TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA
About this course
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73% of NTU’s research in English Language and Literature was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent - REF2021. -
Take part in practical teaching and build a whole portfolio of teaching materials. -
We are a Cambridge-approved Centre so there may be the opportunity to add a Cambridge Teaching qualification such as CELTA to your degree.
This course is ideal for both experienced English Language teachers and those with little or no experience in the area who wish to become an English language teacher to speakers of other languages. The course helps you develop employability and enterprise skills, and offers a lot of teaching practice as well as an optional placement.
MA TESOL will equip you with a highly portable global skillset that allows you to get started as an English teacher in schools, universities and private training institutions around the world, manage English Language Teaching (ELT) programmes, develop educational material and textbooks, or even start your own language teaching business.
What you’ll study
The course has a very practical focus. You will have the opportunity to take part in practical teaching. You will be involved in demonstrating a range of teaching methods in practical sessions, including:
- designing teaching materials
- planning lessons and tests
- practising teaching in a peer group
- analysing real lessons through DVD observations.
At the end of the course you will be able to accumulate the teaching materials you develop into a portfolio for job applications.
We very much value the range of perspectives that students from different socio-cultural contexts bring to teaching and learning. The profile of course participants is very international, including most recently Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Mexico, Poland, Switzerland and the UK.
Our teaching methods encourage active participation in group work, discussion and the exchange of ideas, with the aim of developing your critical and analytical skills.
We offer a high level of in-sessional support designed specifically around the needs of students, both in classes and on an individual basis. We provide one-to-one help with assignment and dissertation writing and are always happy to make appointments with students who want to talk privately about their work and progress.
Core modules
Investigating Language in Use (20 credits)
Develop your knowledge and skills in analysing language in use. It covers fundamental areas in language analysis for English language teaching practitioners. It also focuses on why knowledge of these systems and ability to analyse language are essential skills for the language teacher, and how they can be used in a variety of language teaching situations.
Developing Classroom Practice or Extending Classroom Practice (20 credits)*
Novice teachers will study Developing Classroom Practice which will build your knowledge of classroom methodologies, strategies for second language teaching and the principles underpinning these. This includes practical, classroom-based orientation and develops your confidence and competence in the planning, delivery and analysis of lesson types.
More experienced teacher will study Extending Classroom Practice which will challenge you to critically investigate your current knowledge and practices and explore a range of pedagogical options. Real language classrooms allow you to experiment with new methods, strategies and techniques.
* This is subject to student numbers.
Analysing Second Language Learning (20 credits)
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods in light of research evidence, and build evidence-based practice and informed evaluations of your own, and others', teaching. You will produce a video or podcast aimed at a specific group of teachers, giving practical advice on how the theory or research can be meaningfully applied to practice.
Designing Courses and Assessments (20 credits)
Examine the principles of syllabus and course design. You will apply your knowledge and understanding to design an English language course for a group of learners and outline strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of your course.
Research Methods / Practical Project / Dissertation (60 credits)
The Research Methods module supports your transition towards developing your own personalised research project, allowing you to conduct original research on a topic of your choice related to teaching English to speakers of other languages. The Research Methods module will support development and enable you to gain in-depth knowledge of research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches as well as using discipline standard software to support your analyses. Your development is supported with a hands-on approach to exploring research at the forefront of teaching and learning. This approach will support development of your skills as a researcher, which culminates with one-to-one supervision from our experienced lecturers. Comprehensive support ensures you develop robust competencies, critical thinking, and expertise to contribute meaningfully to the field of TESOL. The Research Methods module provides support for your academic and professional journey with rigorous, real-world research experience.
The dissertation is a piece of independent work that builds upon the practical, theoretical and research skills of the MA course. Alternatively, you may produce a practical project of around 10,000-words with accompanying material, such as bespoke teaching materials, or re-designing a curriculum.
Optional modules - choose two
Options are subject to student numbers and demand
Teaching English for Academic Purposes (20 credits)
Understand the role of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) within Higher Education sectors around the world.
Exploring Teacher Education (20 credits)
Evaluate the practices and processes of teacher education and professional development. You will consider at least two different teacher education settings such as pre-service training, in-service training, action research, self-directed teacher development.
Teaching English to Young Learners (20 credits)
Explore the teaching of young learners, based on understanding of psychological and sociological factors contributing to the general and linguistic development of children. You will learn how to evaluate published materials for teaching young learners, and apply your knowledge to a variety of practical teaching contexts.
Designing Materials for the Language Classroom (20 credits)
This module focuses on the design of TESOL materials. You will be tasked to produce effective materials and be able to trial them through micro-teaching and live language classrooms, in both physical and online environments.
Teaching and Assessing Vocabulary (20 credits)
Over the past 30 years there has been a dramatic increase of research in the area of language acquisition, and it is now a central area of investigation in the wider field of applied linguistics. This module uses this research to question current practice and outline principles of good teaching. You will analyse instructional material of your choice, and develop materials and assessments for classes to promote vocabulary learning.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
Assessment
Assessment methods on this course are designed to evaluate your ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical work and where possible to relate ideas and proposals to your own teaching context.
A range of assignment types are used including essays, practical tasks, portfolios, presentations, demonstration lessons and class tests.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Our graduates are now working as English language teaching professionals, teacher trainers, textbook writers or university lecturers throughout the world.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, it is a vocationally focused course which aims to help you to achieve an English Language teaching post in your chosen country. You will have the opportunity to take a one-year module on practical teaching and be involved in demonstrating a range of teaching methods in practical sessions, designing teaching materials, planning lessons, and tests.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- You will need a UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the equivalent to:
- a UK honours degree (minimum 2.2)
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Course fees for 2025 entry:
Course | Full time Home (UK) tuition | Part time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA TESOL | £9,300 | £4,650 |
* Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Course fees for 2025 entry:
Course | Full time International and EU tuition | Part time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA TESOL | £17,850 | £8,925 |
* Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
