Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (on-line)

1^st in Scotland for research in Education in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise

This course offers a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at a level appropriate to graduates who already have a sound academic training. The course is taught by staff in the Centre for English Language Teaching, within the School of Education.

Course objectives

TESOL provides an advanced training and professional qualification for people presently engaged in any area of the teaching of English as a foreign or second language. It also offers professional development to people new to TESOL who are seeking a career change.

On completion, you should possess the knowledge and practical classroom skills to be a confident, critically reflective and enterprising teacher.

Entrance requirements

Applications are welcome from people presently engaged in any area of English as a foreign or second language, or those intending to join the profession. Entrance requirements are a university degree or an equivalent qualification appropriate to TESOL.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in speaking and listening and no less than 6.5 in reading and writing), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

Modes of study

Part-time: three years

Course start date

July

Structure and content

You will take four modules  Those entering the course with a recent Cambridge DELTA or Trinity College London Licentiate Diploma can apply for accreditation for  the  pedagogic module:

• TESPD1 - Pedagogy and Practice - This module will provide the basic knowledge of the processes underlying the teaching of the skills and sub-skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking of English.  It will also provide an overview of current theory and practice in the teaching of the elements of English: grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
• TESPD2 - Second Language Learning (SLA): Theory and Research - This module will introduce students to the process of language learning to adults and young learners from the perspective of current theory and research.  It will engage students in critically exploring some of the main developments in second language theory and research.
• TESPD3 - 21^st Century Classroom: Technologies, Concepts and Materials - A practical module which will develop the use of a range of advanced and specialised skills in the production and use of multimedia, computer assisted language learning materials. The module will also provide students with an understanding of the potential and limitations of computers and information technology in language teaching and learning. It will enable participants to identify, select and critically evaluate educational software to enhance their teaching of English.
• TESPD4 - Language and Discourse Analysis - This module will provide an introduction to the techniques of linguistic description and analysis for English language teaching.  It will concentrate on the systematic analysis of the grammar of English.  It will also develop students’ critical knowledge and understanding of some approaches to analysing discourse in the field of applied linguistics, one of the intellectual fields which informs the teaching of English to speakers of other languages

The Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL is awarded on the successful completion of two coursework modules. The Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL is awarded on successful completion of four coursework modules. The MSc TESOL is awarded upon successful completion of four coursework modules plus a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery of modules is carried out mainly through distance and face to face. Learning and professional development is facilitated by regular guided group work tasks online. Progress is assessed by coursework assignments and, for the MSc, the dissertation.

Recommended reading

This will be sent to you once you have completed the application process.

Example timetable

The timetable below is a typical example, but your own timetable may be different.

This will be available towards the end of the summer.

Module titles

• Pedagogy and Practice (TESPD1)
• Second Language Learning (SLA): Theory and Research (TESPD2)
• 21^st Century Classroom: Technologies, Concepts and Materials (TESPD3)
• Language and Discourse Analysis (TESPD4)

Course Director

Anne Lawrie

RAE rating

The School of Education was ranked 1^st in Scotland in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Career opportunities

English is regarded as the most widely spoken language in the world and a qualification in TESOL can open up the opportunity of an English Language Teaching career, or, in the case of experienced teachers, can provide access to promoted posts and management positions within English Language Teaching. On completion of the MSc in TESOL, overseas graduates will be well prepared to sit all three modules of the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations TKT.

Recent graduates have taken up posts overseas or in the field of ESOL in the UK. For more experienced teachers, the qualification has provided access to positions with the British Council or in the tertiary sector.