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Programme Leader:   Dr Irena Kuzborska

The PhD in TESOL is available to be studied in 3 modes: part-time, full-time, and  distance learning

In order to apply for a PhD place, we ask that you first submit an application form.  We cannot accept a CV or any other documentation in place of a formal application.  When you apply for a PhD place, you must submit a research proposal about 1,500 words in length. More information about the PhD application and admissions process can be found on the How to apply and FAQ  pages . Apply now

The PhD in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) emphasises state-of-the-art second and foreign language research, and is designed to enhance specialised knowledge through academic study and research.

The programme is suitable for:

• English as second or foreign language teachers
• teacher educators
• professional development administrators
• curriculum developers
• materials writers
• researchers

The course emphasises state-of-the-art second and foreign language research. It focuses on practice and aims to help students to achieve a critical understanding of teaching theories and to obtain solid grounding in research methodology appropriate for conducting research projects in their professional contexts.

Our PhD research students in recent years have come both from the United Kingdom and from many overseas countries. Many of our overseas students have chosen to conduct studies which involve collecting fieldwork data in their home country. Proposals to conduct a study which involves collecting fieldwork data overseas are welcomed.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a good honours degree or a master's degree (MA, MSc or MEd) in a relevant discipline (eg TESOL, Applied Linguistics, ELT, or Education) although candidates with other evidence of ability to succeed at PhD level will also be considered.

If English is not your first language, we do expect you to be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency.  The minimum requirement for PhD in TESOL is IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  For further information please see  English language requirements .

Apply now for the PhD in TESOL

Apply now for the PhD in TESOL (Distance Learning)

Applying for a PhD How do I apply for a PhD? Scholarships and funding Tuition fees and expenses York Graduate Loyalty Discount UK government postgraduate loan scheme

Further information Our Research Centres York Graduate Research School Meet our PhD students Educational Research Group  (ERG) Writing Centre

Department of Education University of York , Heslington , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0)1904 323460 | [email protected]

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Fully Funded PhDs in Teaching English as a Second Language

Last updated May 15, 2022

As part of my series on  How to Fully Fund Your PhD , I provide a list of universities that offer full funding for a PhD in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). PhDs in Teaching English as a Second Language are able to find employment around the world in teaching, curriculum writing, various educational positions, and academia.

“Full funding” is a financial aid package for full-time students that includes full tuition remission and an annual stipend or salary for the three to the six-year duration of the student’s doctoral studies. Funding is typically offered in exchange for graduate teaching and research work that is complementary to your studies. Not all universities provide full funding to their doctoral students, which is why I recommend researching the financial aid offerings of all the potential Ph.D. programs in your academic field, including small and lesser-known schools both in the U.S. and abroad.

You can also find several external fellowships in the ProFellow database for graduate and doctoral study, as well as dissertation research, fieldwork, language study, and summer work experience.

Would you like to receive the full list of more than 1000+ fully funded programs in 60 disciplines?  Download the FREE Directory of Fully Funded Graduate Programs and Full Funding Awards !

The University of British Columbia (UBC)  

(Vancouver, BC Canada): All full-time students who begin a UBC-Vancouver Ph.D. program will be provided with a funding package of at least $22,000 for each of the first four years of their Ph.D. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships.

New York University

(New York, NY): The basic full-time Ph.D. funding package includes an annual stipend, tuition remission for required course work, and student health insurance through your fourth year. If you are accepted as a full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. student without an alternate funding source, you are eligible for our generous funding package, which includes a scholarship and tuition remission.

University of Pittsburgh

(Pittsburgh, PA): The Department of Linguistics is able to offer several very attractive funding packages every year to well-qualified applicants for the Ph.D. program. Each full-time financial aid package comes with a fellowship covering all tuition and fees, full medical coverage, and a stipend for two terms of service.

Need some tips for the application process? See my article  How To Get Into a Fully Funded PhD Program: Contacting Potential PhD Advisors .

Also, sign up to discover and bookmark more than 1800 professional and academic fellowships in the  ProFellow database .

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Related Posts:

• Fully Funded PhD Programs in English
• Fully Funded Master's Programs in English
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in School Psychology
• Fully Funded Master's Programs in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
• Fully Funded PhD Programs in Mathematics

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Ph.D in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Doctor of philosophy in teaching english to speakers of other languages, 2 qualifications from uk and france.

Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) with 18 specializations is a dual degree program that combines an Ofqual Recognised Awarding Organisation and Université Libérale de Paris. The PHDBM is the highest degree in practical academia and science specializing in teaching English.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) has 18 specializations that focus on in-depth research knowledge in teaching English. Students have access to research from the start, with topics that are highly practical and applied.

Unlike the Professional Doctor program, students must have at least one scientific article published in ISI/SCOPUS journals, journals owned by the Liberal University of Paris, or journals linked to.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at the Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) is a dual qualification program.

Graduates will receive:

• LRN Level 8 Diploma in TESOL. 
• Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree offered by Université Libérale de Paris

Programs in details

Distinction in accreditation:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program is a dual-degree program, resulting in the completion of two distinct degrees. The program is a cooperation between the Ofqual-accredited UK national competency framework accreditation system and Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U). Both institutions are institutionally and programmatically accredited.

• The Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) is certified at the highest level of the Premier Institute by the HEAD (High Education Accreditation Department), and at the program level by the examination system and granting of British national certificates by level (Awarding bodies of Ofqual, UK. Gov).
• LRN is one of the prestigious institutions granting national qualifications in the UK, accredited by Ofqual, UK. Gov.

Distinctions in learning method:

All the programs is applied the Liberal Education pedagogy for graduated learners.

Our Paris-U  A.C.T  will help the learners:

• A ccredited Programs with international recognition.
• C hange and get another degree major within 12 months.
• T -Shaped skills.

For the international learners not study full time in France, the program is designed for those who are always on the go, using the Hybrid Model with live classes. Students can study Université Libérale de Paris’ original program and achieve a degree as full-time study abroad students without needing to accommodate in France.

Distinctions in degrees: 2 independent qualification with the specialization based on the Doctoral thesis:

• A LRN Level 8 Diploma (Doctoral Level) in TESOL.
• A Specialized Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Université Libérale de Paris

Distinctions in learning and research materials:

• The learners get access to Level 8 EQF specialty courses even though the Professional Doctorate program is career-oriented and research-oriented from the start. This methodology is used for the first time in Europe at Université Libérale de Paris.
• Access to specialist subjects at the doctorate level not only helps fellows consolidate their expertise, but also serves as an essential reference tool to aid fellows in doing research and writing their doctoral thesis with assurance.

Distinctions in expert acknowledgement:

• The Liberal University of Paris is also the first institution to develop a dual accreditation model that combines the thorough accreditation of the academic program with the recognization of the professional accrediting organizations (Professional Certified Bodies).
• Depending on the curriculum, the Senior Leader Council [UK] will honor the research and professional ability of specialists who have graduated from doctorate programs at the Liberal University of Paris.

List of Specializations:

Postgraduate students pursuing dual degrees in the Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) program will receive two independent degrees, with the specialization based on the doctoral thesis. Research students can specialize in one of the following areas:

• Ph.D in International Business
• Ph.D in Hospitality Managememt 
• Ph.D in Public Administration 
• Ph.D in Hospital Management 
• Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Management 
• Ph.D in Healthcare Management 
• Ph.D in Human Resources Management 
• Ph.D in Finace & Banking 
• Ph.D in Logistics and Supply Chain Management 
• Ph.D in Tourism Management 
• Ph.D in Luxury Management 
• Ph.D in Engineer Management 
• Ph.D in Technical Management 
• Ph.D in Construction Management 
• Ph.D in Design Management 
• Ph.D in Information Technology Management
• And other specializations based on the Doctoral Thesis

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) dual degree program is an applied research-oriented program in which students will take research-related courses and conduct research step by step with the assistance and supervision of instructors.

The program is two years long. The method of instruction consists of a combination of globally livestreamed lectures (Live Class) with instructors.

Mandatory modules:

• Develop advanced research approaches in a suitable context. (30 credits)
• Advanced Literature Review. (30 credits)
• Advanced Design Research. (30credits)
• Advanced Data Analytics for Research. (30 credits)

Students will complete each phase of their PhD thesis after each course.

PhD thesis stage (60 credits)

• Doctoral Thesis (60 credits)
• Defend Doctoral Thesis

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) thesis will be concerned with teaching english solutions and knowledge development.

The Ph.D program, unlike the DTESOL programs, requires a minimum of one academic journal published on the ISI/SCOPUS system or on journals owned or affiliated with Paris-U.

Students who complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages  (PHDTESOL)  dual degree program can:

Be able to conduct research relevant to the context of the specialization.

• Assess the significance, practicability, and research potential of the problem to be investigated.
• Develop and modify research objectives to suit orientation, research objectives, and research time constraints.
• Analyze, consider alternatives, and make appropriate research decisions.

2. Be able to collect, organize, and choose theoretical foundations for PhD research projects

• Collect theoretical foundations related to the research topic.
• Organize and develop theoretical foundation structures for research topics.

3. Be able to design an entire study.

• Know how to conduct a literature review and select relevant studies to support the proposed research.
• Design the research in accordance with the research objectives, research questions, and time frame.
• Adjust the chosen research methodology while keeping research ethics and feasibility in mind.

4. Be able to create a research proposal and carry out research.

• Examine theoretical foundations and research models when developing research questions.
• Develop research to international standards by writing a complete PhD thesis on a chosen topic.
• Know how to present your research to a scientific panel.
• Be able to persuade and argue.
• Be able to write academic journals
• Be able to work with the appraisal council and peer-review in the process of publishing academic journals.

The Université Libérale de Paris is the only university where doctoral students can study a full range of courses specialized in teaching English. The materials from these specialized courses can be used to broaden the students’ knowledge and aid in their research process.

All study materials for Teaching English majors at the Doctoral level (Level 8 EQF) are posted on the training management system (LMS), and these materials are only accessible to doctoral students at the Université Libérale de Paris.

Students taking the PhD in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages  program have access to the following materials and lectures:

• Understanding Learning and Learners (20 credits)
• Creating a Conducive Learning Environment (20 credits)
• Managing and Leading Digital Education (20 credits)
• Leadership and Organisation Transformation (20 credits)
• Education Research and Methodology (20 credits)

Ph.D students have both specialized knowledge at the doctoral level and research competence from the Ph.D. with the help of knowledge-supporting materials.

The Université Libérale de Paris is the only university where doctoral students can study a full range of courses specialized in education. The materials from these specialized courses can be used to broaden the students’ knowledge and aid in their research process.

1. Teaching Reading and Writing (20 Credits)

• Topic 1 – The Nature of Reading
• Topic 2 – Models of Reading
• Topic 3 – Reading and the Second Language Reader
• Topic 4 – Social Contexts and Motivation to Read
• Topic 5 – Individual Student Variation
• Topic 6 – Reading and Vocabulary Development
• Topic 7 – Strategic and Fluent Reader
• Topic 8 – Extensive and Intensive Reading
• Topic 9 – Theoretical Orientations to Second Language Writing
• Topic 10 – Learning to Write in the Second Language
• Topic 11 – Writing Process
• Topic 12 – Response, Error Correction and Grading
• Topic 13 – Second Language Writing and Culture
• Topic 14 – Writer’s Workshop Approach

2. Teaching Listening and Speaking (20 Credits)

• Topic 1 – Listening as Comprehension & Listening as Acquisition
• Topic 2 – Cyclical Approach in Teaching Listening
• Topic 3 – Principles of Developing Listening Activities
• Topic 4 – Types of Meaning for Listening
• Topic 5 – Examples of Listening Activities
• Topic 6 – Learning Styles and Listening Strategies
• Topic 7 – Functions of Speaking
• Topic 8 – Talk as Interaction, Transaction and Performance
• Topic 9 – Types of Speaking Activities
• Topic 10 – Assessment of Speaking
• Topic 11 – Teaching Pronunciation in a Second or Foreign Language
• Topic 12 – Speaking and Listening Fluency

3. Language Assessment and Testing (20 Credits)

• Topic 1 – Role and Purpose of Testing and Evaluation
• Topic 2 – Principles of Test and Measurement
• Topic 3 – Limitation of Tests
• Topic 4 – Basic Statistics and Measurement
• Topic 5 – Reliability of Tests
• Topic 6 – Validity of Tests
• Topic 7 – Item Analysis
• Topic 8 – Different Formats of Assessment
• Topic 9 – Objective Language Tests
• Topic 10 – Subjective Language Tests
• Topic 11 – Technology in Assessment
• Topic 12 – Authentic Assessment

The doctoral programs at Université Libérale de Paris are designed with a training time of 2 to 5 years or more, culminating in a PhD thesis that meets international standards.

When participating in the PhD program in conjunction with the UK qualification system Level 8 Diploma, graduate students can choose between two training programs: Specialized Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) or Specialized Doctor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DTESOL).

Despite sharing the same specialization, the Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) and Doctor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DTESOL) have many differences. Some of the fundamental differences are as follows:

Candidates who register for the program will be considered by the application department before joining the program, in addition to the entry requirements, to ensure that they understand and benefit from the program.

Entry requirements must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Master’s degrees in specific fields from accredited universities. The appraisal procedures will be carried out by Paris-U or our local partner for domestic universities that do not have international accreditation.
• RQF (UK), EQF (Europe), or Level 7 diploma equivalents must be obtained from accredited institutions.
• The Université Libérale de Paris does not accept degrees from fake universities, Diploma Mills, accredited universities, or discredited accrediting organizations.

English language requirements:

• English at or above CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level B2.
• IELTS 5.5; Speaking and writing must both be 5.5 or higher.
• In the absence of an English certificate, the Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) and its partner will perform an internal English test and evaluate each candidate.

The Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) reserves the right to accept or reject applications based on accrediting agency requirements and Paris-U’s global acceptance target.

The Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) is a university that is HEAD-accredited at the institution level and the UK RQF framework at the program level. At the programmatic level, Paris-U is endorsed by the LRN, an awarding body recognized by the UK government. After completing the program, students may confidently enter the job market, continue their education, and seamlessly transfer to other prominent and similar educational systems because the curriculum and degrees are rigorously approved by prestigious organizations.

• Please go  HERE  for additional information about the accreditation of the Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U).
• Please go  HERE  for additional information about LRN’s accreditation and programs.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) program combines two degrees. Students receive the following upon graduation:

The LRN Level 8 Diploma in TESOL 

In the United Kingdom, Level 8 is equivalent to:

Doctor of Philosphy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages  (PHDTESOL)  from Université Libérale de Paris  (Paris-U)

The Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) specialized Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) is equivalent to Level 8 Diploma of the EQF European Qualification Framework and is assessed using the Paris-U accreditation system.

The specialized Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) degree is one of the highest academic degrees. When combined with the dual degree system, which combines a UK Level Diploma and a Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) from the Université Libérale de Paris, research students can pursue a career as a specialist or research specialist in theory and practice, become a lecturer, or advance to senior positions in the labor market.

Students can participate in PostDoc programs based on the fields of research they want to develop if they want to conduct international research, publish international articles on the ISI, SCOPUS system, and so on.

Graduate students can also publish books, studies developed during their studies, or research that comes up during their studies.

After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PHDTESOL) program at Universit Paris, students will be awarded the following:

• Senior Leader Certified (UK Gov Standard No. ST0480)
• Research Scientist Certified (UK Gov Standard No. ST0759). Graduates can apply for these accreditations without taking the annual EPA examinations and exams conducted by the Senior Leader Council.
• Students are full-time Université Libérale de Paris students (Paris-U).
• Students pursue the original program as full-time students at Université Libérale de Paris in France (Paris-U).
• The program is entirely taught in English. Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) does not adopt the education system for French-taught programs in France.
• Degrees awarded by Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) are classified as private university degrees. Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) degrees are not part of the public education system, not owned by the French government, and is not part of the France-based higher education system.
• This is not an affiliate program, nor is it a Vietnamese-taught international program.
• Local lecturers are not involved in teaching. Local activities are only for academic support.
• Fees and scholarship policies (if applicable) are subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Liability Disclaimer

• Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) and its partners make no assurances that students who enroll will graduate, and receive a degree. Only if the student fully meets and fulfills the academic, financial, disciplinary, and other requirements does the Université Libérale de Paris award degrees and recognize academic results.
• Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) reserves the right to refuse admission, refuse support, cancel student status, and not reimburse tuition and fees in the case of a commit of violations, absenteeism, or voluntary refusal to continue the program.
• Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) cannot guarantee that a degree will be accepted by a third party. The receiving organisation subjectivity determines whether or not to accept.
• Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) does not guarantee that students will receive a salary increase, promotion, or be accepted into new positions or jobs after graduation.
• Despite regulations governing cross-recognition and qualifications equivalence, each country, organization, and unit has their own right to receive and recognize degrees. Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) does not guarantee automatic degree recognition when using degrees, certificates, transcripts, and other documents from the Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) and partner schools. Similarly, Université Libérale de Paris does not guarantee or support the process of recognizing equivalent qualifications (if any).
• Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) makes no guarantees or commitments that students will be able to reside, work abroad, obtain a work permit, a teaching license, or a specialist license in France, Europe, or any other country.
• Université Libérale de Paris (Paris-U) offers extreme assistance, but cannot guarantee students 100% of short-term study visa (in case of full-time study) or European visa (to attend graduation ceremony in France and/or Europe) if it does not meet the requirements of the host country and the appropriate authorities in granting and approving the right to exit, move, and migrate.

Tuition fees

Tuition policies are in keeping with the provisions of the Paris-U policy and subject to change without notice. In some case, Paris-U offer variety of Scholarships for International Students. 

Université Libérale de Paris

Université libérale de paris (paris-u) offers a variety of scholarships for international students. the scholarship is not for full-time learners in france and eu and is limited. <span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: normal; white-space: normal; font-family: montserrat; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" ..

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Doctor of Professional Practice in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DProf TESOL) – Online September 2024 or January 2025 entry

The Doctor of Professional Practice (DProf) in TESOL programme is designed for educational practitioners who wish to conduct practice-focused research within their professional context. This is a part-time, online programme at PhD level for experienced professionals who are seeking to effect positive change within educational organisations.

Course type

Postgraduate professional doctorate, leading to a Doctor of Professional Practice (DProf) award.

Entry requirements

• Good performance on a postgraduate degree in TESOL (for example, MSc, MA or MEd) or a related subject (for example, education, educational research). The Institute also considers applicants who do not have a Master’s degree but can evidence significant professional experience combined with alternative qualifications at postgraduate level.
• Evidence of relevant professional experience, as presented in application documents.
• English language proficiency. See English language requirements for postgraduate students . Applicants who need to provide an English test score should refer to profile 7-D for details of acceptable tests and scores.

You do not need to provide a full research proposal to apply for this programme. The initial stage of the DProf TESOL will guide you through developing a proposal.

This is a six-year programme, which allows for entry into either first year or second year. Entry to second year will be considered for applicants who can evidence excellent performance on a relevant Masters programme in addition to significant professional experience. To enquire about eligibility for second year entry, please send a transcript and description of professional experience to [email protected] .

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. If you require further information about entrance requirements for this programme, please email [email protected] .

Application deadline

• Monday 5 August 2024 for September 2024 entry
• Thursday 12 December 2024 for January 2025 entry

Application requirements

• a CV containing your personal details with a history of your education and employment (paid or voluntary) to date, as well as any publications or conference presentations delivered
• a personal statement (500 to 1000 words) that describes: your professional context, your reasons for applying to the programme, possible areas of focus for your research (with an explanation of why these are relevant to your professional context)
• two references (at least one of which must be academic)
• academic transcripts and degree certificates
• a sample of your academic writing (for example, an assignment from a previous degree programme, or an academic article or report you have previously published)
• evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language). If you have not yet taken an English language test, this can be submitted at a later date. Any offer of a place would then be conditional on attaining evidence of your English language competence. Applicants who need to provide an English test score should refer to profile 7-D for details of acceptable tests and scores.

Course details

The Doctor of Professional Practice (DProf) in TESOL programme is designed for educational practitioners who wish to conduct practice-focused research within their professional context. This is a part-time, online programme at PhD level for experienced professionals who aspire to, or are already working in, leadership roles within educational organisations, or who wish to advance their classroom practice through research.

During your studies on the programme, you will develop research skills through taught modules, and by producing a portfolio of scholarly work such as journal articles, edited book chapters, and policy documents. This portfolio will contribute to the enhancement of practice within your educational community, while also developing your professional profile.

• A flexible online structure that allows you to engage in study alongside professional and personal commitments
• The ability to complete doctoral research focused specifically on TESOL
• A focus on practice-based research that benefits your professional context
• The gradual development of a portfolio of scholarly work, which will enhance your professional profile during the programme
• Support in applying for professional recognition, where appropriate (for example, HEA/BALEAP fellowships)
• The opportunity to engage with professional development opportunities within the International Education Institute and the wider University

Programme structure

The DProf TESOL has two main components, making up a total of 540 credits for the programme.

• Supplementary studies: 120 credits. 60 of these may be awarded as Advanced Standing Credits for students who enter directly into second year.
• professional projects: 360 credits
• an integrative critical analysis: 60 credits.

Supplementary studies

You will take taught modules at Masters level over the initial four semesters of the programme, or three semesters for students who enter into second year.

The supplementary studies modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue .

• Compulsory modules
• Optional modules

If you are a first-year entry student, you will take all four modules from the following list.

If you are a second-year entry student who has completed an MSc TESOL qualification at the University of St Andrews, you will take the two modules from the following list that did not form part of your MSc TESOL studies.

If you are a second-year entry student who has not completed an MSc TESOL qualification at the University of St Andrews, you will take all four modules from the following list.

• Being a doctoral practitioner: provides you with an overview of expectations for students on the DProf programme, and for professional doctorates in general. Through the module, you will analyse the skills and foundational knowledge needed to complete your studies (e.g. methodologies for conducting classroom-based research; understandings of researcher-practitioner identity), and work towards developing a personal toolkit of skills and knowledge for success as a doctoral practitioner. You will also consider in detail key concepts relevant to the programme, such as reflective practice, explorative practice, and appreciative inquiry.
• Planning for professional projects: provides support in planning out a full proposal for the professional projects component of your portfolio, as well as mapping out a timeline for successful completion of all aspects of the DProf programme. You will consider what the different outputs that make up your professional projects should be, and how these will form a thematically coherent body of research. You will also reflect on likely challenges you will face during the programme and how you will address these.
• Action research for educational practitioners: provides a learning experience in which you can reflect on concepts and theories you are studying in other modules and connect them with classroom practice. The module explores the combined value of reflection and action research for classroom practitioners, providing a means for language teachers to understand their classroom contexts and to plan responses to challenges in these contexts.
• Education and researching: teachers are increasingly expected to be evidence-informed or even evidence-led; consuming, creating, and sharing research. This module addresses how we evaluate the quality of research to decide what is rigorous and informative for our practice, how we can build on existing research when planning our own interventions, and how to design, pilot and reflect on the effectiveness of different data collection instruments. We consider a range of research contexts and values to help you actively engage with pedagogical research.
• Self-directed study A and   Self-directed study B: intended to support you through developing and enacting a self-directed study on TESOL. The module assessment is self contained but may support the development of research skills or knowledge that will inform the later doctoral portfolio. This module is intended for those practitioners who already have a strong focus in their research plan and want to learn about a methodology or topic in greater depth, such as completing a pilot study or action research cycle. You will be supported through identifying issues and discourses in an area of practice, devising a small-scale study with a coherent methodology and underpinning philosophical stances, resulting in an output which draws connections between theory and practice.

The modules listed here are indicative. There is no guarantee they will run for 2024-2025 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue .

If you are a first-year entry student, you will take four modules from the following list (subject to timetabling constraints).

If you are a second-year entry student who has not completed an MSc TESOL qualification at University of St Andrews, you will not take any of the modules below.

• Assessment and Evaluation in Education : brings together the study of language testing with the theory and practice of assessment in pedagogy. You will learn key concepts in both, how to design and improve tests for different purposes, and how to make productive use of assessment within teaching. We also consider some of the broader social impacts of assessment and testing and how teachers navigate tensions when promoting student learning within a measurement culture. The module also acts as an example of learning through assessment, giving you opportunities to reflect on how different approaches such as mastery learning or active learning are reflected in assessment design, as well as critiquing aspects of assessment such as the use of time limits, group tasks, multiple-choice questions, and gamification.
• English Medium Instruction : In recent years there has been a rapid increase in the teaching of academic subjects through English in countries where the majority of the population do not use English as a first language. This module explores this global trend from the standpoint of content and language teachers, as well as students. It considers the wide variety of English medium instruction contexts, evaluating theory in the fields of teaching and learning, language acquisition and intercultural communication in an attempt to address some of the practical challenges involved.
• English for Academic Purposes : preparing and supporting students who come to study for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees through the medium of English is one of the most challenging but rewarding jobs in the field of language teaching. To do this well, an EAP teacher needs to understand the higher education context; the key principles underpinning learning in a university; text and discourse in the communities of the different disciplines, theories and practice of assessment; and the most effective methods and materials to motivate students and help them into a discourse community. 
• Teaching Young Learners : explores theories of child development and learning which are fundamental to the understanding of child second language acquisition, namely children aged 4 to 7, 8 to 11, and 12 to 18. Child psychology has to be taken into account in the development of teaching materials, teaching styles and classroom management. There is also a practical element to the module, in the form of tasks requiring you to create lesson plans and materials to share with your peers, to apply theory to practice.
• Technology for Teaching : introduces you to the principle theories, concepts and practices of technology in language education. You will be able to critically consider the role and purpose of various modes of technology in education in a wide range of settings to identify and conceptualise problems within your own professional contexts.
• Teaching format

The modules are delivered in a variety of ways, such as:

• recorded lectures
• recorded mini-lectures
• online written forums with students resident in other parts of the world
• intensive feedback sessions on your work.

In these modules, you will integrate theory and practice by discussing and critiquing theoretical concepts and frameworks, and then applying them through a range of practical assessments.

Assessments include:

• a variety of different types of written assignments
• presentations
• development of teaching plans
• material development
• assessed online written forums.

Two of the compulsory modules you will take are only offered to DProf TESOL students and are designed to help you:

• acquire the skills you need to succeed as a doctoral practitioner
• formulate a proposal for the 'professional projects' component of the programme.

You will need to submit a proposal for your professional projects work and undertake a progress review at the end of the supplementary studies component of the programme. Passing this progress review will allow you to move on to the professional projects component.

Portfolio (professional projects)

This part of the portfolio will total 35,000 to 40,000 words and will normally include the following:

• three or four journal articles or edited book chapters
• a policy document or policy critique (for example, school or national policies, or a current assessment paper), or one or two articles in practitioner journals.

At least one of the journal articles submitted for assessment should be in a peer-reviewed international or national journal, and published before completion of the programme (‘online first’ is acceptable). A submission might, for example, include one conference paper, one book chapter, one journal paper, and a policy paper. 

Portfolio (integrative critical analysis)

This part of the portfolio will provide a reflective synthesis of all elements of the programme, and will explain the contribution you have made to professional practice in your chosen area. This part of the portfolio will total 12,500 to 15,000 words, and will normally include the following:

• description of the academic and intellectual context for your professional projects
• a synthesis of your publications to demonstrate a coherent theme
• critical reflection on your professional development during the programme
• explanation of professional impact and contributions to knowledge resulting from your research

Assessment for the award of Doctor of Professional Practice (DProf)

As with a PhD, your work will be evaluated for a doctoral award through a viva voce examination. If, following any revisions or resubmission after your viva, your work does not meet the requirements for the award of Doctor of Professional Practice, it will be considered for the award of either Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements .

To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Home and overseas

Students will pay an annual fee for the duration of their studies (either five or six years). This fee will be £5620 for the first year of study, and any increase in fees will be capped at a maximum of 5% per year. The fee is the same for both home and overseas students.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to students each year.

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Your future

Postgraduate virtual visiting days.

We hold postgraduate virtual visiting days throughout the year to offer prospective postgraduate students a chance to experience the University's unique atmosphere and the quality of the teaching on offer. 

TESOL virtual information sessions

If you are unable to visit St Andrews before you apply, the International Education Institute offers TESOL virtual information sessions to discuss the programmes.

Members of TESOL staff and previous students have been awarded various awards and prizes including the following:

British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Award

• Peter Bannister (MSc TESOL with a specialism in Assessment and Evaluation 2019-2022) won the   British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes Masters Dissertation Awards 2023   for his dissertation entitled Exploring the Critical Listening Assessment Conundrum on Pre-Sessional EAP Programmes in Higher Education .
• Mairi Canning (MSc TESOL 2020-2021) was commended at the   British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Awards 2021-2022   for her dissertation entitled The Value of Co-teaching in Teacher Agency: A Focus on ESL Teachers in South Korea .
• Allison Crum (MSc TESOL 2019-2020) was commended at the   British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Awards 2020-2021   for her dissertation entitled Introducing standards for evaluating enrichment materials (SEEM): Testing the modern framework with football-themed materials . 
• Yin Lijun (MSc TESOL 2017-2018) was commended at the  British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Awards 2018-2019   for her dissertation entitled An investigation of experienced EAP teachers' marking processes .

McCall MacBain Foundation Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence Awards 2020

In 2020, the International Educational Institute was the recipient of two McCall MacBain Foundation Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence Awards:

• Mark Carver  was awarded for his work on assessment and feedback scholarship. 
• Janie Brooks   and Kerith George-Briant were awarded for a presentation entitled 'Developing Effective Online Engagement in the Context of Internationalisation' delivered at the British Council International Education Conference in 2019. 

University of St Andrews Golden Dandelion Awards

Kerry Tavakoli and Mark Carver were awarded a University of St Andrews Golden Dandelion Award for ET5524 and ET5624 English Medium Instruction in recognition of the considerable contribution to education for sustainable development that it makes.

University of St Andrews Teaching Excellence Awards 

• Kirsty Duff   was awarded one of five annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2023 for her excellent teaching and curriculum development at the International Education Institute.
• Lori Davis   was awarded one of six annual Teaching Excellent Awards in 2022. Lori was recognised for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her classes, her commitment to embedding sustainability within her teaching, as well as her work mentoring colleagues and contributing to University widening access programmes.
• Paula Villegas Verdu   was nominated for a Students' Association Excellence Award for outstanding commitment to inclusivity, for her work on the Online Programme Design module.
• Kerry Tavakoli   was awarded one of four annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2018. Kerry was recognised for the positive impact her work has had on students through her teaching.

University of St Andrews Students' Association Teaching Excellence Awards

Lesley Thirkell   was shortlisted in the category of outstanding academic mentorship, which acknowledges the way a member of teaching staff influences students' personal and academic development.

University of St Andrews Start-Up Challenge

Cameron Wren (MSc TESOL with a specialism in Technology for Teaching 2022-2023) won the Start-Up Challenge at the University's Entrepreneurship Centre with his business proposal for an online curriculum subscription service for online and offline English language teachers.

Areas of research and scholarship

More details about the work of the International Education Institute (IE) can be found on the IE website and the University's Research Portal . You will typically work under the supervision of current academic staff from the Institute, but in some cases additional supervisors will be employed externally.

Particular areas of research and scholarship focus for the International Education Institute include:

• Academic integrity
• Assessment and feedback; peer assessment
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
• Initial teacher education
• Intercultural competence
• International student experience
• Mobile/Computer Assisted Language Learning
• Professional development in TESOL
• Qualitative research synthesis
• Vocabulary acquisition and testing
• World Englishes, English as an International Language, and English as a Lingua Franca.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

University of St Andrews  Kinnessburn  Kennedy Gardens  St Andrews  KY16 9DJ

International Education Institute website

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PhD TESOL Research

Stirling campus, stirling, united kingdom, # 251-300 qs subject rankings, 48 months program duration, yes scholarships, english language and literature main subject area, program overview, main subject.

English Language and Literature

Study Level

Admission requirements, important dates, tuition fee and scholarships, scholarships.

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

QS WUR Ranking By Subject

More programs from the university, bachelor ug.

The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students Be the D ifference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 202 4 ).  

That’s just part of the reason Stirling has been shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024 and rated number one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer 2022).  

With more than 170 undergraduate course combinations , including a portfolio of online courses , we equip our graduates with the knowledge, expertise and employability skills needed to succeed in the workplace.   

Sporting excellence   

The University of Stirling is ranked #1 in the UK and top five in the world for sports facilities ( ISB 2022) – which is why we 've been named Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence .   

Our students benefit from a cutting-edge sports centre that includes sports halls, tennis courts, a gym , cycling studio, squash courts, athletics track, strength and conditioning suites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and more.  

Our campus is also home to the SportScotland   Institute of Sport, Triathlon Scotland, Scottish Swimming and Tennis Scotland.  

We offer more than 55 sports clubs , dozens of weekly exercise classes and non-competitive sports programmes to our students – giving them the chance to get fit, socialise or even compete at a global level.  

Campus life   

The University of Stirling is rated #1 in the UK and top 3  in the world for campus environment ( ISB 20 22 ), and it’s not hard to see why .   

Under an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, our beautiful 330-acre campus is home to an accommodation village , catering outlets, shops, a cinema and theatre and even an 18th-century castle. We’ve invested over £43 million to enhance our world-class fitness sports facilities and create a new campus hub.   

Commitment to employability   

At Stirling, our students gain more than a degree. From internships to helping you find a job, our Student Skills and Employability team gives you the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.

That’s why 93% of students say they’re satisfied with our career services support (ISB 2022), and 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020-21, HESA)  

A global outlook   

The University of Stirling is truly global in every sense of the word. More than 1 4 0 nationalities are represented on our diverse and inclusive campus , and almost a third of our students are from overseas .    

We collaborate with institutions across the world – with teaching in research partnerships in more than 60 countries to help our students become forward-thinking graduates with skills that are sought after by employers across the globe.  

Research with impact   

Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this cutting-edge research to make an impact on society. That’s why 80% of Stirling’s research was classed as either world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).   

Our aim is simple: from feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, we want to tackle the global issues of our time. Our multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking and find solutions.  

The City of Stirling  

Stirling is the 'Gateway to the Highlands', and it’s the perfect place to call home .   

Stirling has been named the safest student city in Scotland (Complete University Guide 2023 ) and is also one of the top 3 happiest places to live in Scotland (Rightmove Happy at Home Index 2022).

We’ve got great travel links, and we’re just 50 minutes from Scotland’s two biggest cities – which is perfect for weekend adventures exploring Scotland, the UK or even further afield.  

Learn more about the City of Stirling and its vibrant arts scene , food and drink offerings , amazing countryside , shopping , nightlife and more.  

Are you ready to Be Stirling?   

Find your course , learn more about funding opportunities , scholarships and why the University of Stirling, Scotland is where you belong .   

Arts and Humanities (6)

Ba (hons) english studies, ba (hons) european languages and society with international management, ba (hons) french, ba (hons) history, ba (hons) history and heritage, ba (hons) philosophy, ba (hons) religion, ba (hons) scottish history, ba (hons) spanish and latin american studies, modern languages degrees combined with other subjects, business and management (6), ba (hons) business studies, ba (hons) economics, ba (hons) finance, ba (hons) human resource management, ba (hons) marketing, ba (hons) professional accountancy, ba (hons) retail marketing, bacc (hons) accountancy, bacc (hons) accountancy and finance, bsc (hons) business computing, bsc (hons) management, engineering and technology (6), bsc (hons) computing science, bsc (hons) data science and artificial intelligence, bsc (hons) graduate apprenticeship in data science, bsc (hons) software engineering, life sciences and medicine (6), ba (hons) / bsc (hons) psychology, bsc (hons) animal biology, bsc (hons) biology, bsc (hons) cell biology, bsc (hons) nursing - mental health, bsc (hons) nursing – adult, bsc (hons) sport psychology, bsc nursing - adult, bsc nursing - mental health, bsc paramedic science, natural sciences (6), bsc (hons) applied mathematics, bsc (hons) ecology and conservation, bsc (hons) environmental geography, bsc (hons) environmental geography and outdoor education, bsc (hons) environmental science, bsc (hons) environmental science and outdoor education, bsc (hons) marine and freshwater biology, bsc (hons) mathematics, social sciences and management (6), ba (hons) / bsc (hons) education (primary), ba (hons) / bsc (hons) education (secondary), ba (hons) criminology and social policy, ba (hons) criminology and sociology, ba (hons) film and media, ba (hons) international politics, ba (hons) journalism studies, ba (hons) law, ba (hons) politics, ba (hons) politics, philosophy and economics, ba (hons) social work, ba (hons) sociology and social policy, ba (hons) sport business management, ba (hons) sport development and coaching, in-service ba - teaching qualification in further education (tqfe), llb (hons) law, llb (hons) law (accelerated llb), pre-service ba - teaching qualification in further education (tqfe), sport degrees combined with other subjects.

That’s just part of the reason Stirling has been shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024 , rated top 20 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2022) and number one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer 2022).  

With over 90 postgraduate courses , including a portfolio of online courses , we equip our graduates with the knowledge, expertise and employability skills needed to succeed in the workplace.   

Arts and Humanities (7)

Mlitt creative writing, mlitt philosophy, mres historical research, mres humanities, msc english language teaching and management, msc english language and linguistics, msc heritage, msc historical research, msc housing studies (part-time), msc teaching english to speakers of other languages (tesol), msc teaching english to speakers of other languages (tesol) (online), business and management (7), mres business and management, msc behavioural science, msc business analytics, msc business and management, msc data science for business, msc digital banking and finance, msc digital marketing and brand management, msc finance, msc finance and data analytics, msc finance and risk management, msc financial technology (fintech), msc human resource management, msc international accounting and finance, msc international business, msc investment analysis, msc marketing, msc marketing analytics, engineering and technology (7), msc advanced computing with artificial intelligence, msc artificial intelligence, msc big data, msc big data (online), life sciences and medicine (7), mph master of public health, mph master of public health (online), mres health research (online), msc / ma human-animal interaction, msc advancing practice, msc aquatic veterinary studies, msc autism research, msc dementia studies (online), msc health psychology, msc physiotherapy (pre-registration), msc podiatry (pre-registration), msc psychological research methods, msc psychological therapy in primary care, msc psychology (accredited conversion course), msc psychology of sport (accredited), msc specialist community public health nurse (health visiting), natural sciences (7), msc aquatic pathobiology, msc environmental management, msc environmental remote sensing and geospatial sciences, msc mathematics and data science, msc sustainable aquaculture, economics for business and policy msc, masters of literature in modern scottish writing, psychological research methods (bilingualism research), psychological research methods (child development) msc, psychological research methods (evolutionary psychology) msc, psychological research methods (perception and action) msc, psychological research methods (psychology of faces) msc, social sciences and management (7), llm environmental law and climate justice, mlitt publishing studies, mlitt/msc genders and sexualities, mpp public policy, mres educational research, mres media research, mres publishing studies, msc applied professional studies, msc applied social research, msc criminological research, msc criminology, msc digital media and communication, msc education, msc educational leadership (specialist qualification for headship), msc gender and diplomatic practice, msc gerontology and global ageing (online), msc international conflict and cooperation, msc international journalism, msc media management, msc professional education and leadership, msc public relations and strategic communication, msc public relations and strategic communication (online), msc social statistics and social research, msc social work studies, msc sport management, msc sport nutrition, msc sport performance coaching (online), msc strategic communication and public relations (joint degree upf barcelona), msc/llm human rights and diplomacy, full-time mba (1), master of business administration (mba), arts and humanities (3), life sciences and medicine (3), clinical doctorates, professional doctorate health psychology, social sciences and management (3), doctor of applied social research, doctor of diplomacy (ddipl), doctorate in education (edd).

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PhD TESOL Research

The PhD in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Research is a unique course helping you to develop your research skills to a professional level and supporting your learning through taught modules.

• Start date September 2024, September 2025
• Application deadline $value
• Duration PhD full-time: 36 to 48 months, PhD part-time: 60 to 96 months
• Mode of study full time, part time
• Delivery on campus

This PhD course is entirely dedicated to TESOL Research. This doctorate will be of interest to those who have a background in languages, linguistics, applied linguistics, or a related field, as well as to language teaching practitioners who have a keen interest in research. This course will develop your research skills and set you on the path to becoming an autonomous researcher. The PhD is a significant qualification which will mark you out as an expert researcher in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages. You’ll achieve new skills in understanding complex matters, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, increase your confidence as a researcher and expand your knowledge of the field while also enjoying the PhD experience. We’ll support you throughout your time on the PhD TESOL Research. Before embarking on your thesis investigation, the course will foster your research skills development through seven taught modules on TESOL which focus on research methods and educational theories. Our PhD in TESOL Research will provide you with an opportunity to go beyond what would be required from a Masters of Research (MRes) and an Educational Doctorate (EdD) in that you’ll produce a substantial 60,000 + word thesis. The academic environment at the University of Stirling will not only give you freedom and challenges, but it will also provide you with numerous chances for intellectual debate with fellow experts. Your PhD journey will shape your future like no other qualification – academically, professionally and personally.

By graduation, you’ll be a well-rounded professional researcher who:

• has knowledge of the wider educational field,
• is proficient in the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods,
• has the skills needed to research any area within TESOL, and
• is able to make a contribution to scholarly knowledge and professional practice.

Top reasons to study with us

Study abroad.

As a student on our PhD TESOL Research course you have the fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience teaching English to speakers of English as a foreign language in 33 European countries.

The University of Stirling has also developed close working partnerships with two 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 with:

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.

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.

You should usually have a minimum of a Masters degree in TESOL, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Languages or similar subject from a university in the United Kingdom or elsewhere (provided that the degree levels are comparable to those in the UK).

We also welcome enquiries from you if you don’t have this formal qualification but have relevant research experience through your professional practice. In this case, you’ll be asked to undertake a task to demonstrate your research skills.

Irrespective of your academic background, you’re expected to have excellent language and numeracy skills and a willingness to engage with the research field in TESOL.

International entry requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

Application procedure

As part of the application process, you’re asked to answer each of the following questions in 500 to 1,000 words:

• Why are you interested in the course?
• What problems or foci are you particularly interested in researching?
• What kind of research methods might you employ?

The first question should be addressed in your personal statement. Although you do not have to submit a research proposal to apply for this PhD course, we would appreciate it if you could answer the second and third questions in the field dedicated to your research proposal. This way, we will be able to check whether there are two suitable supervisors for you at the University.

Please use our PhD TESOL Research Application Further Questions form to answer the second and third questions and upload it to your online application.

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 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 62 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 20 in listening and 22 in speaking.

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

Course details.

The taught modules in this ground-breaking PhD in TESOL Research course are delivered on a face-to-face and blended basis. The delivery style such as lectures, workshops and student presentations are carefully selected to suit the module content and your needs.

TESOL students are invited to join the Faculty’s Educational Practice/Theory Research Group and the TESOL Researcher Development Group. TESOL doctoral students are also invited to our English Language Teaching and Research (ELTR) events, which are delivered by leading researchers and professionals.

The University of Stirling achieved five stars for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.

Assessments for the taught modules will vary depending on their respective learning outcomes and may include presentation, annotated bibliography, essay, and research proposal. For each 20-credit module, you’ll be asked to produce a piece of work which is equivalent to a 3,000-word essay. Your final assignment will be the production of original research to be reported in a 60,000+ word thesis.

Students who have passed three of the 20-credit modules (including two core) but do not proceed to the other taught modules will exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL Research.

Students who have passed six of the 20-credit modules (including the four core) but do not proceed to TESOL Research Practice (TESPR03) will exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL Research.

Candidates who have passed all seven taught modules but do not proceed to the Thesis (TESPR04) will exit with an MRes in TESOL Research.

Course director

Dr Marty Chamberlain , Course Director

+44 (0)1786 467733 [email protected]

The TESOL unit includes a number of internationally renowned academics such as Professors Adrian Blackledge, Angela Creese, and Dr Marty Chamberlain.

Ask an expert in TESOL

Fees and funding

Fees and costs.

This fee is charged as an annual course fee. If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fees policy .

Doctoral loans

If you're domiciled in England or Wales you may be eligible to apply for a doctoral loan from your regional body:

• English students can apply for a loan of up to £28,673 from  Student Finance England .
• Welsh students can apply for a loan of up to £28,395 from  Student Finance Wales .

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.

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 .

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

There are thousands of qualified teachers of English to speakers of other languages worldwide but only a small proportion of these practitioners are able to conduct high-quality systematic research in TESOL. Your PhD in TESOL research will equip you with much needed research skills, allowing you to produce research which is at the forefront of education. The PhD degree will open up numerous possibilities for furthering your professional and academic career.

Employability skills

We’re committed to enhancing your employability. Once you register for the PhD in TESOL Research, you’ll have access to the first-class services offered by the University, which you can use even after your graduation.

Within TESOL, we additionally provide you with a tailored workshop series entitled My career in TESOL. This is aimed at developing your awareness of continuous professional development, your knowledge of job market requirements and your confidence in applying for jobs.

Your time as a PhD student at Stirling will not only help you to develop your research skills, but it will also provide you with a thorough understanding of how to evidence these skills when seeking a new post or applying for a promotion.

Companies we work with

The PhD is 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.

Related courses

• MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• MSc Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Online)

Which course would you like to apply for?

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PhD in TESOL

University of york, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Tesol (Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages)

Course type

The PhD in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) emphasises state-of-the-art second and foreign language research and is designed to enhance specialised knowledge through academic study and research.

The programme is suitable for:

• English as second or foreign language teachers
• teacher educators
• professional development administrators
• curriculum developers
• materials writers
• researchers

The course emphasises state-of-the-art second and foreign language research. It focuses on practice and aims to help students to achieve a critical understanding of teaching theories and to obtain solid grounding in research methodology appropriate for conducting research projects in their professional contexts.

We are interested in hearing from students doing projects in the following broad research areas:

• English for academic and professional purposes
• Reading, writing, speaking in English as a second or foreign language
• English language teacher cognition and identity
• English language teacher education
• English language curriculum development and evaluation
• English language testing and assessment
• Oral and written feedback
• Classroom discourse studies
• Cross-cultural pragmatics
• Second language acquisition

Our PhD research students in recent years have come both from the United Kingdom and from many overseas countries. Many of our overseas students have chosen to conduct studies which involve collecting fieldwork data in their home country. Proposals to conduct a study which involves collecting fieldwork data overseas are welcomed.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Applicants are expected to have a good honours degree or a master's degree (MA, MSc or MEd) in a relevant discipline (eg TESOL, Applied Linguistics, ELT, or Education) although candidates with other evidence of ability to succeed at PhD level will also be considered.

Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) PG Dip

Birkbeck, university of london, language teaching/teaching english to speakers of other languages (tesol) pg cert, language teaching/teaching english to speakers of other languages (tesol) ma, applied linguistics for tesol ma, northumbria university, newcastle, ma tesol (teaching english to speakers of other languages), canterbury christ church university.

Search NYU Steinhardt

Doctor of Philosophy Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Pursue scholarship that builds on your interests in language development and multilingual education. This doctoral program will advance your knowledge of language education pedagogy, intercultural communication, research methodologies and educational foundations. You’ll conduct research in language development and pedagogy and prepare for a career in academic, multilingual, and bicultural settings.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

Phd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

What You'll Learn

You’ll combine courses on the foundation of Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and research methods as you explore the value of multilingualism and multiliteracy, emphasizing respect for and appreciation of all languages and cultures. You’ll explore:

• Development of English as a new or foreign language, pedagogy, and research
• How to implement alternative research methodologies
• Intercultural communication
• Educational foundations

Your Academic Experience

Research opportunities.

Located in one of the most diverse urban settings in the world, NYU is an ideal facility for conducting educational research. As a doctoral student in our program, you will research and prepare your dissertation while working closely with your faculty mentor.

Doctoral Seminars

Your doctoral course work dedicated to TESOL will be supplemented with departmental content seminars and a dissertation proposal seminar. Open to doctoral students enrolled in any department or program at NYU, these seminars foster deep conversations on relevant literature and texts, and reflections on issues and research in the field. You’ll work on a paper or project, refine your scholarly voice, and define a dissertation focus.

Careers and Outcomes

Upon completion of your doctorate, you’ll be prepared for a career as a researcher or teacher educator in TESOL in colleges and universities; a curriculum specialist, developer, or evaluator in government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

Funding for Full-Time PhD Students

If you are accepted as a full-time NYU Steinhardt PhD student without an alternate funding source, you are eligible for our competitive funding package, which includes a tuition scholarship and living stipend.  Learn more about our funding opportunities .

Online Info Session

In this session, NYU faculty share information about the PhD programs in the department of Teaching & Learning, including the PhD in Teaching & Learning, PhD in English Education, PhD in Bilingual Education, and PhD in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Faculty provide an overview of the programs and answer questions from potential applicants.

If you have any additional questions about our degree, please feel free to contact Shondel Nero at [email protected] .

Take the Next Step

Advance your personal and professional journey – apply to join our community of students.

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Postgraduate Taught

MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

• Postgraduate Taught home
• Education and Teacher Training
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MEd / PG Dip / PG Cert

Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.

Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »

• Aimed at qualified teachers and others who work in TESOL at either primary, secondary or tertiary levels in different educational contexts around the world
• We offer opportunities for existing teaching practitioners seeking to develop their professional skills and one for those wanting to enter a career in language teaching
• Develop your understanding of key aspects of linguistics and learning theory and their influence on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages
• You will benefit from small class sizes and working closely with our academic staff and your fellow students
• You’ll join a multicultural and multilingual environment with students from across the world such as China, Mexico, USA, South Korea, Japan and Thailand

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Fast track (current Exeter students including PGCE students)

Open days and visiting us

Get a prospectus

Programme Director:  Dr Nicholas Bremner

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

100% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact*

Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021*

Top 150 in the world for Education

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Home to one of the largest Education libraries in the UK

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in language- or education-related disciplines. While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant teaching experience, we would welcome your application.

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements.

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2 . Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

The MEd TESOL has international recognition and is seen as an important professional qualification worldwide to enable TESOL teachers to enhance their career prospects. At Exeter, depending on the modules taken, completion of the MEd TESOL can help you to move into new areas within TESOL such as teacher education and training, English for Special Purposes, curriculum development, and the teaching of English to young learners.

The programme will:

• develop and extend your understanding of key aspects of linguistics and learning theory and their influence on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages
• enable you to make informed, professional decisions regarding language teaching in the workplace and justify these to others
• enable you to select, adapt, and design materials and activities for language teaching
• enable you to investigate and research aspects of TESOL in ways that will support continuing development and practice as a foreign language teaching professional

What is the difference between a Master of Education, a Postgraduate Diploma and a Postgraduate Certificate?

To gain an MEd you must complete 180 credits of specified modules.

However, you may exit the programme early before completing 180 credits and still receive an award. These alternative awards are:

• If exiting the programme after completing 60 credits you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
• If exiting the programme after completing 120 credits you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

MEd - Modules

120 credits of compulsory modules, and 60 credits of optional modules

Compulsory modules

Included withinin the 120 credits of core, students must choose one of the following two modules: a - EFPM280 Developing Practical Knowledge for TESOL Teaching OR EFPM266 Principles of Language Learning for TESOL. Students with LESS than two years teaching experience must take EFPM280. Students with MORE than two years teaching experience take EFPM266. b - You must pick ONE of EFPM329 or EFPM331

Optional modules

Students may select any combination of option modules up to the maximum of 60 credits.

The availability of all modules is subject to timetable, staffing and other constraints, including financial viability as determined by student recruitment and fees. Module availability is thus subject to permission from the Director of Education.

For students attending the programme as part-time:

Option modules stage 180 credits of options are chosen from the list below Option modules stage 2 30 further credits of options not already attempted are chosen from the list below

PGDip - Modules

60 credits of compulsory modules, and 60 credits of option modules

Included withinin the 60 credits of core, students must choose one of the following two modules: a - EFPM280 Developing Practical Knowledge for TESOL Teaching OR EFPM266 Principles of Language Learning for TESOL. Students with LESS than two years teaching experience must take EFPM280. Students with MORE than two years teaching experience take EFPM266.

PGCert - Modules

Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules

There are no option modules for the PG Cert TESOL

2025/26 entry

Uk fees per year.

• £10,700 full-time
• £7,800 full-time
• £4,200 full-time

International fees per year

• £25,300 full-time
• £16,200 full-time
• £8,600 full-time

Scholarships

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Find out more about tuition fees and funding »

Teaching and research

The programme involves tutorials, seminars, group activities, workshops, collaborative dialogue, and lectures. Through these you’ll:

• learn key principles of teaching methodology
• learn how language could be taught in different learning contexts
• learn and understand how language is learned in an instructed and uninstructed environment
• develop language analysis and awareness skills, such as analysing grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and discourse.

Visiting Speakers

During the year, from time to time there will be talks by visiting speakers who are authorities in particular areas of Education.

Study Skills Classes

Classes are provided for language support study skills in terms 1 and 2 that will help you adjust to academic study. These classes are provided by INTO and, while optional, are strongly advised if English is not your first language (more information below).

An optional two-hour workshop is also provided in term 1 by the Education Quality and Enhancement unit on   Critical reading and writing . This is open to all MEd students and is strongly recommended.

Writing support tutorials

In addition to the on-going one to one tutorial support you will receive from your lecturers throughout the year, you will also be able to seek additional one to one writing tutorial support from a tutor from INTO if English is not your first language, and from the Study Skills Service for those who have English as a first language.

Staff-student research seminars

A programme of seminars on researching various aspects of education takes place regularly throughout the year on lunchtimes and evenings. Many of these are given by visiting academics from other institutions. We also organise Research-Day events for MEd TESOL students to come over and present a snapshot of their masters dissertation topic to their tutors and classmates. You are welcome to attend any of these, but we will also highlight those we feel to be of particular interest or of relevance to your studies.

Our programme is designed to relate theory to practice, allowing you to introduce effectively the knowledge, skills and understanding gained through our research-led modules into your professional work. You’ll get informed on a diverse range of research conducted by the TESOL staff on applied linguistics issues such as EAP, professional development, multilingualism, language skills and strategies, corpus linguistics, and discourse analysis.

A Masters in TESOL has international recognition and is seen as an important professional qualification worldwide to enable TESOL teachers to enhance their career prospects. It is often seen as an important entry qualification for educators who want to work at University level.

In addition, depending on the modules taken, completing the MEd TESOL can help you move into new areas such as:

• teacher education and training
• English for Special Purposes
• materials development
• teaching English to young learners

Our MEd also offers excellent preparation for progression to MPhil/PhD

Career support

We have a good track record of graduate employment, and employers visit the University when recruiting. The   EF recruitment team   have visited the University to talk to our TESOL students about teaching and learning English in Chinese private language organisations, and conducted on-campus interviews. We also regularly receive details of job opportunities from Turkish and Chinese universities who are looking for high-quality language teachers.

Careers support including skills training, internships, jobs vacancies, employment fairs and other events is available through the   Career Zone .

Related courses

Education leadership and management ma.

St Luke's Campus

International Education MA

Technology and education futures ma, special educational needs ma, creative arts in education ma.

View all Education and Teacher Training courses

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• Postgraduate study
• Taught degree programmes A‑Z
• TESOL (MSc)

Postgraduate taught  

TESOL: Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages MSc

This programme is for those interested in entering the field of TESOL. It provides a special emphasis on how theory relates to practice.

• Academic contact: [email protected]  
• Teaching start: September
• Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time

Register your interest for more information

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Why this programme

• If you are new to the field of TESOL, this programme is for you. It will give you the opportunity to develop your professional understanding of English language teaching through investigation of the links between theory, practice and current research.
• You will have opportunities to develop your confidence in teaching through linking theory to practice by observing lessons, planning tasks and micro-teaching to peers.
• This interdisciplinary programme draws on the combined expertise of the School of Education and the long established English for Academic Study Unit (School of Modern Languages and Cultures). This enables us to embed our extensive professional and research experience in the areas of language teaching and research.
• Education at Glasgow is ranked 6th in the UK by the  Complete University Guide 2025.
• If you are already a professional in this field and are looking to advance your qualifications, you should consider the  MEd TESOL .
• Watch:  TESOL MSc/MEd programme overview

Programme structure

You will take four core and two optional courses and undertake a supervised research dissertation on an issue relevant to your area of interest.

Core courses

• CLASSROOM PROCESSES IN TESOL: INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING AND LEARNING
• DESCRIPTIONS OF LANGUAGE AND APPLICATIONS TO THE CLASSROOM
• DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN TESOL
• INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL RESEARCH
• MAJOR DISSERTATION (TESOL)

TESOL optional courses

• CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN TESOL
• LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR CHILDREN WITH ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
• LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
• TESOL CURRICULUM
• TEACHING ENGLISH AS AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE
• TEACHING ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
• WHICH ENGLISH? LANGUAGE TEACHING AND SOCIOLINGUISTICS

Other optional courses from the School of Education may include

• ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
• DEVELOPING LITERACIES: AN INCLUSIVE PERSPECTIVE
• HIGHLY ABLE LEARNERS, RAISING ATTAINMENT & ACHIEVEMENT
• IDENTITIES, RELATIONSHIPS AND BEHAVIOURS IN EDUCATION
• MODERN EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT

A number of optional courses can also be taken from the 20-credit optional courses listed under MSc Applied Linguistics programme , subject to availability and capacity. 

Programme alteration or discontinuation The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract .

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions as an English language teacher, course designer, test designer, course director and teacher educator.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2025-26

• Full-time fee: £11250
• Part-time fee: £1250 per 20 credits

International & EU

• Full-time fee: £28500

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of  £2000 within four weeks  of an offer being made.

Deposits: terms & conditions

This programme requires some students to pay a deposit to secure their place.

If you are an international student, we will only issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once the deposit has been paid.

Your offer letter will state:

• how to pay the deposit payment
• the deadline for paying the deposit

The following guidelines will apply in determining whether a deposit will be refunded. Where the deposit is refunded, a 25% handling fee will be deducted.

Deposits will be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

• Where the University is unable to offer you a place.
• Where the applicant has personal circumstances such as illness, bereavement or other family situations that has prevented them coming to the UK. Medical or other proof may be requested.
• Applicant can prove that they have applied for a visa to attend the University of Glasgow, but the VISA has been refused. The applicant must have shown 'real intent' to study at the University of Glasgow but has been unable to obtain their visa.
• Applicant does not meet his / her conditions of offer: this may be academic or language test requirements. Satisfactory evidence must be uploaded to the student’s applicant self-service to prove that they have not met the conditions of their offer (note that applicants who do not meet the language condition of their offer must show reasonable attempt to meet this, i.e. they must provide a language test which was taken after the date that the deposit was paid).

Deposits will not be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

• Applicant has decided to defer – in this situation the University will retain the deposit and credit it against the applicant’s account for securing their place for the following year of entry.

Refund requests must be made within 30 days of the programme start date stated on your offer letter.

Requests made after this date will be subject to discretion.

• Find out more about Deposits

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
• Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

• University of Glasgow College of Arts and Humanities South Asia Award

The College of Arts and Humanties warmly welcomes applications from highly qualified applicants to our masters programmes. We are offering 4 scholarships for postgraduate taught programmes for Academic Session 2024-25.

• College of Arts and Humanities Widening Participation Postgraduate Taught Schol

The College of Arts and Humanities is pleased to be offering Widening Participation Postgraduate Taught scholarships to support with studying a one-year postgraduate taught programme (either full-time across one year, or part-time across two years) in the College.  The scholarships include a full fee waiver at the 'Home' tuition fee rate and a stipend (the stipend rate for 2024/25 is £17,039) and are available to candidates who meet the University's Widening Participation criteria. 

• Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship

The Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarships originate with an important collection of works by Whistler gifted by Miss Rosalind Birnie Philip to the University in 1935. Since then, and thanks to further gifts and acquisitions, the Hunterian has come to hold one of the two leading collections of Whistler’s work in the world and History of Art (SCCA) has become an international centre of expertise for the study of Whistler and his 19th century world.  

At her death in 1958, Miss Birnie Philip, Whistler’s heir and executrix, bequeathed the remainder of her art collection to the University, together with part of her residual estate for the purpose of establishing a scholarship scheme for students engaged in any branch of learning within the College of Arts & Humanities. In 2019, the Whistler scholarships scheme was revised in acknowledgement of the continuing links between Miss Birnie Philip’s 1958 bequest of artworks and her wish to support student learning at the University. 

The Whistler Scholarships are open to students in all disciplines of the College of Arts & Humanities. The award committee is willing to consider both individual applications AND joint applications (from up to THREE students). Innovative interdisciplinary work is particularly encouraged. However, students may only involve themselves in the submission of ONE application (individual OR joint).

The Whistler Scholarships cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses ONLY. 

• Southeast Asia Distinction Award

The University of Glasgow is excited to announce the new Southeast Asia Distinction Award for highly qualified students from this region. This scholarship is available to students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme on any eligible degree programme for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

• GREAT Scholarships 2024- Greece, Nigeria, Egypt and Turkey

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, University of Glasgow is offering 4 scholarships to students in Greece, Nigeria, Egypt and Turkey applying for postgraduate courses in any subject (excluding MBA and MSc by Research courses). All eligible courses can be viewed under the 'eligible programmes' tab on this webpage. 

The scholarship offers financial support of £10,000 to students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

• The Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship

The Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship is accelerating exceptional Disabled Students through masters’ programmes into leadership positions to create change.

Do you have ambitions to change the world? Are you pioneering in your field? Are you creating change for Disabled People? Let us open some doors.

We are searching for individuals who choose to use their lived experience of disabling barriers to make a difference. To create change.

Applications open 2pm 15 January 2024.

Please see  Snowdon Trust, Investing in Disabled Students  website for more details.

• Banco de Mexico

The Mexican National Bank (Banco de Mexico) provides special loans for students who wish to undertake a programme of postgraduate study. The University of Glasgow in partnership with Bank of Mexico FIDERH is offering a fee discount to holders of a Bank of Mexico FIDERH loan. See the FIDERH website for further information.

• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans

Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans are EU-guaranteed loans with favourable pay-back terms. They’re designed to help prospective students finance their Master’s courses in an Erasmus+ Programme country while leaving as little of a lasting economic footprint as possible.

The scheme is designed to provide postgraduate students with the means to pay their tuition and living expenses – thereby allowing individuals to focus on their degree instead of managing their bank balance. The programme aims to be as inclusive as possible, working under the following guidelines:

• No need for collateral from students or parents - ensuring equality of access
• Favourable, better-than-market interest rates
• Pay-back terms that allow graduates up to two years to find work before beginning repayment.

Please visit the  Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans website  for more information.

• Climate Leadership Scholarships

Cop26 was held in Glasgow from 31 st October – 12 th November 2021 and the University of Glasgow recognises the importance of universities in tackling the climate emergency. Glasgow is part of the newly formed  Cop26 Universities Network , a growing group of over 80 universities working together to promote a zero-carbon future. Alongside vital research being carried out by our academics, Glasgow recognises that urgent action is needed on our campuses, and we aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.  We believe that the climate emergency can only be addressed by implementing long-term sustainability policies and our Green Glasgow strategy details our action plan for the next decade.

In recognition of the vital need for action to combat the climate emergency the University of Glasgow is excited to launch our Climate Leadership Scholarships. We have 20 scholarships available to UK students entering any of our Colleges on a PGT programme which engages with the climate emergency.

As a world-changing research-led University we are committed to supporting the next generation of researchers working across disciplines to address the climate emergency.

• PGT Excellence Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has a total of 20 PGT Excellence Scholarships available to UK students entering any of the University’s Colleges.

• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Master’s grant

The University of Glasgow will offer a full tuition waiver to those students that successfully apply and are nominated by DAAD to the University. DAAD offers a monthly stipend of EUR 1,100 (for the academic year 2024/2025) and travel bursary of EUR 250.00 as well as health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage in addition to the full tuition fee waiver from the University of Glasgow.

Wichtige Hinweise zu DAAD-Stipendien - DAAD (general info on DAAD tuition fee reimbursement)

Current list of tuition reduction / waiving offers (not including U Glasgow yet) : Stipendien für ein Masterstudium im Ausland - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

• Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one year Master’s degree at universities across the UK. There are over 50,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

For further information, please refer to the  Chevening website .

• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia

The University of Glasgow offer discounts to all successful Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia (Colfuturo) scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Schemes

Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are offered to citizens from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The majority of Scholarships are funded by the UK  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO ),  with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.

• Vice Chancellor EU Award

The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.  

We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the Vice Chancellor EU Award to highly qualified new incoming EU students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.  This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

Applicants that graduated from the University of Glasgow or completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow, are eligible for the Alumni discount and this can be combined with the Vice Chancellor EU Award.

• EU Welcome Award

We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the EU Welcome Award to new incoming EU students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee discount.  This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

Applicants that graduated from the University of Glasgow or completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow, are eligible for the Alumni discount and this can be combined with the EU Welcome Award.

• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award

The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award aims to support high achieving students from across Africa in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  

The University is offering up to 15 scholarships for International students from Africa, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2024/25.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

• Emerging Asia Award

The University of Glasgow is proud to introduce an exciting new award designed to support students from a selection of underrepresented 'frontier and developing' Asian countries . 

The University of Glasgow is offering 8 scholarships for highly qualified international students from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Students must be starting a one-year postgraduate taught masters programme, in any discipline, for the academic session 2024/25. The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver with stipend for one year that can not be combined with any other scholarships. 

• University of Glasgow African Partners Award

The University of Glasgow African Partners Awards aims to support high achieving students from across Africa in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  The scholarship is exclusively for students, alumni and staff of the University partners across Africa:  African Partners List 2024 .

The University is offering up to 5 scholarships for International students from Africa, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2023/24.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

Applicants much hold an offer of a place for a postgraduate taught one year Masters programme for September 2024 intake (offer is not needed to apply but applicants will require an offer to be considered for interview, and should take programme application timelines into consideration as detailed on programme webpages)

• University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has several International Leadership Scholarships available to International students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fees discount.

• University of Glasgow Caribbean Partners Award

The University of Glasgow Caribbean Partners Awards aims to support high achieving students from our partner The University of the West Indies in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  The scholarship is exclusively for students, alumni and staff of The University of the West Indies.  

The University is offering up to 5 scholarships for students, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2024/25.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

Those who apply must hold an offer of a place for a postgraduate taught one year Masters programme for September 2024 intake (offer is not needed to apply but applicants will require an offer to be considered for interview, and should take programme application timelines into consideration as detailed on programme webpages);

• CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)

The University of Glasgow offers a 25% discount to all successful CONICyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award

The University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award aims to support high achieving students from across the Caribbean in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  

The University is offering up to 5 scholarships for International students from the Caribbean, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2024/25.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

• India Merit Award

The University of Glasgow is proud to announce a new India Merit award for 2024 entry to acknowledge highly qualified Indian postgraduate taught offer holders. The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee discount. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

• University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award

The University of Glasgow has 40 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to students from low and middle income countries, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline, in academic session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement

CONACYT offers a non-refundable scholarship, a monthly stipend and medical insurance of an approximate total of $20,000 USD (in the case of the UK, no medical insurance grant is given since students are already covered by the National Health System) The University of Glasgow offer a 30% discount to all successful CONACyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

• University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award (Nigeria)

The University of Glasgow has 10 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to Nigerian students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline in academic session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)

Eligible full-time and part-time students, undertaking an eligible postgraduate course, can apply for a tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £7,000 towards their course. Eligible full-time postgraduate students can apply for a living-cost loan of up to £4,500.  

This support extends to online Masters or Postgraduate Diplomas, and not to the online Postgraduate Certificate courses.

For more information visit the SAAS website .

• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)

If you’re an English student looking to study a taught Masters programme in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan. Students from England are able to apply for a non-means tested   Postgraduate Master’s Loan  of up to £11,570   to help with course fees and living costs. You have to  repay your Postgraduate Master’s Loan  at the same time as any other student loans you have. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

If you’re studying by distance learning, you can also apply.

• Alumni Discount

In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2024/25. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, International Summer School programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.

• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Master's Finance

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:

• a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
• a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.

For more information visit  Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.

• Postgraduate Access Scholarship

The University of Glasgow is pleased to be offering Postgraduate Access Scholarships to support Home students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University. Applications are particularly welcomed from applicants who met any of our widening participation criteria , or equivalent, at undergraduate level. The value of each scholarship is £4,000 and they are for students undertaking a one or two year Taught Masters programme. For two year Taught Masters programmes, the scholarship is available in year one only.

• Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit  www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate  .

• Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2024/25. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship. The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance . The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the  Accommodation Services section  on the website.

Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.

Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.

• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship

The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna.  After graduating,  Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023.  The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National.  The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2024/25.

• The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in English, education, applied linguistics, translation, English literature, TESOL/TEFL (UG) or TCSOL (Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages). Modern foreign languages other than English are considered.

Those with a degree in business English are not normally considered and should apply for the MSc Educational Studies.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College , who offer a range of pre-Masters courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.5
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
• IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).

• 79; with Reading 19; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 24
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with no subtest less than: Listening 59;Reading 60; Speaking 59; Writing 74
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 7 with Reading: 25-26 and Listening: 18-19
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 7

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years.
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our  enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

• Find out more about entry requirements and other country-specific information
• International student support & visas

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
• A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see  how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see  Application System Help .

• Name and Date of birth:  must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
• Contact Details : Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Choice of course : Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
• Proposed date of entry:  Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
• Education and Qualifications : Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
• English Language Proficiency : Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
• Employment and Experience : Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference : Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

September 2024, all applicants.

As there is extremely high demand for places on this degree programme, the University has established an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.

Round 1 application dates

1 October 2023 to 22 November 2023 . All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 4 February 2024 . Please note highly qualified applicants with, or on course for, a UK 1st or equivalent should expect to receive a decision on their application by 10 January 2024 .

Round 2 application dates

23 November 2023 to 22 January 2024 . All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 25 March 2024 . Please note highly qualified applicants with, or on course for, a UK 1st or equivalent should expect to receive a decision on their application by 23 February 2024 .

Round 3 application dates

23 January 2024 to 15 March 2024 . Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 13 May 2024 . Please note highly qualified applicants with, or on course for, a UK 1st or equivalent should expect to receive a decision on their application by 12 April 2024 .

Round 4 application dates

16 March 2024 to 1 May 2024 . Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 21 June 2024 . Please note highly qualified applicants with, or on course for, a UK 1st or equivalent should expect to receive a decision on their application by 31 May 2024 .

Round 5 application dates

2 May 2024 to 15 June 2024 . Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 5 August 2024 . Please note highly qualified applicants with, or on course for, a UK 1st or equivalent should expect to receive a decision on their application by 10 July 2024 .

All international applications submitted by 22 January 2024 (application rounds 1 and 2) will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 23 January 2024 , priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.

As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.

More information about this programme

• Background and aims
• Language  Centre

Related programmes

• Academic Practice [MEd: Online distance learning]
• Adult Learning, Community Development & Youth Work Practice (CLD Standards Council Accredited) [MEd/PgDip]
• Childhood Practice [MEd/PgDip]
• Children's Literature & Literacies [MEd]
• Children’s Literature, Media & Cultural Entrepreneurship (Erasmus Mundus International Master) [IntM]

more related Education programmes

English Language & Linguistics

• Applied Linguistics [MSc]
• English Language & Linguistics [MSc]
• Speech, Language & Sociolinguistics [MSc]
• TESOL: Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages [MEd]

Related links

• How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
• Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z
• How to apply for a postgraduate research degree
• Fees and funding

Postgraduate events

Open Days, information sessions, campus tours, events near you

Postgraduate prospectus

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Doctorates in education and lifelong learning, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

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Social Sciences Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

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Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL course provides theories and methods in teaching English as a second language. It also develops your research skills, enhancing your professional performance in the future.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA will build on your interest in learning and teaching a foreign or second language. You will be guided by renowned researchers with extensive teaching experience.

As part of this degree, we will address some of the following questions:

• What are the key cognitive and social processes of learning a second or foreign language?
• How do people teach and learn in the classroom and in wider settings?
• How do teachers and learners engage effectively with technology?
• How can teachers use critical reflection to improve their practices?

This Applied Linguistics and TESOL course is available to:

• those with teaching experience (in-service)
• those without teaching experience (pre-service)
• lecturers at higher education institutions

Our range of optional modules will allow you to build your own course to match your individual interests.

Hear more from our graduates about our programme and their Newcastle experience

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

What you'll learn.

By the end of this course, you'll be familiar with key theories and current developments in applied linguistics and TESOL. In particular, you'll develop your knowledge of:

• practical language learning and teaching practices
• teacher development
• cognitive and social processes of language learning
• second language use in and outside the classroom
• teaching methodology

You will also produce a dissertation, in which you carry out your own research project. We will support you along the way.

The knowledge gained on this course can help you with a career in teaching and/or research into language use, learning and teaching.

The Applied Linguistics and TESOL course consists of three main parts:

• compulsory modules (60 credits)
• optional modules (60 credits)
• research project (60 credits)

Optional modules include a wide range of modules in TESOL and applied linguistics, as well as linguistics and education. You can build the course to match your individual interests and/or future career needs.

Most modules last one semester.

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions .

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

How you'll learn

We deliver modules through a mix of:

• online lecture videos and activities
• online interactive lessons
• in-person lectures
• in-person small group teaching
• in-person small group workshops

We use a variety of teaching methods to:

• support your learning experience
• develop your learning potential
• prepare you for real-world challenges

Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your practice. Weekly independent study tasks allow you to engage with and contribute to sessions and seminars.

If you choose to study part time you will take up to 80 credits during your first year. During your second year, you will complete the remaining credits and conduct your research project.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral presentation
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Written exercise
• a lesson plan
• peer feedback

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

We have an international team of academics with experience in teaching, examining, and teacher training in China, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, Spain, France and more.

Our staff are actively involved in research on second language learning and teaching, and second language use in and outside the classroom. We regularly incorporate research findings and our own teaching experiences into each module.

Dr Chris Leyland is the Degree Programme Director for the course. You can find more details about the rest of the Applied Linguistics staff here .

Your development

Research project.

Our Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme is designed to support your development over the course of the year.

Semester 1 modules will provide you with a foundational knowledge of key areas of TESOL. These include language learning, language teaching and language awareness. Semester 2 modules will allow you to build on this. You will select specialist topics suited to your interests and professional needs.

Through class discussion and assessment, you will reflect on your own learning and development throughout your studies.

As part of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL programme, you'll carry out a research project (dissertation). This gives you the chance to explore teaching and learning issues by collecting and analysing your own data. You will have various forms of support to carry this out.

You will take a Research Methods in Applied Linguistics module . We will introduce you to various research methodologies. These include questionnaire-based statistical analysis, conversation analysis, research interviews and more.

You will be assigned a supervisor. This will be an experienced researcher who will guide you through the processes of your dissertation.

All students will have access to workshops and other activities at the Writing Development Centre , based at the Newcastle University Library.

International students using English as a second language will have access to various in-sessional modules from INTO Newcastle University . INTO offers modules specifically designed for our students, such as Writing for TESOL . They also offer various modules on dissertation writing skills in semester 2.

Your future

What can you do with an applied linguistics and tesol ma degree.

This Master's course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to enrich your understanding of languages and language teaching and learning. This will support you if you wish to begin, or return to, a career in language teaching.

You will gain various transferable skills, such as data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

Graduates of this programme progress to a variety of fields, such as:

• teaching English as a second or foreign language in private and public schools, colleges and universities
• teaching English for Academic Purposes at universities in the UK and abroad
• private tutoring
• further studies and research, such as a PhD in Education, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL
• publishing for English teaching and other materials
• university administration

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences (ECLS), you will have access to the ECLS Resource Centre . The centre is based in your building (King George VI Building). It has a computer cluster and a range of educational and teaching materials and texts.

You can attend tailored  academic writing courses for Applied Linguistics and TESOL students using English as a second or another language. These are part of INTO Newcastle University’s In-Sessional English support programme. This programme includes modules on Writing for TESOL , Intensive Dissertation Writing , and 1-to-1 Writing Tutorials . We work with INTO to give our international students the support that they need to thrive on our course.

You will also have access to ilab: learn . This is a laboratory for developing and using state-of-the-art digital technology for education.

We also work very closely with the University's Student Wellbeing Services to ensure you get the support you need. Our School has its very own Student Wellbeing Advisor. They are an invaluable initial point of contact if you experience wellbeing-related issues.

We appreciate that your interest in learning languages may extend beyond the programme. You can take free language classes with the University Wide Language Programme  (pending permission from the Degree Programme Director). You can study French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic or another language.

Additionally, the  University's Language Resource Centre provides many free services to help your language learning and cross-cultural communication.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year).

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Deborah Elliott Programme Secretary School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6377 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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• What You'll Learn
• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

PhD in Language and Literacy Education (TESOL and World Language Education)

Become an expert literacy educator-scholar in your field with our flexible, challenging Ph.D. program in Language and Literacy Education.

This emphasis aligns with the Georgia Performance Standards requirements for certification upgrade.

The TESOL and World Language Education community includes faculty and students with interests in several areas, including:

• Second-language acquisition
• Language assessment
• Teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL)
• Bilingual and world language education
• Heritage language education
• Less commonly taught languages
• Bi/multiliteracies
• Spanish children’s literature
• Multilingual poetry and memoir
• School-university partnerships
• Multicultural education
• Computer assisted language learning
• Language policy
• Bilingual cognition

We focus on a range of language education research methodologies including qualitative and quantitative analysis, arts-based inquiry, corpus analysis, discourse analysis, systemic functional linguistics, narrative inquiry, and ethnography. We bring these areas together in order to better address the needs of all learners in increasingly global and local (“glocal”) communities.

• Become eligible for high levels of teaching certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
• Work with nationally and internationally celebrated faculty
• Our graduates are placed in top-tier universities across the country

Become proficient in TESOL and world Language Education through formal internships (in both research and university teaching), special courses, and independent research projects.

You will gain a broad core of proficiencies through the language and literacy education program’s courses as well as courses in other departments and programs. Students who wish to qualify for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission T6 or T7 promotions must consult planning sheets for their emphasis area.

To receive your doctoral degree, you will take a minimum of 46 semester hours of academic credit. This includes a minimum of 30 semester hours for admission to candidacy, and a minimum of 16 hours of 8000- and 9000-level courses. Requirements include:

• An introductory seminar (LLED 8000)
• Four research methodology courses
• Diversity studies
• A research apprenticeship

In consultation with a major professor, you will form a doctoral committee made of faculty who reflect your research goals. This team charts a path through the coursework, the comprehensive examination, the prospectus, and eventual dissertation.

The research apprenticeship pairs doctoral students with our nationally and internationally recognized faculty on a range of research activities. Past students have worked on writing grants, research design and implementation, collaborative writing and presenting, and community service work.

• Ph.D. Yearly Progress Form (PDF)
• Ph.D. Student Handbook (PDF)
• Journal Articles Dissertation Format (PDF)

Our Faculty

A hallmark of our program is the close mentoring relationships doctoral candidates develop with our award-winning faculty. You will have numerous opportunities to apprentice on research projects, author articles and book chapters, present at national and international conferences, and teach university courses.

Our faculty have formed partnerships with local public school districts and community organizations. They also are affiliated with Linguistics, Germanic and Slavic Studies, Romance Languages, the Qualitative Research Program, the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education, the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Institute, and other units on campus.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

Financial Assistance

Research assistantships and fellowships.

A limited number of highly competitive research assistantships and fellowships are available for those who are seeking to begin their degree program in Fall (August). These assistantships offer four years of funding (tuition, the majority of fees, and a monthly stipend) and focus on research. There may also be opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, depending on the requirements of the research assistantship or fellowship. Those interested in this type of funding should apply to our degree program by January 1st. Prior to or upon notification of admission from the Graduate School, contact the TESOL and World Language Education (TWLE) program coordinator to express your interest in applying for these awards. Assistantship notifications are typically sent between March and May.

Teaching Assistantships

We offer a limited number of teaching assistantships every year for those who are seeking to begin their degree program in Fall (August). These assistantships provide one year of funding (tuition, the majority of fees, and a monthly stipend) with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. Teaching Assistants typically serve as an Instructor of Record (IOR) for undergraduate courses offered by the department and/or provide instructional assistance to faculty teaching graduate level courses. Those interested in this type of funding should apply to our degree program by January 1st. Prior to or upon notification of admission from the Graduate School, complete the Teaching Assistantship Application . Assistantship notifications are typically sent between March and May.

Additional Funding Opportunities

Please visit the following websites for more information about graduate student scholarships, in-state tuition waivers, and other funding opportunities.

• UGA Graduate School: Funding Your Graduate Education
• Mary Frances Early College of Education Financial Assistance
• Regent’s Research Out-of-State Tuition Waivers Domestic Students
• Office of Global Engagement Out-of-State Tuition Waivers International Students
• UGA Career Center Listing of Part-time Campus Jobs
• Office of Student Financial Aid

How to Apply

Applicant requirements.

To be considered for our doctoral program, we

• recommend that applicants’ undergraduate GPA be at least a 3.0 and that applicants have at least two years of teaching;
• require all applicants to have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an area of language and/or literacy education, or a related field; and
• score at least a score of 100 on the TOEFL test, with a minimum score of 26 in speaking and 25 in writing;
• score at least a score of 7.5 on the IELTS test, with a minimum score of 8 in speaking and 7.0 in writing; and
• demonstrate proficiency with two languages as evidenced by a bachelor’s degree in English linguistics and literature OR a master’s degree where English was the medium of instruction

While completing your Graduate School application, include the required documents listed below. For anyone applying for Fall 2024 matriculation, GRE scores are no longer required .

• Statement of Purpose that includes the emphasis area of your doctoral studies ( English Education, Literacies and Children’s Literature, or TESOL or World Language Education )
• Current resume or CV
• TOEFL or IELTS scores ( required for international applicants )
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Writing sample of no more than 20 pages

Fall semester is the only admissions term in which funding is awarded each year. Funding consideration will be given to students who apply for Fall matriculation by January 1 .

Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Deadline To Apply

If you plan to start in a Spring semester, the deadline for applications is Nov. 15 (Oct. 15 for international applications)

To start in the Summer or Fall, applications are due April 1.

Log Into Existing Application

Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.

Meet the Faculty

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates   Browse Financial Aid

Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

Schedule A Visit

Career Resources

Choosing a Master's Program

Connect with the Next Step in Your Career

Master's Programs

Consider Your Options

Whether you are just breaking into the TESOL field or have already been in the profession for some time, pursuing a Master of Arts is a great way to increase your knowledge and expand your career opportunities is by pursuing a Master of Arts degree in TESOL. There are so many programs and options that just figuring out what to do can feel overwhelming at times. Based on research of ten well-known TESOL programs in the United States and several in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, there are some key factors to consider when choosing a graduate school. The most important thing is finding a program that is the best fit for you.

TESOL's Tips for Choosing a Master's Program

TESOL’s position is that the master’s degree in TESOL (or a related area) can be considered the terminal degree for teaching positions in English as an additional language (EAL). In other words, someone with a Master of Arts in TESOL is widely regarded by employers and peers as being well-prepared to become a properly trained professional in the field. In addition, having a master’s in TESOL will greatly expand your career options.

Which Master’s Degree Is Right for You? MEd, MA, or MAT?

An MA (Master of Arts) degree requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. Having an MA means you are highly educated in a particular subject.

An MEd degree is a master’s degree in education. This indicates that you are not only highly qualified in a certain subject but that you are also able to teach it to others.

An MAT is a Master of Arts in teaching. It is similar to the master’s degree in education because it indicates the graduate is both highly knowledgeable in a subject and has been given the tools and methodology to teach the subject to others.

How Many Classes Are in a Typical Master’s Program?

The number of classes varies from one school to the next. Most require 30–41 college units to complete the entire degree. One graduate credit is usually given for each hour the class meets each week, so a three-unit graduate class would generally meet for three hours a week for the entire term. This time does not include homework, reading, and projects that would be required for the course also. A full-time course load in graduate school is usually about eight units per term. Working professionals often choose to enroll part-time because of the time commitment involved in undertaking a graduate program.

TESOL or Applied Linguistics?

Because there are so many different types of TESOL-related master’s degrees, figuring out which one is best for you may be a challenge. Most of the degrees fall into one of two categories:

• MA in TESOL. This degree focuses on pedagogy. If you are hoping to teach English as an additional language, then this degree will give you the proper training and experience to do so. You should be able to teach students English without knowing the language of the students that you are teaching, but when teaching EAL or EFL, it is also beneficial if you know something about the language(s) and culture(s) of your students.

In the United States, many colleges that offer an MA in TESOL will also offer state certification to teach EAL in K–12 public schools. This route will require more units to satisfy the requirements that lead to certification and usually involves a semester of student teaching. This would not be necessary for prospective students that already have a teaching credential, are attending the school online, do not live in the same state or country as the school, or have already decided that they would like to teach adults.

• MA in applied linguistics. This degree usually focuses more on theory and language research. The MA in applied linguistics is designed as a first step in a research career in applied linguistics. It provides both a breadth of knowledge in several areas of applied linguistics and the specialized knowledge and skills needed to plan and conduct research in the areas of specialization within a program, such as language acquisition or discourse analysis.

What Kind of Classes Does the Program Offer?

While each school is unique in which courses it requires to complete a Master of Arts in TESOL, most reputable schools will require the following courses in the degree program.

• Foundations in TESOL : This introductory course gives students a general idea of what is involved in teaching English as an additional language. It may focus on the community resources that are available for the EAL population in the area, or it could have students observe or interview an EAL teacher, class, or student.
• Methods and/or learning theory : This course focuses on different learning theories and methods of instruction. Graduate students will be able to give a critical review of the benefits and drawbacks of each theory.
• Second language acquisition : An MA in TESOL program may require more than one course in second language acquisition. These classes focus on how students learn languages, the phases in how one acquires a language, and perhaps instructional strategies to help in the language acquisition process.
• Structure of English or English grammar : Some schools may not offer this course independently because it may be part of a second language acquisition class. It is important for future English language teachers to explain certain parts of the English language while teaching it. Inevitably, multilingual learners of English (MLEs) will ask grammar-related questions in class. Some English speakers are so immersed in the language it may be difficult for some of them to explain rules without explicitly learning them.
• Assessment : This course will show graduate students’ various methods of assessment in an EAL curriculum. It will also explain how to ensure that tests are valid, reliable, and practical to use in the classroom.
• Language and culture : This class may come in a variety of forms. Future EAL teachers will be able to learn how to address a class that has a mixture of cultures from around the world. The course may include political or educational philosophies from different regions of the world. It may also address how students have been taught in their home country and how it may be very different from the school where you are teaching. Whether it is explicitly taught in the program or not, a high level of intercultural understanding and awareness is an essential attribute for anyone working with MLEs.
• Curriculum and materials design : In this class, graduate students will focus on the age and fluency levels they intend to teach once they have graduated. The students will be able to develop their own curriculum, educational objectives, short-term goals, benchmarks, and related resources, quizzes, or tests to assess mastery.
• Research methods : Most universities encourage their students to research the field of TESOL. This course will explain qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, show limitations of research, what to do with the data, and how to publish or use the research results for further study.

Each master’s program will also have a culminating project that the students will have to complete. This may include one or more of the following:

• Internship or practicum : A graduate student will be asked to teach an EAL class for a pre-arranged amount of time. They will be responsible for writing and delivering lessons, grading assignments, and conferencing with a mentor teacher to address challenges or discuss successes they had teaching the class.
• Capstone project/portfolio : Throughout the duration of the program, students will make a portfolio that might include lesson plans, their teaching philosophy, assessments that they designed, and an action research project that they worked on during their classes. This allows the new graduate to have a toolkit of items that they can use as soon as they begin teaching.
• Thesis : A thesis is an extended research study on a topic that the graduate student is interested in learning more about. This would include an investigation into a specific area of TESOL, often including a literature review and a research project delving into the topic as well. This may be a beneficial option for graduate students who want to pursue further studies or work at a university.

What Kind of Program: Brick-and-Mortar, Online, or a Hybrid of Both?

Brick-and-Mortar Programs

For some people, it is important to have a traditional college experience by going to the school or university for each class in person. This is a great way to meet other people in your community who are focused on MLEs. Attending classes at the institution has advantages, such as using school facilities like the library and computer labs. Many feel that traditional classes are also easier to focus on and that in-person interaction with classmates and professors is invaluable. Many universities offer graduate classes in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working professionals.

Online Programs

More and more colleges and universities are offering their graduate classes online for students who are unable to physically attend classes due to work schedules or geographic location. This provides a great opportunity for students to connect with other graduate students around the world. The backgrounds and diversity that each student brings to an online class can enrich the experience and broaden the collective experience of the class. One student may be a practicing English teacher in Korea, while another student may be new to EAL and living in Los Angeles.

• Synchronous or asynchronous?

Online classes can be delivered in two formats:

• Synchronous classes require all students enrolled in the class to meet at the computer via webcams on specific class times and days. The professor takes attendance and presents lessons on a computer platform that enables PowerPoint; videos can even have students discuss topics in small breakout rooms.
• Asynchronous classes do not require students to meet at a certain time and day. These classes are delivered by having students read assignments and write papers on their own schedule and submit assignments by a specified due date. The students in the class may be required to write comments on an online class bulletin board or discussion board or respond to other students’ comments or ideas.

Hybrid Programs

Some colleges and universities offer a mixture of classes that are both online and in a traditional classroom setting. There are also programs that may provide the majority of the classes online but require a short (several weeks) residency on campus several times a year. Many graduate students appreciate the flexibility of a hybrid program because they are given an opportunity to interact with their professors and classmates in person and the flexibility of taking classes online when their schedules will not accommodate class time on campus.

What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Programs?

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating an MA TESOL program:

• Does the faculty represent a balance of expertise and experience in teaching?
• Does the institution have a solid reputation within the TESOL field?
• Does the university have a good overall reputation (name brand)?
• Ask questions. Schedule an interview to speak to a department member or current student. Most university professors will be happy to discuss their programs with potential applicants. This will give you a feel for what the program will be like for you.
• What kind of professional network does the school have? Some programs have a very diverse student population and active alumni groups that will provide you with valuable peer-to-peer networking and learning opportunities for years to come.

Long term, think about what it means to become a professional in the field of TESOL. Key elements of ongoing professionalism involve the following:

• Professional networking, both in-person and online
• Seeking out mentors and mentoring others
• Ongoing learning and professional development
• Action research and sharing information on new knowledge and effective practice with colleagues in your community and internationally
• Joining professional associations like TESOL (and/or IATEFL) and your local affiliate if you have one
• Speaking at or attending conferences to further your professional development in the field and/or submitting articles or resources for print or online publication.

How to Prepare for an Exciting Career in TESOL

Pursuing a Masters in TESOL is a big step that will require dedication, persistence, and hard work, but the benefits can be very rewarding. One of the most important first steps is to try to decide what you would like to do eventually in your career. If you want to work with children, make sure you receive the proper primary and/or secondary school endorsements that align to the school you would like to teach in. If you plan to pursue a doctorate in TESOL, whether to do teacher training or research in the field for a university, then it may be better for you to enroll in a program that includes a very strong component of research and theory. If you are unsure of what you see yourself doing long term, then you may want to diversify by learning about different areas that you are interested in and seeing where that will lead you in your career.

It is critical that you do a strong self-assessment. For example, if you strongly prefer to learn in an experiential format, then look into that type of degree program. However, if you have a lot of practical teaching experience but feel that you are very weak in your knowledge of language, including how to teach grammar, then make sure to find a program or teacher who can most effectively help you achieve what you need. On a similar note, the work and preparation you do before starting an MA program are important. If you know nothing about sociolinguistics or pragmatics, for example, then consider finding an excellent book or two on the topic and make them summer reading before you start your program. The more time and effort you put into preparing for your program, the more you will get out of it. Or, if you have never studied a foreign language yourself, try to immerse yourself in one before you begin your degree program. Perhaps nothing is as important for a TESOL instructor as being able to put yourself in the shoes of your students.

The key components of any successful career involve finding something that you have a passion for, which is also a natural area of strength for you (as not everyone is cut out to be a great teacher). If, in addition, you really develop both your areas of expertise and gain knowledge , skills, competencies , and awareness in areas where you are not as strong, you will position yourself well for success. You want to be aware of your own skill sets and experience as a teacher and build on those natural areas of expertise while filling in the gaps. For example, if you know nothing at all about teaching reading or writing, one way or another, you will have to make an effort to learn more. Think ahead to where you want to be in the future. In the best-selling book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell points out that it takes tens of thousands of hours of practice and experience to become a true expert in something. Want to be a great writing teacher for MLEs? If so, you will have to really put in the time and effort to learn that specific craft.

Another factor in any successful career is keeping an eye out for changes in the job market. First, you should consider where you would like to be in five to 10 years. If, for example, you would eventually like to teach at a university in an EFL context, then make sure to learn about that type of work environment and gain practical experience in that area. Some MA programs include opportunities to do student teaching abroad. Also, in any profession, diversifying your portfolio can be very helpful. For example, if you are planning to teach primary and/or secondary EAL, having a teaching endorsement in TESOL as well as in math or science would be very valuable, given current trends and realities in public schools. If you hope to teach in the private sector, gaining knowledge and experience in English for specific purposes would be important.

Whatever direction you choose to go, your TESOL career will probably change your life. Teaching EAL makes it possible to travel the world without ever leaving your classroom. Many EAL classes even celebrate on the last day by having students bring authentic food from their home countries. You will be able to try new foods and learn about different countries and cultures from the people who know about them best. Students usually enjoy sharing information about where they are from, which can be enlightening for other students as well as teachers. Ask questions, and encourage students to dialogue with others. It not only helps with their communication skills but also dispels preconceived ideas that others sometimes have about certain parts of the world.

The rewards of English language teaching are great. Students are generally very motivated to learn English—and even if they are not, you can help provide the inspiration they need to want to learn more about new linguistic and cultural worlds. If you are an effective teacher, you and your students will be able to see measurable progress in a relatively short time. There is an intrinsic satisfaction in teaching English and fostering a common language between groups of people who would otherwise have no way to communicate. It is an incredibly diverse and rewarding profession for those who pursue a career in this field.

The suggestions above are offered for informational purposes only. TESOL does not warrant that this information, or the information provided by any outside entity, is comprehensive, complete, or otherwise reliable. TESOL does not provide professional career or academic counseling, legal assistance, or legal advice, and cannot intervene in disputes between an employer and an employee. TESOL hopes the information is helpful but does not intend it to substitute for professional assistance.

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College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Teaching english to speakers of other languages (TESOL) MA

Are you considering a career teaching English as a second or foreign language to adults? The MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a professional degree that prepares you to teach English to adult speakers of other languages in accredited higher education institutions and in community settings. The MA in TESOL is an essential, required degree for most professional positions in the field of ESL in the U.S. and abroad.

The program offers a unique supervised teaching practicum in an intensive English program. This experience equips graduates to analyze language acquisition and to enter the field as a professional.

Quote from Michael Rich, MA in TESOL 2022

My growth as a teacher, my confidence, my approach to research-based instruction, have all taken massive leaps and bounds forward all thanks to the faculty and structure of this program. Michael Rich, MA in TESOL 2022

About the program

The curriculum includes 31-34 credits of required coursework. Students must also pass a Language Proficiency Exam, and write and defend a final thesis (Plan A) or a qualifying paper (Plan B).

View the required courses in the graduate catalog under the TESOL subplan.

This program can be completed in two years of full-time study, or four semesters.

Career outlook

Our graduates have gone on to careers as university professors in accredited programs, instructional leaders, curriculum designers, and assessment specialists worldwide.

Some recent graduates of the MA in TESOL are employed in the following positions and institutions:

• Faculty Associate, University of Madison-Wisconsin
• Educational Technologist, Center for English Language and Orientation Programs at Boston University
• Managing Research Scientist, Educational Testing Service
• Online Projects Manager, English Language Programs, Georgetown University
• English Learner and Migrant Education Specialist, Compliance Monitor, Minnesota Department of Education
• Clinical Assessment Developer, Pearson Education
• ESL Lecturer, University of North Carolina – Wilmington
• Foundations in second languages & cultures
• Methods of teaching ESL in higher education
• English grammar for ESL teachers
• Advanced grammar for ESL teachers
• Practicum in teaching ESL
• Analyzing learner language in SLA
• Foreign language testing and assessment or
• Assessing English learners
• Complete thesis

Martha Bigelow Martha Bigelow

• Carmen Starkson Campbell Endowed Chair for Innovation in Teacher Development
• she, her, hers
• 612-624-7087
• [email protected]

My research interests span fields of education, applied linguistics, and cultural studies.

Blanca Caldas Chumbes Blanca Caldas Chumbes

• Associate Professor
• [email protected]

Blanca Caldas is an assistant professor in Multilingual Education and Elementary Education—College of Education and Human Development at The University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She completed her Ph.D.

Samuel David Samuel David

• Assistant Professor
• he, him, his
• [email protected]

My work as both a teacher and researcher at the University of Minnesota are centrally concerned with improving instruction for minoritized multilingual students across diverse classroom contexts.

Mary Hermes Mary Hermes

• 612-624-3082
• [email protected]

Mary Hermes' research focuses on language revitalization and how it can connect people to the land and the planet. She explores different ways of knowing and being through feminist and indigenous lenses.

Kendall King Kendall King

• Professor of Multilingual Education, Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Faculty Development
• 612-625-3692
• [email protected]

Schools play a crucial role in determining the life trajectories of minoritized language students as well as the status of minoritized languages and the future of linguistic diversity.

Karla Stone Karla Stone

• Senior Lecturer
• 612-626-0319
• [email protected]

Dr. Karla Stone is a Senior Lecturer in Multilingual Education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In that role, she coordinates the initial license and M.Ed. program for MN K-12 ESL and World Language teacher candidates.

How to apply

Application deadline and instructions.

Priority deadline: December 1

You must have a complete application in by December 1 to be given consideration for funding through the Department, but we will consider applications on a rolling basis through May for the following academic year.

Strong applicants demonstrate:

• Evidence of interest in teaching English and second languages
• Evidence of experience in the discipline
• Strong writing skills and experience in language learning and linguistics
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent; 3.00 GPA preferred

Priority deadline: December 1 See detailed admissions, tuition and funding information on the MA and PhD admissions page.

Tuition and funding

We have several funding options to support students full-time through program completion. Support is available in the form of:

• Teaching Assistantships. The majority work as student teaching supervisors for MEd initial licensure students. Daytime availability, a teaching license, and teaching experience are required
• Research Assistantships
• Fellowships. Based on a departmental nomination process. You will be notified by the Director of Graduate Studies if you are being considered for a fellowship. Decisions are made by April 15.
• Graduate students are also eligible to apply for fellowships and graduate assistantships through other University departments. Visit the University's employment page or fellowships through the Graduate School's Graduate Fellowship Office .
• Find more detailed federal financial aid and graduate tuition information.
• Financial support through Teaching Assistantships in MELP , the Writing Center , or the undergraduate TESL program.
• Fellowships such as FLAS

Application requirements

What we look for.

Admission to our master's of arts and doctoral programs are competitive and we look for candidates whose goals and interests align with the program’s research and scholarship. Program faculty make admissions decisions based on the candidate’s experience and research competencies, along with compatibility of research goals.

Please look at our current faculty members’ research interests.

Our masters and doctoral candidates display

• Evidence of strong interest in research and in the development of research competencies
• Evidence of substantial experience in the discipline
• Strong writing skills
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent

Required application documents

• Unofficial transcripts .Upload your transcripts into the application system. Please include all transcripts from any institution you have attended, even if you did not earn a degree or certificate. Please do not mail your transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after you are admitted. Tips for uploading your transcript(s) .
• CI Application Form . Upload in the graduate program additional materials section.
• Three letters of recommendation . Ask professors, employers, or supervisors to speak to your potential for successfully completing your degree; they will upload their letters directly into the online application.

The GRE is being waived for those applicants applying for Fall 2025.

Required written statements

• Why you want to study in our department
• What strengths, expertise, and research experience would contribute to your success in our program
• Your professional goals for pursuing a research-focused degree
• Diversity statement .Upload to the Applicant Statements section of the online application. Identify the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to our community. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. (please do not exceed one page in length)
• Short writing sample .(Optional except for Literacy Education applicants). For example, an excerpt from a term paper or research paper for publication. No longer than five pages in English.
• Common Ground Consortium Fellowship. (Optional) The primary purpose of the CGC is to assist graduate programs in the College of Education and Human Development to recruit exceptional students with the distinct experience provided by HBCUs or similarly distinguishing contexts, provide these students with financial assistance support during their graduate studies, and assistance with career development and job placement afterwards. It offers a pipeline to excellence and an opportunity to diversify perspectives in the academy. If you wish to apply, submit a statement that describes how your participation as a CGC scholar would a) enhance your graduate student experience, b) prepare you for your chosen career, and c) benefit the public. Upload to graduate program additional materials section.

Additional admissions information

Application checklist.

Before applying online , go through the application checklist to ensure you have all the required materials. We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator .

If you are a returning Graduate School student, follow the Readmission guidelines. If you are a current Graduate School student and need to change your program, follow the Change of Status guidelines .

Transfer credits

MA students must complete at least 60 percent of their coursework (not including thesis credits) within our program. PhD students may transfer no more than 15 credits from an outside institution.

A maximum of 12 graduate course credits taken as non-degree seeking or non-admitted status at the University of Minnesota can be transferred; this is counted separately from the maximum 60 percent or 15 non-UMN credits. For example, a PhD student could transfer a maximum of 27 credits (15 non-UMN and 12 non-degree from UMN).

If you earned a MA at the UMN, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator to discuss transfer procedures. Thesis credits cannot be transferred.

After you are admitted, you will work with your adviser to determine which credits may transfer.

International applicants

International applicants may also need:

• An English translation of your transcripts, if the transcript is not in English. Please note: the Graduate School Admissions Office will not accept an evaluation of your international coursework by an outside agency such as ECE or WES; they only accept the original transcripts.
• TOEFL/IELTS or MELAB. You may qualify for an exception if you have completed 16 semester or 24 quarter credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States or other country where English is the official language (i.e. U.K, Canada). Score requirements and submission guidelines

Request information

We’re here to help. Simply complete one of these forms and a member of our department will be in touch

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Graduate Admissions

Office of graduate admissions.

820 Idaho Avenue Morrill Hall, Room 205 Moscow, ID 83843

University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3019 Moscow, ID 83844-3019

Phone: 208-885-4001

Email: [email protected]

Web: More Contact Information

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)

Requirements.

Education Level:  Bachelor's GPA:  3.0 GRE:  No TOEFL/IELTS:  79/6.5 Letters of Rec.: 3 Other Req.: Yes, see below

Availabilities

Terms:  Fall, Spring or Summer Location:  Moscow Thesis Option:  Non-thesis Deadlines:  View U of I deadlines

Program Contacts

Director of Graduate Studies: Melissa McConnell Phone:  208-885-0353

Other Requirements

Teaching english to speakers of other languages specific.

• Please provide ONE sample of your writing that best demonstrates your compositional skills and academic abilities.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Applicants must have a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 grade scale equivalent to U.S. bachelor’s degree. If your GPA meets the minimum admission requirements, the department of major will determine if your overall academic record and test scores meet department requirements.

Note: If you do not meet the minimum 3.00 GPA, your application can be considered for admission if you:

• Earned an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits.
• Worked in the program specific profession for 5+ years. 
• Obtained a letter of support from a faculty member in the department. 
• Wrote a detailed statement/essay describing your professional experience and potential to succeed academically

Degree Levels and Equivalents

All graduate school applicants must satisfy the following criteria to be considered for graduate admission to the University of Idaho:  Have earned a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized accrediting body, a ministry of education, or an official quality assurance organization in another country. The bachelor's degree should consist of four years of study, equivalent to 120 semester credit hours or 180 quarter hours.

An official academic record from all post-secondary education institutions attended is required. This may take some time so start this early in your application process.

In the instance that official records cannot be obtained, unofficial records may be used to consider your application. These documents are typically issued to the student and may be considered official after further review. This applies to cases where it is impossible to obtain the official records, and will be considered only on a case by case basis.

Domestic Applicants

Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association. If the degree is from a recognized but not regionally accredited institution, the application will be reviewed by the department and by the College of Graduate Studies.

International Applicants

For information about equivalency and required academic credentials by country of education page, use the Degree Equivalency Guide .

The University of Idaho recommends, and reserves the right to require, a professional credential evaluation by an outside, independent party. Reasons for outside review include, but are not limited to, verification of document authenticity, potential transfer credits and the wish to expedite the processing of an application file. You are responsible for supplying the correct academic records and paying for the evaluation service. You will need to request a course-by-course evaluation. Transferring Internationally earned credits requires a course-by-course professional credential evaluation .

The preferred provider of transcript evaluations is:

• World Education Services, Inc.

There is a list of the five services from which the University of Idaho will accept evaluations.

• Visit our professional credential evaluation page .

Precise, word-for-word, English translations are required for all foreign language documents.

English Proficiency

The most common and widely accepted test is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Our institution code for the TOEFL is 4843.

The following are acceptable as proof of English Language Proficiency:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum overall score of 79 
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): minimum overall score of 6.5
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): Minimum overall score of 77
• PTE A (Pearson Test of English Academic): Minimum overall score of 58
• U of I American Language & Culture Program (ALCP) with score of a Level 6/Advanced Pass
• U.S. Education Earned Bachelor, or higher, degree at accredited U.S. institution
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum Overall 110 (as of Spring 2024 admission, the minimum required score will be 115)

A waiver for this requirement is automatically granted to applicants whose education is from countries where English is an official/native language. For more information, visit our English language countries page .

• All tests must have been taken within two years of the semester.
• Some graduate programs have a higher requirement. If so, you will need to take the TOEFL, or equivalent test, and obtain the higher score prior to be granted regular admission.
• Some graduate programs allow admission to be granted to applicants who qualify academically, but have not yet achieved U of I minimum English language requirements. To view information and a list of programs accepting students on this admission, visit our international requirements webpage .

Quick Application Guide

For the best user experience:

• Desktop or laptop advised, mobile devices are not recommended
• Have recommender names and email addresses
• Have electronic versions of your required documents
• Be ready to complete an online application fee

Provide Academic & Personal Information

• Program applying
• Academic background
• English proficiency (if applicable)
• GRE (if applicable)
• Your Contact Information
• Answer varying questions
• Three (3) recommender names and emails
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Program Specific Materials (if required)
• Transcript Scans (if applicable)
• Provide payment information

Popular Links

• Graduate Application Status Portal
• Contact Graduate Admissions
• U of I Graduate Priority Deadlines
• Graduate Admissions FAQs

Recommendation for admission is based on the department's decision. Final admission is determined by the College of Graduate Studies.

Important notes to keep in mind  » Learn More

Tuition, Fees, Scholarships and Costs

Visit the following pages to learn more:

• Scholarships and Costs  (General Annual)
• Tuition and Fees (Semester Breakdown)
• Idaho Residency for Tuition Purposes

Letters of Recommendation

The number of letters is up to the academic department/program. Individual programs may require 1 to 3 letters of recommendation. Please  gather the names and email addresses of your recommenders. You will need to enter this information to complete an online application. Remember to inform recommenders in advance that they will receive an invitation to upload their letter of support directly to your application.

• Please use your references institutional email address
• Preferably, letters of recommendation should be issued on the university or company letterhead
• Preferably, your recommendations should come from teaching or research faculty in an area related to your anticipated field of study or a company supervisor who has worked with you and can articulate your merits

For more information, visit our documental resources page .

Submitting Documents

Include your full name on ALL materials and ensure uploads are LEGIBLE .

Any change in specific degree, major or semester before enrollment requires a new application (including uploaded material) and a non-refundable fee.

To be considered  official , all academic records and test scores (ie. transcripts, degree certificates, GRE, TOEFL) must be sent directly from the institution and/or testing center to Graduate Admissions. When these items are submitted by applicants or educational consultants/agencies, approved or not, they are considered  unofficial .

Direct mailing address is:

Graduate Admissions University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3019 Moscow, ID 83844-3019

Additional items  that applicants upload into the application include (if required):

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Statement of Purpose (required)
• Scans of Official Transcripts (optional, see below)
• Personal Information Form (some programs)
• Writing Sample (some programs)
• Portfolio (some programs)

Note: Failure to adhere to these requirements could delay your credential evaluation and/or admission to the University of Idaho. For more information or assistance,  visit our documental resources page .

Unofficial Transcripts

• Applicants may upload scanned copies of official transcripts and translations via the online application. Only scans of high quality (600 dpi or higher, front and back with grading keys/scales) from the University Registrar’s office, also known as original documents from your institution, are acceptable. These scans may be used to determine your acceptance into the program. However, the  official transcript documents will ultimately be required .

Official Transcripts

• Transferring Internationally earned credits requires a course-by-course professional credential evaluation .
• U.S. Institutions: Academic transcripts from each college or university attended must be received by Graduate Admissions directly from the awarding institution in the officially sealed envelope bearing the institution’s official seal, stamp, and/or appropriate signature.
• Graduate Admissions accepts electronic transcripts from U.S. higher education institutions.
• Current or former U of I students: If you have or are currently attending the U of I, you do not need to order U of I transcripts. Graduate Admissions will secure them for you.

Test Scores

• ETS Institution Code (U of I): 4843
• The GRE is only required for some graduate programs.
• Department code (if needed and not supplied): 5199
• A waiver for English language proficiency requirement is automatically granted to students whose education is from countries where English is an official/native language.
• Department code (if needed and not supplied): 99

International

Complete and return the following to Graduate Admissions regardless of your source(s) of funding:

• Certificate of Financial Responsibility Form
• Copy of passport for applicant and all accompanying dependents requiring a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20)
• Current I-20

All students currently in F-1 status at any type of institution (college, university, intensive English institute) in the U.S. who plan to transfer to the University of Idaho must complete the transfer procedure through SEVIS. For more information, see the "Student Visa and SEVIS Information" drop-down below.

Student Visa and SEVIS Information

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations require that every student verify the availability of funds to pay for educational and living expenses before an I-20 or DS-2019 form to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. can be issued.

Immigration regulations require that international students holding F-1 or J-1 student visas be certified as full-time students during the academic year. F-1 graduate students are required to be enrolled in nine credit hours and are allowed to take up to three credits of online coursework toward this requirement. J-1 visa holders are also required to enroll in nine credit hours, but are not allowed to take online classes toward the nine credit requirement.

• Additional documents are required for international students , see the "International" section of the "Submitting Documents" drop-down above.
• Not all programs are eligible for an F-1 or J-1. View the "Program Specific" drop-down or contact the program for information.
• All students currently in F-1 status at any type of institution (college, university, intensive English institute) in the U.S. who plan to transfer to the University of Idaho must complete the transfer procedure through SEVIS.

SEVIS Record Transfer Request (PDF Form)

Transfer Procedure:

• Receive admission to the University of Idaho
• Notify your current school of your intentions to transfer
• Complete Part I of this form (only after you have been admitted and choose to attend U of I)
• Have an international student advisor at your current institution complete Part II
• After you and your current school have determined the date to have your SEVIS record electronically released to the University of Idaho, promptly return this form
• After the release date, the University of Idaho will produce an I-20.

• Open the Search Form

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September 20, 2024

Army activates first-of-its-kind medical command in Europe with an eye on Moscow

Featuring: Katherine L. Kuzminski

Source: Stars and Stripes

Journalist: Philip Walter Wellman

Katherine Kuzminski, a senior fellow and director of the Military, Veterans and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security, said one only has to look at current events to understand the new unit’s importance.

“The war in Ukraine serves as a sobering reminder that in near-peer modern war, nations can face rates of servicemembers wounded in action at levels approaching those of the world wars,” Kuzminski said. “This activation signals a commitment to mission success in a protracted conflict.”

Read the full story and more from Stars and Stripes .

Deputy Director of Studies, Director, Military, Veterans, and Society Program

Katherine L. Kuzminski (formerly Kidder) is the Deputy Director of Studies, and the Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society (MVS) Program at CNAS. Her research special...