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 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
Local placement
Local placement offers an opportunity to apply the teaching skills and theories learned during your studies. This optional placement involves an approximately eight-week experience in a UK institution, where you can observe and potentially teach English as a second language.
International placement
As an MSc TESOL student, you will have the exceptional opportunity to gain international teaching experience. The MSc TESOL programme has established strong partnerships with institutions globally to facilitate seamless placement opportunities in diverse cultural settings. Eligible students can apply for placements at:
- Next-Level Solutions, France
- Iwate University, Japan
- Zurich University of Teacher Education / PHZH, Switzerland
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany
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, Japan, Switzerland or Germany.
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, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre 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, University of Stirling International Study Centre 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
Our MSc TESOL course offers the flexibility to study full-time or part-time. The full-time option comprises of two semesters of taught modules followed by a three-month dissertation period. The part-time option spans four semesters of taught modules and a six-month dissertation period.
You can specialise in one of the following routes (pathways) depending on the modules you choose:
- MSc TESOL
- MSc TESOL and Applied Linguistics
- MSc TESOL and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
Before selecting modules, you must seek advice from the Course Director with regards to which modules you need to take, based on your previous qualifications and English teaching experience. Students with less than two years' appropriate teaching experience must take TESP006 in the Spring semester.
Modules
Teaching
The course employs various teaching methods, including in-person lectures, seminars, video tutorials, interactive discussions, and activities. Modules incorporate a blend of face-to-face teaching sessions and online content such as videos, recorded lectures, and interactive activities. The learning approach aims not only to impart knowledge but also to cultivate independent learning and skills development.
Offering a wide array of compulsory and optional modules, the course adjusts optional modules periodically, sometimes contingent on prerequisite or co-requisite completion. Detailed requirements are outlined in the Module Descriptors. Optional modules may vary annually based on student demand and teaching staff availability.
Taught by experienced researchers with extensive TESOL connections, including affiliations with publishers and organisations like the British Council, the course provides networking opportunities through English Language Teaching and Research (ELTR) events featuring workshops and seminars by industry experts. Students also have opportunities to observe language teaching and potentially teach through local and international placement at our partner institutions.
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 are conducted face-to-face on campus, supplemented by online components such as video tutorials, recorded lectures, and/or virtual discussions. Typically, modules consist of 30 hours of scheduled sessions and 170 hours of self-directed study, totalling 200 hours. The Dissertation module comprises 6 scheduled hours, 9 supervision hours, and 585 independent study hours, totalling 600 hours.
Course director
Key staff
- Prof Adrian Blackledge
- Dr Ildegrada da Costa Cabral
- Prof Angela Creese
- Dr Viola Wiegand
- Dr Adnan Yilmaz
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
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 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.
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
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 £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
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
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.
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