MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL)

Programme

Qualifications and durations

• Full-time MA (90 credits - 1 year)

Some units can be taken independently as part of our Continuing Professional Development programme.

Overview

The MA TESOL is a specialist degree for aspiring professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects in the field of teaching of English as a second, foreign or additional language.

It will provide you with the tools and resources you need in order to develop your teaching skills, reflect upon your professional practice and conduct your own research.

We place particular emphasis on helping you to develop appropriate methods and materials to suit your social and cultural context.

Upon graduating you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the latest practice, theory and policy of international language education.
• Apply your knowledge to the teaching of English in a variety of contexts around the globe.
• Demonstrate an understanding of current issues in the English language teaching profession.
• Critically analyse the role of English as the world’s major international language.
• Use research to inform your daily practice and decision making as a language educator.
• Contribute professionally and academically to the rapidly changing world of international English language education.

Programme features

• A highly competitive programme that integrates the latest developments in TESOL research and practice.
• Suitable for pre- and post-experience participants.
• Opportunity to share experience with educators from a range of backgrounds and to establish an international network of professional contacts.
• Specialised academic writing and study skills courses for MA TESOL students.
• The opportunity to combine study for the MA TESOL with a globally recognised Cambridge ESOL qualification.
• Credits equivalent to two MA units offered to students who already hold either a Cambridge ESOL Delta or a Trinity College London Diploma in TESOL (DipTESOL).

Programme structure

Study commences in September, and lasts for one year.

Semester one

• Research Methods in Education
• Second Language Acquisition
• Description of the English Language

Semester two

• Language Teaching Methodology and Curriculum
• Teaching the English Language

You will also complete a 15,000-word Dissertation.

View Programme & Unit Catalogue for further information.

Please note:

• The programme catalogue and units listed above are applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only and should be treated as an example of the programme content. Students beginning or continuing their studies in 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that later years of a programme will be in the format displayed here.
• Programmes and Units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
• Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.

Learning and teaching

Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the examinations, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, classes and seminars. Lectures are quite formal, whereas classes and seminars involve interaction between the lecturer and a small number of students for study skills and discussion.

Core teaching staff

• Dr Trevor Grimshaw (Director of Studies)
• Dr Harriet Marshall (Lecturer in International Education and Research Methods Tutor for TESOL)
• Dr Santiago Sanchez (Lecturer in TESOL)
• Dr David Skidmore (Senior Lecturer in Education and Research Methods Tutor for TESOL)
• Ms Su Woodwards (Academic Writing Tutor, English Language Centre)

Methods of assessment

Assessment will be by written assignments. These will include language analysis, learner needs analysis, textbook and test design, and case studies of language learners in institutional settings.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

If you have studied, but not completed or received an award, for postgraduate units from another institution, you may be eligible to transfer credit for this prior learning.

If you already hold either a Cambridge ESOL Delta or a Trinity College London Diploma in TESOL (DipTESOL) you can receive credits equivalent to two units of study of the MA TESOL programme. This credit must have been obtained within the previous five years.

To apply, complete the Application for Accreditation of Prior Learning or contact us.

Careers

Upon graduating, you will be able to contribute academically and professionally to the rapidly changing world of international English language education.

You will be able to apply your knowledge of the latest theory, policy, and practice of international English language education to a variety of global professions, such as:

• English language teacher / lecturer / instructor
• Lecturer in English for Academic Purposes
• Director of Studies / Assistant Director of Studies of a language school or department
• Language teacher trainer
• Trainer in intercultural communication and business communication skills

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• A good undergraduate degree (first or 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university.

English Language requirements

Certificates must be dated to within two years of the start of the programme of study.

• IELTS 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test) with a score of not less than 4 in TWE or 92 (internet-based test) with not less than 21 Writing, Listening 21, Reading 22 and Speaking 23.
• Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE) grade B or above
• Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) grade A

References

•  One academic reference is required.

Read details for how to apply to study.

Financial information

Costs

• Tuition Fees

Potential sources of funding

• Studentships and Scholarships

Deadlines

This programme is now closed for 2013/14 entries.

• Applications for 2014/15 entry will open from October 2013
• Funding deadlines for Studentships and Scholarships

Contact

Admissions Officer
Email: education-pgt-admissions@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 38 6602

Related links

• Frequently Asked Questions about this programme
• Department of Education
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Graduate School 
• MA TESOL programme brochure

Our Research

Main areas of research

Our research is focussed around three main areas of educational enquiry: Educational Policy, Globalisation and Organisation, Learning as Cultural and Social Practice, and Education and Sustainability. Within these, staff research interests lie in such areas as: economic globalisation, skill and inequality; higher education; international education, citizenship and globalisation; educational management and school improvement; learning and identity in practice; discourse; childhood and youth studies; special educational needs; learning assessment and professional development; environmental education; international development; philosophy of education; English language teaching; learning and teaching and sports coaching.

The Department hosts four leading Research Centres:

• The Centre for the study of Education in an International Context (CEIC)
• The Centre for Research in Education and the Environment (CREE)
• The Centre for Sociocultural and Activity Theory Research (CSAT)
• The International Centre for Higher Education Management (ICHEM).

About the Department

Introduction

The Department of Education is a thriving, largely postgraduate community which has links with a wide range of educational institutions, schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and government departments, not only locally, but also in other parts of the UK and around the world.

In all three of the most recent national research assessment exercises the Department was awarded the highest numerical rating (5) for the excellence of its research. In 2001 an official external inspection of the Department’s teaching by the QAA awarded an ‘excellent’ score of 23 out of 24.

Notable features of the Department include: wide ranging experience and expertise of lecturers and research staff in the development of research projects, both nationally and internationally; a research environment which encourages students on all courses to focus on research activities; access for postgraduate students to seminars and research activities; strong links with schools locally, nationally and internationally; dynamic relationships with a range of other organisations, nationally and internationally.

Facilities and equipment

The Department has excellent modern facilities for learning and teaching. Full-time research students have a fully-equipped room reserved for their use within the Department.

International and industrial links

The Department has strong links with the International Baccalaureate Organisation, with many schools in the UK and overseas, and with a range of official bodies and government Departments.

Careers information

The Department’s students come from a wide range of backgrounds in teaching, educational management, policymaking, sports coaching and other related fields.