Program Overview

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Course Details

The MA in TESOL and Applied Linguistics offers excellent opportunities to develop your career in English language teaching whether you’re an inexperienced teacher, starting out in the field or a more experienced teacher looking to take your skills to a new level.

Start Dates

• September 2025

Degree Type

MA

Course Length

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location

Durham City

Programme Code

Q3KE07

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules

Core Modules:

• Language for Teaching: examines the phonological, lexical, grammatical and discoursal features of spoken and written language.
• Classroom Methods: teaches the core theories and methodologies from the field of applied linguistics that underpin the teaching of both skills and language knowledge in second-language classrooms.
• Research Methods: supports you in developing an understanding of key research approaches and methods in the fields of TESOL and Applied Linguistics.
• Fundamentals of English Language Teaching: introduces core ideas and issues relevant to second language acquisition, syllabus design and methodology.

Optional Modules:

You then choose four further modules from a wide range of options. The optional modules are divided into two pathways, TESOL and Applied Linguistics and have previously included:

TESOL Pathway

• Evaluation and Assessment
• Practice of English Language Teaching
• ELT Management
• ELT Materials Development and Evaluation
• English for Specific Purposes
• ELT Methodology
• Teaching Young Learners
• Technology-enhanced Language Learning

Applied Linguistics Pathway

• Sociolinguistics
• Intercultural Communication and Education
• Global Englishes
• Pragmatics and the Language Classroom
• ELT Methodology
• ELT Management

Learning

The MA TESOL and Applied Linguistics is delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions and micro-teaching sessions, giving you a solid grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

Assessment

The majority of core and optional modules are assessed via written assignments ranging from essays and teaching plans to assessment designs, reflections on teaching practice and presentations.

Entry Requirements

A 2.1 (or overseas equivalent) degree in any discipline.

A 500-word personal statement which should include the following:

• An outline of your interest in MA TESOL and applied linguistics
• An indication of what skills and knowledge you would hope to acquire
• Outlining any prior teaching experience you may have, especially teaching other languages

Fees and Funding

Full Time Fees

Tuition fees:

• Home students: £12,900 per year
• EU students: £26,500 per year
• Island students: £12,900 per year
• International students: £26,500 per year

Part Time Fees

Tuition fees:

• Home students: £7,100 per year
• EU students: £14,600 per year
• Island students: £7,100 per year
• International students: £14,600 per year

Career Opportunities

English Language education at Durham produces inspirational teachers of English as a second language who are capable of using their learned skills and knowledge for a range of employers across the globe.

Department Information

Focusing on the teaching of English as a second language, we provide opportunities to embark on a fulfilling career developing spoken and written English skills among communities across the world.

Facilities

The Durham Centre for Academic Development Centre offers a wide range of up-to-date resources that support the development of your teaching skills and your ability to carry out significant and effective research.

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