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Education at UEA
Find out more about studying Education at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Part Time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Course Overview
Why MA TESOL at UEA?
Build the skills you need to teach English to speakers of other languages in schools, colleges, universities and community settings.
Study with staff who support you to shape your own teaching approach.
Why choose UEA
- Research-led teaching: Learn with TESOL researchers and teachers, so you can use evidence in your practice
- Observe practice: Choose an observation route, where available, to reflect on language teaching and to plan your professional development
- Gain global perspective: Study with a diverse international cohort. Compare TESOL across these contexts, and strengthen your teaching for diverse learners
What is MA TESOL?
This course builds your knowledge of language learning and how to teach English as a Second Language effectively. You’ll link research to practice and learn how to make appropriate choices for different learners.
In sessions, you’ll explore teaching methods, classroom interaction and the English language itself. You’ll also look at digital technology and how they can support language teaching and learning.
During your time on the course, you’ll strengthen your academic reading, writing and speaking skills for work and study. You’ll also complete a dissertation with guidance from an experienced supervisor.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With an MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree, you could work in roles such as:
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English as a Second Language teacher: Teach in schools, colleges, universities or language centres in the UK or overseas
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Academic English tutor: Support students with study skills and academic writing in higher education
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Materials writer: Create lessons, tests and digital resources for different learners and levels
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Education manager: Move into leadership roles in language schools, colleges or education charities
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Postgraduate research: Continue your studies with a PhD or Ed.D
Career Support
During your time at UEA, you’ll build different communication and analytical skills which will support you throughout your career. Where available, you can learn from guest talks and visits to education settings. UEA has a professional team at Career Central(opens in a new window) to help you improve applications, find opportunities, and prepare for interviews. Your dissertation can provide evidence and examples for promotion, career change, or demonstrate readiness for doctoral studies.
After the Course
You may use the course to strengthen your teaching and then take on wider professional responsibility. You may wish to progress to doctoral study in TESOL, full-time or part-time.
You can stay connected with our research events and networks as your career develops. You’ll leave with research skills you can use in many educational roles.
Study and Modules
Structure
This MA TESOL course is carefully designed to meet your needs as a current or future English language practitioner. You'll acquire in-depth expertise and graduate ready to contribute to the teaching of English worldwide.
You’ll develop advanced teaching and learning skills and cultivate a breadth of knowledge about Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. You’ll also benefit from the depth of study that comes with this unique Master’s-level programme. Our highly experienced academics and professionals who have worked in a range of different countries will share their research expertise with you.
During your first year, you’ll develop your knowledge about language learning theories, principles, and how to embed good practice in teaching and learning. You’ll also consider innovation in language teaching and learning, including the use of digital technologies, planning for learning, and materials development. You’ll develop critical awareness of both current practice and research in English language teaching in the UK and internationally. You’ll also become an expert in matters of professional responsibility, integrity, and ethics, essential for your later career. At the same time, you’ll build your academic and linguistic skills, and effective spoken and written communication skills.
During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a placement where you can observe teaching and focus on your own continuing professional development.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll continue to enhance your advanced teaching and learning skills, while gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to analyse the English language.
A key feature of your MA TESOL experience at UEA in year two is working closely with a supervisor to complete a research project in a TESOL area that aligns with your professional interests. This allows you to develop in-depth expertise and stand out in your field.
After completing your MA TESOL, you may also choose to pursue a CELTA qualification with a local partner organsiation. You can start this immediately after the MA, benefiting from an exclusive promotional rate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through interactive seminars, with time for discussion and practical tasks. You’ll have the opportunity to work on planning teaching and learning to apply key ideas and to develop your communication skills. In sessions, you’ll discuss research and what it means for classrooms and other settings in the UK and globally. You learn with a diverse group and share different perspectives. Your lecturers support you through tutorials and tailored feedback. You’ll also use the library and online resources to support your studies.
Over the full year, you’ll complete your taught study, build your research skills, before finally submitting your dissertation.
Assessment
Assessment on this course will allow you to apply the ideas you’ve learned to TESOL practice. You’ll submit written work that may include essays, reports, and applied analysis. Throughout your studies, you’ll receive feedback that can help you improve your writing and the critical use of evidence.
Building on earlier feedback and support, you’ll write and submit a dissertation that showcases your ability to research and present a clear argument.
You’ll submit coursework across both teaching semesters, as well as your final dissertation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
English Language Teaching, English Language, Education, English Literature or a related English / Education / Linguistics subject area. We will also consider degrees including the study of other languages with English. If you have a number of years of teaching experience, this may also be considered as part of our entry criteria.
- Additional Entry Requirements
English language teaching experience is welcome but not essential.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
English Language Teaching, English Language, Education, English Literature or a related English / Education / Linguistics subject area. We will also consider degrees including the study of other languages with English. If you have a number of years of teaching experience, this may also be considered as part of our entry criteria.
- Additional Entry Requirements
English language teaching experience is welcome but not essential.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills:
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- International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £11,750
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International Students: £25,000
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.