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TESOL MA

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Intro

This MA is designed to help you develop professionally as an English language teacher in a global context.

The two pathways mean you can develop your skills whether you are an experienced language teacher or at the beginning your career. A flexible module structure allows you to follow your interests, whether that's digital resources, becoming a teacher trainer, or the development of materials.

You will apply theory to practice through teaching, observation and reflection. All learning is supported by digital resources and a superb online library provision, as well as  support for academic writing and study skills. Our tutors are experienced in English language teaching, teacher education and the use of digital media for language teaching. 

You will have  the option to add a teaching assessment module to gain an initial TEFL qualification (TEFL-I) or a diploma-level qualification (TEFL-Q), depending on the amount of teaching experience you have.

You may be coming to the MA after completing our Diploma in TESOL. Graduates from this course (or any equivalent) will be offered credit to set against study for the MA TESOL, saving you time and money.

Academic support

We give extra support to TESOL students whose first language is not English, providing a variety of pre-sessional language programmes for students who want to improve their language skills before starting their degree. We also organise a regular writing group for our international students, led by an experienced English for Academic Study tutor. Watch our video to find out more about how the writing group could benefit you. 

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

Full-time 1 year
Part-time up to 6 years

The course can be started in September or February

Find out about postgraduate events

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Course content

Course structure

The course provides a supportive, stimulating and culturally diverse environment. It is delivered flexibly – the full-time course is taken over one year but you can also take the course part-time, up to six years. Studying part-time means that you can take the option modules in any order, however, you will always undertake the dissertation at the end.

There are two pathways offered. Pathway one is for those with no or little experience in teaching and pathway two is for those who have at least two years of experience. Each of the pathways has two core modules and four option modules. Whichever pathway you take, you will always undertake the dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a 15,000 piece of work. It is the culmination of your MA experience and is based on independent research. It is self-managed, but you have a great deal of support from your supervisor. If you are completing the course in one year, you will start your research in May and complete your dissertation over the summer.

Student working independently on laptop

Pathway one

Core and option modules for those who have no or little teaching experience.

Core modules

  • The Practice of English Language Teaching – you will study current teaching practices and methods and approaches to lesson planning. You will learn about presenting and practising new language, as well as ways of developing learners’ productive and receptive skills, and have an opportunity to evaluate and produce teaching materials. You will work in a collaborative atmosphere with other students who are at the start of their teaching career, and have opportunities to apply learning to peer teaching experiences. You will be encouraged to learn through reflection. Assessment is by means of a portfolio which includes a detailed lesson plan with accompanying materials, and reflections on the plan and peer teaching.
  • Context, Cultures in English Language Teaching – this module is designed for aspiring English language teachers interested in deepening their understanding of the development of ELT practices and of the cultures of teaching associated with it in multiple contexts. There are opportunities to reflect on personal learning histories and to engage with issues relevant to working in international ELT contexts, such as prevailing methods, global materials, variables associated with teaching contexts, and cultures and identities. Assessment is through a portfolio containing reflection on learning, and a presentation on a materials project which is based on teaching and learning within a specific cultural context.

Option modules

  • Language Teaching and Technology – you will explore the use of technology, primarily digital, in the second language learning field. You will investigate the technologies, applications and tools available and consider models for their integration into language learning and teaching. It is assessed through a portfolio which contains: three discussion board posts, a group presentation, and an essay.
  • Perspectives on World English/es: Theory and Practice – this module is designed to raise your awareness of the global spread of the English language, and the historical, political and sociological factors that have contributed to this development. You will explore the various debates surrounding ownership and use of English in both your own and the wider global context. You will also critically engage with the implications for learning and teaching English. It is assessed through regular reflective responses to assigned reading and a presentation.
  • English Language Teaching Materials – this module helps you to evaluate, adapt, supplement and create materials to support language teaching and learning. You investigate the role of the design processes and pedagogical principles underlying materials production. You also explore the appropriacy of different media technologies for materials production. It is assessed through a portfolio of work which includes: materials developed to support an aspect of language work; presentations from seminars; and a written discussion on the design process and its outcomes.

  • Language Awareness – you will explore English language and discourse and develop the ability to critically evaluate grammatical frameworks that are currently used in English language teaching worldwide. It is assessed through an examination which asks you to apply learning to teaching problems and issues.
  • Second Language Acquisition – you will explore research on second and multilingual language learning from analysis of learner language to current cognitive and sociocultural models. It will also help you to consider the implications of such research for second language teaching and teachers. It is assessed through an essay.
  • Teaching English as a Foreign language – this is an optional additional module which you can apply to take. If completed successfully, and combined with MA modules, it will give you an initial TEFL qualification (equivalent to a Certificate in TESOL). The module is assessed through the completion of a reflective portfolio and 6 hours of assessed teaching.

 

Checkland Building at Falmer

Pathway two

Core and option modules for those who have at least two years of teaching experience.

Core modules 

  • Exploring English Language Teaching – you will investigate key aspects of contemporary English language teaching. The module is built around the following areas: teacher beliefs, the teacher’s role and practices, classroom interaction and management, methods and post-method, the role of context, understanding learners, course design and materials. All study is underpinned by the concept of evidence-based teaching. It is assessed through a portfolio containing three posts made to discussion boards, a group presentation and an essay.

Option modules

  • Language Teaching and Technology – you will explore the use of technology, primarily digital, in the second language learning field. You will investigate the technologies, applications and tools available and consider models for their integration into language learning and teaching. It is assessed through a portfolio which contains: three discussion board posts, a group presentation, and an essay.
  • Perspectives on World English/es: Theory and Practice – this module is designed to raise your awareness of the global spread of the English language, and the historical, political and sociological factors that have contributed to this development. You will explore the various debates surrounding ownership and use of English in both your own and the wider global context. You will also critically engage with the implications for learning and teaching English. It is assessed through regular reflective responses to assigned reading and a presentation.
  • English Language Teaching Materials – this module helps you to evaluate, adapt, supplement and create materials to support language teaching and learning. You investigate the role of the design processes and pedagogical principles underlying materials production. You also explore the appropriacy of different media technologies for materials production. It is assessed through a portfolio of work which includes: materials developed to support an aspect of language work; presentations from seminars; and a written discussion on the design process and its outcomes.
  • Second Language Acquisition – you will explore research on second and multilingual language learning from analysis of learner language to current cognitive and sociocultural models. It will also help you to consider the implications of such research for second language teaching and teachers. It is assessed through an essay.
  • Language Awareness – you will explore English language and discourse and develop the ability to critically evaluate grammatical frameworks that are currently used in English language teaching worldwide. It is assessed through an examination which asks you to apply learning to teaching problems and issues.
  • Professional Teaching Practice and Reflection (which leads to a TEFL-Q level qualification) – entry to this module is dependent on having a suitable type of teaching background. This module helps experienced language teachers consolidate and extend their professional skills. This is a career-focused module that enables you to become professionally qualified in TESOL (TEFL-Q). It is assessed by means of 5 observed English language lessons. Each lesson is videoed.
  • Teaching English for Academic Purposes - in this module you will explore the specific context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). This will help you master the practical and theoretical understandings of EAP teaching practices and how they apply to academic culture in the UK and deliver the specific EAP skills that meet student needs. You will also learn how to critically examine and create EAP specific course material and broaden your range of teaching skills.

Aerial of Checkland Building at Falmer

Student views

Hasan Mohammad Mohammad

The course definitely stimulated me intellectually. The readings we did, the discussions we had in classes, the way of writing academically and most importantly the way it made me reflect on practice with the ELT theories and topics we’ve taken such as teachers beliefs and language materials.

Hasan Mohammad Mohammad

Krisztian Varga

The course teachers are experts in their fields and are able to professionally balance giving feedback and help and encouragement – enough to help us with our difficulties and get us closer to our goals. Their insights and support are vital in the closing stages of our journey in order to help us consolidate our knowledge and allow us to bring the absolute best out of ourselves.

Krisztian Varga

TESOL at Brighton – on film

Hear students describe their experience of learning to teach at the University of Brighton.

Thanks to Chiaki Hashizume (English Language Teaching MA), Cristian Palombizio (English Language Teaching MA), Hajoung Ko (TESOL MA), Hasan Mohammad (TESOL MA), Heeho Yang (TESOL MA), Mark Thomas (TESOL with ICT MA), Talitha Tuijin (TESOL MA) and Yuejie Jin (English Language Teaching MA).

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube.

How this course is delivered

How will my course be taught?
For the academic year that starts in September 2022 we’re planning for all students to be taught face-to-face on campus, enhanced by some online learning.

Students who started their course with us in 2021 are on campus for some face-to-face learning including tutorials, workshops, laboratory classes and studio sessions. They are also taking part in off-campus learning activities such as placements, field trips and study visits. And all of our campus facilities – libraries, learning spaces, restaurants, gyms and more are open.

Like all universities we are following government guidance and we are monitoring the pandemic very closely. Should Public Health advise it we have robust plans in place for additional safety measures to be introduced to enable everyone to continue learning on campus, and, as a last resort, for students to continue their learning remotely.

We will update you regularly on our teaching plans for the next academic year as you progress your application with us.

When does my course start?
The 2022 academic year begins on Monday 26 September 2022. Teaching for most courses starts the following week.

Many education courses, some health science courses including Medicine, and some postgraduate business courses have an earlier start date. Check your offer letter for the start date of your course.

Careers

Graduating with a TESOL MA from the University of Brighton will open up opportunities across the world in the field of English language teaching. Equipped with relevant research skills and advanced knowledge about secondary language learning, you will have all of the relevant training you need to begin your career.

Our graduates have gone on to successful positions not only in second language teaching in schools and universities but also in educational management, educational marketing, teacher training, materials development and publishing, as well as further academic study.

You can find more information – including job opportunities – at careers.tesol.org.

Graduate success

Diego Fernando Macias Villegas returned to his home country of Colombia after the MA to work in teacher education and has since been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to complete his doctorate in the US. Diego has written widely and authored seven publications.

Esin Yuksel from Turkey wrote an essay for the Language Teacher Education module that was later published in an international journal. She wrote to us to say: "When I started working, I realised how much the TESOL MA extended my knowledge of English language teaching and my research skills... Thank you for everything."

Hashem Adnan from Kuwait published his MA dissertation as a book on teaching English to footballers. He now manages a popular blog for Kuwaiti teachers.

International students

Language student

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course. They should be used as a general guide.

Degree and experience
The MA is open to both English language teachers who have teaching experience and to those who have little or no teaching experience. Depending on the amount of experience you have, you will follow one of two pathways through the MA, each of which is designed to cater to the needs and interests of either experienced or inexperienced teachers.

Applicants should normally have an undergraduate honours degree (usually at 2:2 level or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject area, for example English language, literature, education, foreign languages and media.

Applicants without an undergraduate degree will be considered on the basis of appropriate experience in relevant areas or some professional experience in fields such as teaching, teacher education, interpreting, journalism, cultural, social and educational policy, publishing and materials writing. These applicants may be required to provide written evidence (for example, an assignment from a training course or an essay set by the admissions team) of their analytical and reflective skills in writing.

Credit towards the MA (up to 60 credits) can be given to applicants who have completed our own Diploma in TESOL (level 7), or who have completed an equivalent Diploma in TESOL (such as the DELTA or Trinity Diploma in TESOL).

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through our Extended Masters programme.

Other
The admissions team will look at references for evidence of preparedness to undertake level 7 study, in particular commitment to sustained academic work. Candidates may also be required to attend an interview. The interview will focus on the candidate’s potential to benefit from and contribute to the programme of study. Candidates from overseas, or at some distance from Brighton, may choose to have a telephone or Skype interview.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK full-time)7,866 GBP

International (full-time)15,462 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Humanities and Social Science in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • For some assessments you may be required to print large format posters for presentations at a cost of £5–£10 per poster.
  • Most coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £100 for printing.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.
  • Some courses include an optional placement module for which students will need to cover the costs of travel to and from the placement and DBS checks as required.
  • For the Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling PGDip and Psychotherapeutic Psychodynamic Counselling PGDip, the following course-related costs are not included in the tuition fee:
    • Supervision fees: £1,170 for each full year. Estimated based on £45 per hour with fortnightly meetings. In some agencies, supervision will be provided at no cost. Where students have to pay, the cost will only begin when supervision begins.
    • Personal counselling/therapy: £2,000–£2,800 over the course. Estimated based on £40 per hour.
  • For a number of courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits. These are optional and are not required to pass your course but under normal circumstances we would expect a budget of approximately £150 per year will cover the costs of particular trips. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. 7,000 students are based here taking subjects including criminology, English, education, nursing and medicine, paramedic science, psychology and sociology. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. Psychology students learn in our applied cognition and flexible creative method labs.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes, and a students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre and there is a BTN BikeShare hub on site. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students who apply by 30 June.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls are on Falmer campus and offer a range of rooms
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Private renting
There's plenty of support if you opt for private renting. This is an option which offers choice and flexibility – enabling you to choose where you live and who with. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Cricket Academy

New for September 2023, our Cricket Academy offers aspiring players the opportunity to continue their cricket development alongside studying for a degree. The programme offers a world-class training environment with the highest quality coaching.

Find out more about the Cricket Academy.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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