ELT/TESOL Studies (MA)

You’ll need a 2:1 honours degree in a language or relevant subject. 

 
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

If you are over 21 and feel you would benefit from degree-level studies, we can be more flexible with our entry requirements. We’ll expect you to demonstrate your commitment by means of some recent serious study, such as: 

• at least 1 A Level pass 
• completion of an Open University foundation course  
• completion of an appropriate Access course 

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

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.  

You can also choose to study this part time, the taught part will take place over 4 semesters, followed by the dissertation. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

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. 

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 2019). 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 vibrant 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

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 and EU 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.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

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 will 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