Qian Zhang
Senior Lecturer in English as a Second Language
level:PG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:September, January;location:Waterside
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA
Key Facts
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Duration
Full Time: 1 Year
Part Time: 2 Years -
Level
PostgraduatePG MA
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Full Time: £8,700
Part Time: £1,450.50 per 30 credits -
Full Time: £19,000
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Updated 16/02/2026
Overview
English is a global language used daily in business, education and the media by many people for whom it is a second rather than a ‘native’ language. This Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages masters course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher of the language. Applying the insights of linguistic research into how English is learned and used in a wide variety of situations, the programme with its practical focus will help you become a resourceful, reflective and confident professional in the field of TESOL.
Highlights
- Gaining work experience by working closely with teaching staff on the TESOL MA.
- Develop your skills and confidence in teaching through applying theory to practice by observing lessons, planning tasks and micro-teaching to peers.
- Opportunities of joining professional organisations and attend conferences, seminars and social events.
- Eligible for 20% Graduate Discount Scheme.
Entry Requirements
To study this masters in TESOL course, you will need either:
- An honours degree from a UK University awarded at lower second or above in English, Humanities or in a Foreign Language or an equivalent professional qualification
Or
- An honours degree from a recognised University outside the UK awarded at lower second or above in English, Humanities or in a Foreign Language or an equivalent professional qualification
Applicants who have a Diploma in English, Humanities or in a Foreign Language or an equivalent professional qualification plus recent teaching experience of two years or more will be positively considered. In this case the applicant will usually be interviewed and must demonstrate suitability for the programme.
For information on how to apply to study with us as an international applicant, please see our How to Apply page.
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- Minimum standard – IELTS 6.5 with no score below 6.0 (or equivalent)
for study at postgraduate level.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
What You'll Learn
Compulsory Modules
The purpose of this module is to examine the development of theories of second language acquisition (SLA), focusing on the linguistic, psychological and social processes underlying SLA in a range of contextsTo consider how evolving research into learner differences, types of motivation and interlanguages has influenced language teaching.
The purpose of this module is to: This module will help students develop those key skills required for the effective teaching of the four language skills: speaking listening reading, writingEnhancing these skills will involve a focus on phonetics/phonology; the grammar of spoken discourse; different reading strategies and on developing an awareness of different discourse genres.
The purpose of this module is To introduce students to the key concepts, issues and methods of language testing, drawing attention to the principles that underpin different testing/evaluation systems and the way these impact on students and educational institutions.
The purpose of this module is to develop students critical understanding of theoretical approaches or frameworks in English language teaching materials development and course designStudents evaluate commercially produced materials, and apply those approaches or frameworks to designing course and learning materials for specific groups of learners and the contexts in which they are taught.
Research Thesis
Code: EDUM170
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted for the TESOL MA relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £8,700
- UK – Part Time: £1,450.50 per 30 credits
- International – Full Time: £19,000
There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2026. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted for the TESOL MA relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £8,500
- UK – Part Time: £1,417.50 per 30 credits
- International – Full Time: £17,495
Staff
Hazel McAllister
Senior Lecturer in Educational Linguistics
Bob Fisher
Senior Lecturer in Educational Linguistics
Careers and Employability
TESOL MA Graduates should be able to seek employment opportunities in a wide variety of areas including:
- English language teaching in any education sector (this may depend on having fulfilled primary teaching qualifications in the countries in which you choose to work as the MA would not be a substitute for such qualifications).
- Teacher training.
- Testing: both in supporting existing testing programmes and developing programmes in companies developing and implementing communication skills training.
- Continued academic research in areas of interest developed as a consequence of involvement in this course, e.g. PhD.
