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MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Our course draws on in-depth practice from across the TESOL sector so you'll graduate with the knowledge and practical classroom skills to be a confident teacher.

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 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) aims to provide an advanced training and professional qualification for people who either work in, or plan to work in, any areas of TESOL. You will graduate with the theoretical, practical and research-based knowledge and skills to be a confident, critically reflective and enterprising teacher. 

The course provides a thorough grounding in applied linguistics and teaching methodology. You have the option to practise this in micro-teaching classes and a range of other module choices. The content of the course will vary to suit your experience so whatever your starting point, you are challenged to acquire knowledge and skills that you can apply in teaching. 

Key features of the course

The MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 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.  

You will join a multinational network, and benefit from being taught by professionals who have experience of living and teaching all over the world. The course offers an excellent balance among theory, practice, and research using a range of cutting-edge, innovative teaching methods. It also draws on best practice from across the TESOL sector, focusing on the development of advanced professional capabilities and knowledge in language learning and teaching. As a TESOL student at the University of Stirling, you will also have an opportunity to apply for a placement at one of our partner institutions in  France, Germany, Japan, or Spain, and put your learning into practice. 

Pathways

You can work towards our core Masters degree, the MSc TESOL, or opt to specialise in one of the following pathways of study:

  • MSc TESOL and Applied Linguistics
  • MSc TESOL and Methodology
  • MSc TESOL and Computer Assisted Language Learning

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). On successful completion of this course, you'll 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;
  • demonstrate a thorough grounding in planning and teaching methodology;
  • 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

English language work placements provide an opportunity to put into practice the teaching skills and theories you have learned as part of your programme of study. 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 TESOL course you'll have the fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience teaching English to non-English speakers in different countries.

The University of Stirling has also 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 with local teachers, and teach undergraduate students about teaching English to young learners.

More information on applying for these opportunities will be provided to students undertaking our MSc TESOL course.

Flexible learning

If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.

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. Our expert teaching team are on hand to introduce you to cutting-edge empirical and theoretical research in a multi-disciplinary and professional environment.

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.

Those entering the TESOL full-time programme with a recent Cambridge or Trinity DELTA will get exemption from TESP002 TESOL 'Methodology' and TESPOO4, ‘Grammar for TESOL’.

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

View the entry requirements for your country.

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) 61 overall with a minimum of 56 in reading and writing and 51 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 goal of this course is to equip you with a solid ground in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Upon successful completion of this course, you will build the ability to: 

  • engage in thoughtful self-reflection and enhance your personal and/or professional beliefs regarding language learning and teaching;
  • cultivate a comprehensive understanding of planning and teaching methodologies;
  • adapt and enhance English language teaching activities and materials with a critical approach; 
  • evaluate the evolution and advancement of theory and research in second/foreign language learning and teaching; 
  • make informed judgments in language curriculum development and classroom management based on a critical assessment of recent research in language learning;
  • develop the necessary skills to conduct a small-scale research project by evaluating various research approaches. 

The full-time MSc TESOL consists of two 15-week semesters of taught modules and a three-month dissertation period. The part-time MSc TESOL 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 universities in institutions in France, Germany, 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

In general, progress is assessed by coursework assignments and, for the Masters, the dissertation. 

  • The Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL is awarded on the successful completion of 60 coursework modules worth 60 credits. 
  • The Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL is awarded on successful completion of coursework modules worth 120 credits. 
  • The Masters (MSc) TESOL is awarded upon successful completion of coursework modules worth 120 credits plus a dissertation of 15,000 words. 

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 VLE (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 TESOL course 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.

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 Programmes 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

2023/242024/25
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  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

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 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 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.

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.

Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling

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

Graduates will leave with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the TESOL sector, enabling them to take on more responsibility in current or future roles overseas or in the UK.

For more experienced teachers, the qualification has provided access to positions with the British Council or in the tertiary sector.

On completion of the MSc TESOL, international graduates will be well prepared to sit all three modules of the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations TKT.

Employability skills

We’re committed to enhancing your employability. Once you register for the MSc TESOL, 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. 

You’ll have access to numerous options for further development offered by the Institute for Advanced Studies and by the Faculty of Social Sciences

What our students said

Yang Liu
Yang Liu
China
MSc TESOL
The best part of my course is the micro-teaching module. It offers students the opportunity to practice teaching in a simulated class, which is a good way to build confidence and overcome your nerves.
Read Yang's story
Yang (Charles) Wang
Yang (Charles) Wang
China
MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
I graduated in 2015 and currently work in Higher English Education Publishing Division, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. I’m the Deputy Director of the College English Publishing Department. All I learned in Stirling is relevant to my current job which is about designing English textbook for Chinese university students.
Read Yang (Charles)'s story
Peerapat Singlong
Peerapat Singlong
Thailand
MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Studying at Stirling has helped me build my self-confidence and prepared me to be competitive in the jobs market. If I had to sum up my time studying at Stirling in three words then they’d have to be: welcoming, friendly, nature.
Read Peerapat's story

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