Program Overview

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

Overview

Our Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course combines theoretical academic study with practical application and skills development in English language teaching. Our course provides advanced training for TESOL professionals, and examines the latest developments in TESOL methodology and related issues. You'll develop the practical and professional skills involved in TESOL, along with the ability to analyse and apply theoretical perspectives to practical situations.

Course Structure

The course consists of three core modules and a range of option modules.

Core Modules

• Language and Learning: Description and Analysis: This module introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in the description and analysis of language, with specific reference to English language teaching. The module also introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in language learning, with specific reference to second language acquisition and the implications of these concepts for the language teacher. (40 credits)
• Language Teaching Methods: The module examines current practice and developments in language learning and teaching, including communicative competence. A range of topical issues in language learning and teaching are covered. (40 credits)
• Dissertation: Development, execution, and writing-up of an independent research project on a topic chosen by you. All students will attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance. (60 credits)

Option Modules

• Analysing Spoken and Written Discourse: This module offers a range of different linguistic tools for analysing written text. Texts are analysed for lexical and grammatical cohesion, metonymy and metaphor, and register and thematic progression (Hallidayan functional grammar). Texts are also analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA). (20 credits)
• Intercultural Communication: You'll gain a greater understanding of what is happening in cross-cultural communication, and develop your ability to do it well. In the first part of the module you will examine critically different theories of the nature of cultural difference and its impact on cross-cultural interaction. You'll also explore theories of the intercultural abilities needed to manage such interaction effectively. (20 credits)
• Language in Society: This module explores concepts and issues in sociolinguistics; research methods; languages and factors such as age, class, gender, ethnicity; language variation, choice, planning, change; language in face-to-face interaction. (20 credits)
• Languages for Specific Purposes: The module introduces Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The module examines the different requirements in terms of needs, aspirations, and appropriate modes of instruction and assessment, of different types of language learner. (20 credits)
• Materials Development: By developing your understanding of the theory and principles of educational attainment, this module will lead you to a critical review of language course materials. You will consider the nature of learning, and analyse learners’ needs and aspirations in relation to the production of course materials. (20 credits)
• Testing and Assessment: You'll examine past and current developments in language testing and assessment. This includes the role of language tests in measuring achievement and communicative proficiency, whether diagnostic, prognostic, performance or achievement. (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2).
• After submitting your application, you will be given an assignment which requires you to discuss the statement "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages must take account of the learners' educational context" in no more than 1,500 words.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Tuition Fees

• UK tuition fee: Tuition fees have yet to be confirmed for this course (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: Tuition fees have yet to be confirmed for this course (Price per academic year)

Research Groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

• Westminster Forum for Language and Linguistics

Supporting You

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.

Related Courses

• Creative Writing: Writing the City MA
• English Language and Linguistics MA
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA