Ranking
Top 30
QS World Rankings 2024
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Course overview
Accelerate your career teaching English with our MA TESOL, designed for anyone with less than a year's teaching experience. Discover new and different approaches to teaching English as a second language. You'll enhance your knowledge of linguistics and educational theories to prepare for the next step in your teaching journey.
Uncover the close relationship between language teaching theories and practice with our experts in linguistics. We focus on training students to be English teachers via hands-on practice throughout the MA. You’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to apply language teaching theories and methods in your teaching career.
We also offer a distance learning programme over 2.5 years – for more information see Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA (Distance Learning).
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time. If the course is available part-time then this pattern will be spread over two years.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are three hours of contact time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning your dissertation topic during term one.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, you'll learn with other early career teachers of English and be taught by experts in linguistics. Our course is designed with your level of experience in mind.
You won't just learn how to teach English as a second language - you'll understand how the English language works too.
By the end of the MA, you'll possess a rounded knowledge of linguistics and English language teaching methods, ready to apply this knowledge directly in the classroom.
- Develop the English language teaching skills and knowledge you need to advance your career.
- Small group learning – discuss linguistic theories together and enhance your teaching skills by practising presenting your ideas.
- Learn from experts in a range of linguistic areas at a world Top 30 department for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Tailored to your level of experience, gain the knowledge and skills you need early in your career.
Dedicated hardware, software and data resources available at the Linguistics Research Laboratory.
Join a thriving English Language and Linguistics department. Take part in regular seminars, conferences and extracurricular activities.
Refine your teaching methods
At Birmingham, our Applied Linguistics research covers multiple areas. These include: Second Language Acquisition, teaching English for Academic Purposes and English as a global language in multilingual settings. Our broad research interests mean you'll learn from academics with knowledge of how language works and how people learn new languages. On the MA you'll use linguistics to deepen your understanding of how we learn languages, which will help you refine your teaching methods and progress in your career.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in TESOL.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a dissertation in an area that interests you. Alternatively you can take the Practical Teaching Dissertation.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Classroom Research Methods | 20 |
| LM Second Language Learning and Teaching (SLL&T) | 20 |
| LM Syllabus Design and Language Teaching | 20 |
| LM Teaching and Learning Grammar and Vocabulary | 20 |
Students must choose one of the following:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 |
| LM Practical Teaching Dissertation | 60 |
Students should choose two options from those available. An indicative list of options is provided below.
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
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in TEFL/TESL or TESOL, English Language or another relevant subject (e.g. Linguistics, Translation Studies).
Relevant professional experience can also be considered for entry.
This programme is designed for anyone with less than one year’s language teaching experience. If you're a more experienced language teacher, you can apply for our MA Applied Linguistics with TESOL programme.
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. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 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
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
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.
- 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
By studying a postgraduate degree in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include strong written and verbal communication, organisation skills, time management and analysing information.
Linguistics and Communication graduates enter many roles, including:
- Secondary School Teacher
- Digital Communications Officer
- TESOL Tutor or Language Tutor
Employers our Linguistics and Communication graduates have worked for include:
- Regional councils/schools in the UK and worldwide
- Further Education colleges
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.