MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

About the course

Our MA TESOL is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time, course for graduates in English or related subjects such as Education or Languages, with little or no teaching experience, who want a practical preparation in English Language Teaching at postgraduate level. A key feature of this MA TESOL is its practical teaching element. Supported throughout by our experienced staff, you will first observe and then participate in practice teaching sessions right from the start of the two taught semesters, teaching international students who are studying at the University of Hertfordshire. Teaching these volunteer students in small groups, you will build your skills in lesson planning, preparing case studies and delivering and receiving detailed peer and teacher feedback. Alongside your guided classroom teaching you will follow a comprehensive range of modules that link language teaching theory and practice, enabling you to develop academic research skills while gaining a strong foundation in English Language Teaching. Our small group teaching ensures you’re fully supported by your tutors, with opportunities to reflect on your teaching practice from theoretical and research-based perspectives, appropriate for Masters-level study.

Why choose this course?

You will be: Teaching overseas students right from the start of the course Gaining both teaching skills and in-depth subject knowledge Learning about research-informed practice and developing your own research skills Equipped to choose from many career options including teaching English in different countries; teaching English for Academic or Specific Purposes (EAP/ESP) at university level; progress to a more senior teaching position such as Director of Studies or teacher trainer; set up an online tutoring business; marketing; publishing, materials design; examining; PhD study

What will I study?

One day a week is spent on teaching practice, including supervised lesson preparation, and discussing and receiving extensive feedback. Lectures are supplemented with workshops, seminar discussions and out of class reading. Free English Language support is offered through English for Academic Purposes courses run through the University library.

Careers

As a graduate of this MA TESOL you will be qualified for jobs teaching English at a range of levels in most countries of the world. You will be able to take on positions of responsibility at course design and course management levels. This MA opens doors to senior level posts in language schools, including Director of Studies positions, as well as university teaching (i.e. EAP/ESP) for UK-based students. The wide range of careers available also include materials writing, TESOL examining or teaching English to refugees (ESOL). Recent Herts MA TESOL graduates have set up online tutoring businesses, while other graduates are working for the Refugee Council in Hertfordshire and in local Further Education colleges.