MSc English Language Teaching and Management
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to be a teacher of English as a second or foreign language while developing your ability to manage in a multicultural working environment.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date September 2024
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months; MSc part-time: 24 months
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
Our postgraduate degree in English Language Teaching and Management aims to provide advanced training and professional qualifications for people who either work in, or plan to work in, any area of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). The course is for current and prospective English language teachers who see themselves as potential managers of language teaching departments or schools. You will graduate with the theoretical, practical, and research-based knowledge and skills to be a confident, critically reflective, and enterprising teacher.
This Master’s course is one of only a few such degrees in the UK. During this master’s course, you will learn the key knowledge and skills needed to be a professional teacher of English as a second or foreign language, while also developing your management skills to manage in a multicultural working environment. The course provides a comprehensive grounding in applied linguistics and teaching methodology through the modules taught by the TESOL courses in the Faculty of Social Sciences and a solid understanding of management principles via the modules offered by the internationally renowned University of Stirling Management School. You will have the option to practise these skills in micro-teaching classes and a range of other module choices. The content of the course will vary to suit your experience and background depending on your starting point.
We’re here for novice and experienced teachers
The MSc English Language Teaching and Management is distinctive because of its focus on training both novice and experienced teachers, its balance of theory, practice and research, and its innovative approach to teaching, including special academic and research skills support. The content of the course will vary to suit your experience, whatever your starting point. You, either as a novice or experienced teacher, will get a thorough grounding in the theory and research underlying English language teaching and also in teaching methodology. You will also benefit from a range of management module choices if you are planning to move into a management position.
This Masters is distinctive because teaching is combined with input on management skills relevant to the multicultural working environments that are commonly experienced in language teaching today. The modules taught by the University of Stirling Management School will equip you with the awareness, knowledge, and techniques essential for building a successful career. These range from practical skills, like effective public speaking, to developing ways to work under pressure in difficult situations and manage conflict.
The degree will also be relevant to you if you intend to go on to study for a PhD.
Learn from the experts
You will be taught by experienced researchers who have extensive connections in the TESOL field, including publishers and governmental organisations such as the British Council. You will 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 English Language Teaching and Research event series. Additionally, you will be taught management skills by specialists in our highly ranked Management School.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
The course aims to give you a strong foundation in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a focus on management issues within the subject. On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- critically reflect upon, further inform, and develop your own personal and/or professional beliefs about the process of language learning and teaching;
- apply organisational management strategies to educational contexts;
- critically adapt and develop English language teaching activities and materials;
- critically evaluate the evolution and development of the theory and research on second/foreign language learning and teaching;
- critically assess recent research on language learning to make well-informed judgments in language curriculum development and the management of learning in the language classroom;
- develop the skills for a small-scale research project based on your evaluation of different research approaches.
Work placements
School work placements provide an opportunity to put into practice the teaching skills and theories you have learned as part of your course. They are an optional part of this course and comprise approximately a 10-week school experience where you will observe and teach English as a foreign language in an institution in Europe.
Study abroad
As a student on our MSc English Language Teaching and Management course, you will have the fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience teaching English to non-English speakers in different countries.
The University of Stirling has developed close working partnerships with universities around the world to make finding a placement as seamless as possible and give you tailored teaching and learning opportunities. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a placement in France, Germany, Hungary, Japan or Spain.
Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany
Undertake class observation, small group work supervision and teaching assistance in a local high school. During the school holiday, you will have a chance to work with materials development or with writing support at the university.
Next-Level Solutions, France
Your placement will be based at After School, an English language learning centre in the area of Chatou in the city of Paris. You will undertake class observation, teaching assistance and teach in the language centre and also in local elementary, junior and senior schools
Iwate University, Japan
Your placement will be based at Iwate University in the city of Morioka, which is the capital of Iwate. You will undertake class observation, assist in workshops to local teachers, teach undergraduate students about teaching English to young leaners
More information on applying for these opportunities will be provided to students undertaking our MSc English Language Teaching and Management.
Research overview
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, Educational research at the University of Stirling was ranked top 20 in the UK for impact and research environment, with 100% of our research impact and environment in Education classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
80% of our research impact in Business and Management Studies was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2:1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
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 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in speaking and listening.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 60 in reading and writing and 59 in speaking and listening.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, 18 in reading and 23 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The course aims to provide you with a strong foundation in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a focus on management issues within the subject. Through the Masters in English Language Teaching and Management, you will be able to:
- reflect critically and develop your personal and professional beliefs regarding language learning and teaching;
- apply effective organisational management strategies in educational settings;
- critically modify and create teaching activities and materials for English language education;
- analyse and evaluate the historical progress and current state of theory and research in second/foreign language learning and teaching;
- make well-informed assessments of recent research in language learning, contributing to curriculum development and classroom management;
- acquire the necessary skills to undertake a small-scale research project by evaluating various research approaches.
The full-time MSc English Language Teaching and Management consists of two 15-week semesters of taught modules and a three-month dissertation period. The part-time MSc English Language Teaching and Management includes four 15-week semesters of taught modules and a six-month dissertation period.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2023). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
You will be taught via a range of methods and materials, including in-person lectures, seminars, video tutorials, interactive discussions and activities, critical reflections, microteaching, independent study, and so forth. Modules offer a mixture of online content including videos, recorded short lectures, interactive activities and face to face teaching sessions. Our learning and teaching approach aims not only to transfer knowledge to you but also to build your confidence to learn independently while developing a wide range of skills.
You'll be 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. In addition, there are opportunities to observe language teaching in local schools and colleges and to apply for a placement opportunity at one of our partner institutions in France, Germany, or Hungary, Japan, or Spain.
The course includes a wide range of compulsory and optional modules. Optional modules are revised over time and, in some cases, will be dependent upon pre-requisite and/or co-requisites being taken. More information about these requirements can be found in the relevant module descriptors. The optional modules available each year can be subject to change due to student demand and availability of teaching staff.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods designed as formative and summative assessments. These assessment methods include written assignments, annotated bibliography, coursework, portfolio, poster, presentation (oral) and artefact (e.g., poster/PowerPoint/report), reflective essay or journal, research proposal, and teaching plan.
Assessment criteria follow the common marking scheme of the University. They are provided on our virtual learning environment, and the assessment process is carefully explained. Where criteria vary for a particular module, this will also be explained.
Classroom hours
All modules taught within MSc English Language Teaching and Management are delivered face-to-face on campus, with online elements like video tutorials, recorded short lectures, and/or online discussions. Most of the modules include 30 hours of scheduled sessions and 170 hours of independent study, with a total of 200 hours. The dissertation module includes 6 scheduled hours, 24 supervision hours, and 570 independent hours dedicated to independent study, resulting in a total of 600 hours.
Course director
Key staff
Dr Adnan Yilmaz
Dr Adnan Yilmaz currently works as a Lecturer in Education (TESOL) and serves as the director of the MSc TESOL courses at the University of Stirling. Previously, he worked in the English Language Teaching Programme at Sinop University in Turkey and in the Turkish Language Programme at the University of Arizona in the United States. He coordinates and teaches courses both in the campus-based and online MSc TESOL Programmes at Stirling. His research interests include language teacher education, intercultural communication, social justice language education, and instructional technologies.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland | £8,700 | £9,100 |
| International (including EU) students | £19,645 | £20,600 |
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our UK/Republic of Ireland 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.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our UK/Republic of Ireland Alumni Scholarship or International 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.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Starting salaries vary considerably in the English Language Teaching sector. Depending on the country you're working in and your employer, they can range from £14,000 to £25,000. However, with experience and qualifications, salaries can range from £27,000 to £33,000. Those in management positions can be in excess of £35,000 which makes this degree very appealing for students (prospects.ac.uk).
Graduates with this unique combination of practical language teaching and professional management skills are highly sought after. You’ll graduate with the proven skills and training you need to successfully manage people and run a commercial language school or language teaching department in this flourishing international sector.
This degree suits both experienced teachers who wish to develop management skills and novice teachers who want a mix of training in English language teaching and management skills.
HigherEd Global Talent Portal
As a Management School student, you have access to the HigherEd Global Talent Portal where you’ll find internship, trainee positions, apprenticeships and graduate positions from companies around the world. It helps international students looking for placements back at home and local students that want to explore an international experience.
The global talent portal is in addition to all other existing initiatives and resources available for you through the Careers Service and the Target Connect vacancy and events system.
Employability skills
We’re committed to enhancing your employability. Once you register for the MSc in Management and English Language Teaching, you’ll have access to the first-class range of services offered by our Career Development Centre. We also provide you with a tailored workshop series entitled “My Career in TESOL” aimed at developing your awareness of continuous professional development, your knowledge of job market requirements and your confidence in applying for jobs. Stirling Management School also has a dedicated Employability Manager, and from the very beginning of the course your future career is our primary focus.
What our students said
Côte d’Ivoire
MSc Management and English Language Teaching
Read Marie-Anne Gisele's storyI was looking for a school that taught both management and English language teaching to be equipped with both skills to run my language centre efficiently. Stirling was the only university I found in the entire UK to offer this course, so I jumped in!
Vietnam
MSc Management and English Language Teaching
Read Nguyen's storyGetting a Masters degree means I can apply to teaching in universities in Vietnam, and of course it means I have more career opportunities in general.