Intro

The MA TESOL with ICT is one of a limited number of courses in the UK that allow language teachers to explore in depth the role of media and educational technologies in the teaching and learning of English as a foreign, other, or second language.

The course is for experienced English language teachers who want to make effective use of technology to support the teaching and learning of English. Core to this will be your knowledge of teaching, your linguistic competence in English, and your understanding of the available technologies and how to integrate them into teaching and learning. These areas are all covered in the range of modules which make up the course.

To investigate the potential of technology in English language teaching (ELT), traditional media technologies such as coursebooks are considered, as are a variety of digital technologies including social media, mobile technologies, video-conferencing tools, online collaborative workspaces, and more. These technologies are examined in terms of both their in- and out-of-class use. When considering technology use in ELT you will be encouraged to locate your enquiries in your own professional context, so you can apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge appropriately.

Our graduates have gone on to successful positions, not only in the classroom, but also in the development and evaluation of ELT materials, for example, as project managers, materials developers and authors, and teacher trainers in the area of blended and online learning.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

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

The course can be started in September or February

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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

How this course is delivered

We've made some changes to the way our courses are taught to keep everyone safe, connected and involved in university life.

At the moment, students have a blend of on-campus and digitally enabled remote learning that provides lots of opportunities to interact and engage with lecturers and other students.

Find out what these changes mean for this course

Why study with us

All learning is supported by digital resources and a superb online library provision

The course will develop you professionally and enhance your employability

Your course tutors are extremely experienced in English language teaching, teacher education and the use of digital media for language teaching

You will have systematic support for academic writing and study skill

You will have the option to add on a teaching assessment module to gain a Diploma-level qualification (TEFLQ)

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 with ICT, saving you time and money

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 optional modules in any order, however, you will always undertake the dissertation at the end.

The MA is based on the idea that theory, practice and research in the field of teaching, learning, media and educational technologies are closely linked. All modules relate theories and research to professional problems, including both general issues and the individual professional issues of our students.  The course is made up of two core modules and four optional modules, plus the dissertation.

Dissertation
The dissertation is a 15,000 piece of work. It is the culmination of your MA 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.

Areas of study

Core 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.

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'll 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.

Optional 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.

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.

Language Teacher Education – this module supports career development. It is intended for those in language teaching/ELT sectors within the UK and international settings who are interested in developing their expertise as teacher educators and trainers. It aims to critically examine current approaches to language teacher education and professional development for both native and non-native teachers (including digital resources), and in the light of this to address the needs of specific contexts, including online provision. It is assessed by means of an essay which identifies a teacher education problem and explores possible solutions.

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.• 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.

Professional Teaching Practice (which leads to a TEFLQ 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 (TEFLQ). 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.

Student views

Robyn Moallemi

“I chose to study the TESOL with ICT MA because it combines two of my professional and personal interests: languages and technology. Since my first degree in French language with media studies, I have had a keen interest in how media and creative practices can motivate and engage language learners. Having been out of education as a student for eight years, I realised that I needed a challenge and wanted to develop both personally and professionally.

"The course has offered fantastic opportunities to learn and be updated on teaching and learning approaches, second language acquisition theories, teacher development and teaching with technologies. I left every class wanting to try something new and creative with my students.

"Meeting teachers from around the world and sharing ideas and stories of teaching have made me reflect on my own teaching practice. I feel that I have already developed and hope to continue to develop as I use technology to engage, inspire and motivate more students than ever before.”

Film about TESOL at Brighton

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).

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Careers

The TESOL with ICT MA equips language teachers for roles of responsibility and creativity in managing the use of educational technologies to support language teaching and learning, developing language learning materials, designing courses, and educating language teachers.

Graduates have gone on to successful positions as project managers, materials authors and developers, self-access centre managers and teacher trainers. A high proportion work in universities both in the UK and around the world, for example as a senior lecturer in e-learning and ICT, a senior lecturer in media, and a curriculum and education development manager.

Students have also gone on to work in companies that produce or deliver language learning materials or instruction. They include the co-founder of a successful electronic publishing house, a principal developer in the UK's leading e-learning company, and a manager of educational technologies in British Council schools.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course for students planning to start their course in 2020, and should be used as a general guide.

Degree and/or experience
The MA is usually open to second language teachers with more than two years of teaching experience. Places are normally given to those who have a good first degree (BA or BSc), and a high standard of spoken and written English. It is also an advantage to have some form of initial teaching qualification.

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 the Extended Masters programme at the university's Language Institute.

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)7,704 GBP

International (full-time)15,300 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 the fee, while studying a course in the School of Humanities are listed here.

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.
In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget up to £150 per year for printing.
Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £200 to buy your own copies.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further 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 2021–22.

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

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

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.

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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.

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, but if you prefer you can add in a food and drink plan.
- 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, and there's a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.

Unihomes and unilets
Unihomes and unilets are student houses that we let to our students on behalf of private landlords. This option can work particularly well when you're balancing learning with placements and other commitments. We have unihomes and unilet properties across the city.

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. We manage our own studenthomes database of properties. This lists accommodation offered by landlords who have signed up to our code of standards. 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.