MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with Applied Linguistics
Building on your previous English language teaching experience, the MA in TESOL and Applied Linguistics will allow you to move on to posts which demand more specialised subject knowledge and often more responsibility and interest. The MA opens doors.
This postgraduate degree course gives you a thorough grounding in teaching methodology, classroom management, and an in-depth knowledge of lexis, grammar and phonology, and the way in which language is learned. It’ll also help you to develop the analytical and reflective skills you need to continue to develop as a professional.
Why study with us
- You have the choice between the face-to-face full-time course at the Preston campus, taking one year or the part-time route via distance mode, taking at least 3 years. The flexibility can match your current needs and available time for study.
- You will be studying with other students who also already have teaching experience, allowing you to share experience, learn from each other and build a professional network.
- You’ll work in small groups of British and international students, so you’ll really get to know each other and your tutors, allowing you to reach your potential.
What you'll do
- You will take 7 modules and then write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, fully supported by a supervisor.
- You will use your self-study time to read around the topics of each module to extend your knowledge and understanding.
- You will develop your critical thinking and academic argumentation skills.
Module Overview
Modules studied
- EB4501: Language Analysis
- EB4502: Methodology in TESOL
- EB4503: Second Language Acquisition
- EB4505: Dissertation
- EB4504: Course and Materials Design
- EB4507: Testing and Assessment
- EB4512: Corpus Informed Language Teaching
- EB4514: Language in Interaction
- EB4515: Comp-Assist Language Learning
- EB4516: World Englishes
- EB4720: Teaching Language Through Literature
- EH4107: Curriculum Design
EB4501: Language Analysis
The aim of this module is to explore the Systemic Functional Linguistic description of the English language. You'll apply the principles of linguistic analysis in real world contexts and identify the problems for English language teaching.
EB4502: Methodology in TESOL
In this module you will explore different methods and techniques within the field of TESOL. You will develop your knowledge on effective teaching methods and learn from alternative practices. Also, you will gain the confidence to examine classroom practices to general and specific language classes.
EB4503: Second Language Acquisition
This module aims to help you to learn to fully examine two different Language Acquisitions. You will examine the different language acquisitions for implications on English Language teaching and training.
EB4505: Dissertation
In this module you will learn about the most relevant methods for undertaking research in our field. You will look at data collection and analysis and then how to write up your findings effectively. This module culminates in completing a dissertation, with the support of a supervisor, in the summer semester.
EB4504: Course and Materials Design
This module aims to develop your practical skills for designing and producing TESOL courses and materials relevant to your current work and future career. You will be able to challenge accepted creative practices and advance your investigative and creative competences.
EB4507: Testing and Assessment
On this module you'll locate and survey texts from the existing body of knowledge in ELT testing and assessment. You'll apply the basic principles of testing and assessment in common teaching situations, including placement, progress and achievement. You'll also design, produce and implement tests and assessments to meet specific criteria.
EB4512: Corpus Informed Language Teaching
The module aims to help you develop the skills needed for the analysis of written and spoken data, build an understanding of how corpus-informed syllabuses and methods have developed, increase your awareness of corpus-informed methods and materials for TESOL applications, and enhance your analysis of corpus-informed teaching materials.
EB4514: Language in Interaction
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of language choice and its socio-cultural implications. You'll critically analyse how knowledge shapes attitudes and perceptions of language. You'll also identify and examine the relevant implications for English language teaching and learning.
EB4515: Comp-Assist Language Learning
We'll introduce you to the theory and practice of computer-assisted language learning (CALL), from its history and foundations to current research and practice. You'll have the opportunity to create your own CALL tasks and materials using a range of authoring and web-based tools, and you'll relate CALL to current theories in language learning.
EB4516: World Englishes
You'll learn about the implications of English as a lingua franca and the diversification of the language across borders.
EB4720: Teaching Language Through Literature
In this module you will examine the use of literature over time and explore methods of teaching in a second language classroom.
EH4107: Curriculum Design
This module aims to develop your critical understanding of the principles and practice of curriculum design and relate this both to policy within education and also to theories of teaching, learning and assessment. It aims to support staff to enhance the quality of their curricula, by providing tools and a forum for critical evaluation of course and module design and delivery and the impact on students’ learning.
Course Delivery
This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals, take your next step with a postgraduate degree.
Discover moreView the course facilities
Academic expertise
Tania has worked at UCLan since August 2010 before which she worked in both the UK and abroad teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and teacher training in this subject. She maintains an active involvement in teacher development, currently working on the undergr...
Josie is the Course Leader for the MA TESOL programme, and also teaches on the MA TESOL & Applied Linguistics programme and on the BA TESOL. In addition, she is the Preston-based Course Leader for the International Foundation Programme for a UCLan- Hebei University partnership i...
Chris teaches on the MA TESOL, MA TESOL with Applied Linguistics and English Language electives for International students. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of York in Applied Linguistics, focusing on video games for language learning, and his interests include la...
Daniel has worked in the UK and overseas in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and in particular in English for Academic Purposes. He is an experienced teacher trainer whose interests include language assessment, language corpora and lexis. He has worked...
Tutor support has been very useful from day one until the end. I love the campus and the facilities, the library is one of my favourite places.
Greece
Future careers
TESOL with Applied Linguistics opens doors to those who want to teach, travel and work in different countries including the UK, Japan, Malaysia, China, Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
Graduates from this MA have gone on to a wide range of posts around the world and typically move into training, managerial and leadership roles in TEFL. You’ve also the option to continue onto a PhD or into research posts, here or at other universities.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree in related subject
- Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits in the light of the nature and scope of the programme and if they have experience
- Applicants should be able to demonstrate appropriate teaching experience in language education preferably in teaching English as a second language for at least 1-2 years
- Recognised pre-service certificate such as Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
- A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application
- IELTS: Score of at least 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0 or equivalent
Fees and Funding
As part of your course, there may be additional optional costs to consider that are not included within your tuition fees. You can find out more by following the links below:
UK Students
EU and International Students
As part of your course, there may be additional optional costs to consider that are not included within your tuition fees. You can find out more by following the links below:
UK Students
EU and International Students
As part of your course, there may be additional optional costs to consider that are not included within your tuition fees. You can find out more by following the links below:
UK Students
EU and International Students
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country and see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
Alumni Loyalty Discount
UK students with a previous award from us will receive 20% tuition fee discount.
Find out moreArticulation Scholarship
To celebrate our formal partnerships with key institutions worldwide, we are offering a scholarship of £2,000 per year to each student who progresses from one of our specified partner institutions (see list).
Find out moreCarers Bursary
If you need extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies.
Find out moreDependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package.
Find out more
The full-time course is taught face-to-face at Preston Campus and the part-time route is entirely taught online so will suit students who currently work outside the UK.
All classes of both routes take an interactive approach with no traditional lectures. You’ll be expected to prepare thoroughly for all classes and review them afterwards, as well as undertaking extensive follow-up reading. In your self-study time, you can take advantage of the University’s library facilities, including the extensive e-materials.
On the full-time route, classes of approximately eight hours, run on (usually) Monday to Wednesday during the daytime (between 9am - 5pm) in semesters one and two. Thursday and Friday are (usually) self-study days. Semester three has no scheduled classes so you can work on your dissertation.
For the online course, each semester you will begin a new module. This starts with you meeting your tutor over video link. In most cases, you then worth through an interactive pre-recorded session each week which will supply you with input on the relevant topic. You will be directed to further reading and will also take part in online discussion with your classmates to explore key topics and develop your skills in academic argumentation. There will be opportunities to meet as a class via video link during the module, time zones allowing.
You’ll complete a total of seven modules (180 credits) of which the dissertation makes up a triple module. The core of this postgraduate course covers three key areas: language teaching methodology, how second languages are learned or acquired, and the study of language itself. You’ll also complete a 12,000 word dissertation on a topic you want to investigate. You’ll have structured input on research methods and be allocated a supervisor to support your research.
Assessment generally consists of two components for each module. They take a variety of forms, such as participation in discussion board and follow-up commentary and interaction related to other your classmates’ posts; reports; projects; as well as traditional academic essays.
We have links with employers throughout the world of English Language Teaching (ELT) and regularly advertise jobs and job fairs.
This course is based in the School of Humanities, Language & Global Studies located in the Faculty of Culture and Creative Industries
For information on possible changes to course information, see our Essential and Important Course Information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Central Lancashire on our Student Contract page
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