Ranking
11th
in UK for Education (QS World)
Course overview
Take the first step in your English language teaching career by studying our TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) MSc.
Our TESOL course in the School of Education at Birmingham equips you with practical language teaching skills and cutting-edge research skills, preparing you for a thriving career in language education. You will become a TESOL professional, a capable educational researcher, and an active member of the international academic and professional TESOL community.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis.
You will study two core modules - Research Methods in Education, and Second Language Learning - as well as one optional module.
Course highlights
Our TESOL MSc is ideal for aspiring language teachers with little or no experience. With a practical focus, you’ll connect language teaching with broader educational principles, gaining the skills to lead with confidence in the classroom.
- Engaging environment – Join the School of Education's MOSAIC Group for Research on Multilingualism
- Personalised support – Benefit from three contact hours a week each semester and dedicated guidance from a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor
- Global opportunities – Enhance your learning experience with a 4-week grant overseas placement or summer/winter school through the Turing Scheme grant
- 3rd in the UK
for 4* Education research (REF 2021)
- Priority enrolment
on our QTS or iQTS teacher training programmes
Course delivery
Experience research-led teaching from TESOL experts at Birmingham. Benefit from practical learning, supported by passionate academics who bring the latest developments in language education directly into your studies.
You will experience a range of teaching and learning styles, including lectures, group discussions, practical demonstrations, microteaching, individual and group presentations, school observations, journals and group projects.
Module information
The programme comprises of 180 credits of taught material, including a 60-credit dissertation project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Research Methods in Education | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Second Language Teaching Methodology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Second Language Learning | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose one module from the following options:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Education as an International issue | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Assessing and Improving School Performance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Cross-Cultural Issues in SEND | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Education for Social Justice | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose two modules from the following options:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship, Human Rights and the Environment | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education Observation and Evaluation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education Policy, Governance and Regulation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Education, curriculum design, planning and social justice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Inclusion: Individual and Group Differences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language, Discourse and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language Education in Global Contexts | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
A degree in a related discipline is a strong advantage (e.g., English language, linguistics, language teaching, education). However, applicants with other degrees or with a 2:2 will also be considered on an individual basis.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our MSc TESOL opens doors to a wide range of careers in English language teaching and education worldwide.
Graduates often secure teaching roles in schools and universities globally or continue their studies with a PhD. You’ll also have priority access to our QTS and iQTS teacher training programmes.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.