Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

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.

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).          

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. 

• 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 Teaching 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.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must choose one of the following:

Students should choose two options from those available. An indicative list of options is provided below.

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.

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.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

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

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.

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 has developed into 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.

Campus life

Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse 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.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.