tailored for distance-learning students and includes online discussion groups and tutorials.

Information for international students

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/international

Fees and funding

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/how-to-apply/funding