About this course
Study the theory and practice of English Language Teaching (ELT) with our MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) master’s degree.
You can apply for this course if you have recently graduated and are starting your career in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL).
This UK-based MA ELT TESOL is ideal for graduates who want to teach English as a second or additional language, or work in the teaching education sector.
Our English language teaching master's degree will help you develop specialist knowledge and skills in TESOL and related linguistic areas.
On MA TESOL you’ll study the most recent approaches to the curriculum, assessment and pedagogy (interactions between teachers, students, and the learning environment and tasks) and have the opportunity to pursue your interests. Optional modules you can study include subjects like:
- learner autonomy
- English as an international language
On this TESOL studies course you’ll explore the theory and practice of English language teaching. You’ll be prepared to challenge current practices and take an innovative approach to your future career as a leader in the field.
Our graduates are employed across the world in all areas of the English language teaching profession.
If you’re already teaching English through TESOL and want to advance your career, take a look at our MA English Language Teaching TESOL course.
Course lead
Your course leader, Dr Sarah Rule, has research interests in language acquisition and processing.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 honours degree in a language or relevant subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll study this master’s course full-time over one year. Each semester is made up of key modules you must study and gives you the choice to select what modules you want to learn.
Guest speakers will deliver seminars and you’ll have other extension activities as part of your TESOL learning.
You’ll complete your research dissertation project over the final 18 weeks of the course.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module encourages you to reflect on the analysis of the structure of language and its relationships to language teaching. It will demonstrate the kinds of analytic processes employed in linguistic analysis and identify the relationships between gramm...
This module builds on your knowledge of language teaching methodologies developed in LING6022. It will focus on current issues in language teaching methodologies and address more specialised areas taking both a synchronic and diachronic which will comple...
The Masters dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake an extended piece of independent research in Applied Linguistics or English Language Teaching, with guidance from a supervisor.
This module will present you with the principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and allow you to examine them critically across educational contexts and purposes.
The aims of this module are to further develop the research, study and time management skills you will need for a substantial independent research investigation.
You must also choose from the following modules:
A range of key constructs in assessment theory and currently popular techniques in assessing language proficiency are reviewed and critically discussed. The overall processes involved in designing and implementing assessment procedures which are valid, re...
This course explores the themes of learner autonomy, resourced-based and open and distance learning and their practical outworking in an institutional context. You will be encouraged to think through ways of facilitating learning and in particular to cons...
This option provides an overview of the main contemporary currents in the diverse field of discourse analysis. Topics to be covered include the role of grammar, vocabulary and information structure in discourse; the psychology of discourse processing and ...
The module is intended to provide: a) a theory-based account of changes and innovations in technology which impact generally on the digital literacy skills and practices that students bring to class and, more specifically, on their potential implications...
This module explores the rise of English to its current dominant status.
Building on existing knowledge of language policy, English as a Global Language and language education, the core of this module will focus on critically evaluating a range of issues related to English Medium Education in multilingual university settings a...
This module will combine a theoretical understanding of intercultural communication with reflections and evaluations of your own intercultural experiences and applications of this to pedagogic settings and other practical settings.
This module presents ideologies of English and other languages in the changing world where globalisation and the unprecedented spread of English are significant factors. It offers the opportunities of studying language ideologies in an extensive, comprehe...
This module will introduce you to ways of exploring the reciprocal relationship between language and society from contemporary sociolinguistic perspectives.
This module introduces the different theoretical approaches which have been adopted for studying the acquisition of language, and examines and assesses current theories of first and second language acquisition in the light of empirical evidence.
This module will address the implementation and adaptation of language teaching methodologies to address the unique challenges inherent in instructed, early foreign language (FL) learning. The novel aspect of the module will lie in its systematic explorat...
The module examines the techniques of process, product, context, and instruction of writing in a second language. The first deals with composing and the writer in relation to the text; the second deals with the text produced, its structure and organisatio...
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- seminars
- research projects
- independent study
Your contact hours will vary depending on your module choices.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- exams
- presentations
- dissertation
You’ll also receive ongoing assessment and feedback through lecture and seminar activities.
Dissertation
You’ll complete your dissertation during the final 18 weeks of this full-time course. On this project, you’ll need to conduct research in an area related to the teaching of English.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll be prepared to start your career as a English language teacher in state and private schools across the world.
You can also work in Education Ministries or in the publishing industry.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree transcript
- a reference
- an English language qualification
- a personal statement
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
