Program Overview

PhD TESOL Research

Overview

This PhD course is entirely dedicated to TESOL Research. This doctorate will be of interest to those who have a background in languages, linguistics, applied linguistics, or a related field, as well as to language teaching practitioners who have a keen interest in research.

Key Facts

• Award: PhD
• Start date: September 2025
• Duration: PhD full-time: 36 to 48 months, PhD part-time: 60 to 96 months
• Mode of study: full time, part time
• Delivery: on campus

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• You should usually have a minimum of a Masters degree in TESOL, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Languages or similar subject from a university in the United Kingdom or elsewhere (provided that the degree levels are comparable to those in the UK).
• We also welcome enquiries from you if you don’t have this formal qualification but have relevant research experience through your professional practice. In this case, you’ll be asked to undertake a task to demonstrate your research skills.

International Entry Requirements

• View the entry requirements for your country.

Application Procedure

• As part of the application process, you’re asked to answer each of the following questions in 500 to 1,000 words:
  • Why are you interested in the course?
  • What problems or foci are you particularly interested in researching?
  • What kind of research methods might you employ?

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 62 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 20 in listening and 22 in speaking.

Course Details

Modules

• The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2025. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.

Teaching

• The taught modules in this ground-breaking PhD in TESOL Research course are delivered on a face-to-face and blended basis. The delivery style such as lectures, workshops and student presentations are carefully selected to suit the module content and your needs.

Assessment

• Assessments for the taught modules will vary depending on their respective learning outcomes and may include presentation, annotated bibliography, essay, and research proposal. For each 20-credit module, you’ll be asked to produce a piece of work which is equivalent to a 3,000-word essay. Your final assignment will be the production of original research to be reported in a 60,000+ word thesis.

Fees and Funding

Fees and Costs

• University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
• Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.

Funding

• Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.

After You Graduate

Employability Skills

• We’re committed to enhancing your employability. Once you register for the PhD in TESOL Research, you’ll have access to the first-class services offered by the University, which you can use even after your graduation.

Companies We Work With

• The PhD is taught by experienced researchers who have extensive connections in the field of TESOL, including publishers and governmental organisations such as the British Council. You’ll have a chance to network with a range of other key players in the field who are invited to deliver workshops and seminars in our ELTR (English Language Teaching and Research) event series.