Embark on a global journey in education with our MA Education with TESOL – a programme designed for educators who want to make a real impact. From exploring the changing world of education and understanding key research methods, to gaining practical teaching skills and techniques - you will graduate with the Trinity qualification to teach language abroad, advance in educational leadership, academic research or contribute to global education.
Why study Education with TESOL (Trinity Certified) at Keele University?
Graduate with an MA Education and Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL - an internationally-recognised teacher training qualification.
Benefit from our long-standing experience in education and world-class research
Gain the skills to critically engage with real-world educational issues and develop as a research-led, reflective practitioner
Explore career development and how you can find employment both in the UK and overseas.
Undertake a significant piece of supervised original research or a school-based work placement
Course summary
Our MA Education with TESOL programme meets the rising global demand for English language teaching, equipping you with advanced teaching skills focused on learner-centred practice and real-world impact. Grounded in both educational theory and practice, you will explore the evolving landscape of education shaped by social, political, economic, and cultural globalisation, essential research methods in the social sciences, alongside the core principles of English language teaching and classroom practice.
With a focus on both formal and informal, local and global approaches to education, the course offers a hybrid model that combines online learning with in-person group sessions. From semester two, you'll choose between completing a substantial piece of supervised original research or undertaking a work placement. Both options give you the opportunity to explore a topic in depth, apply your research skills, and draw on your subject knowledge to gain meaningful insights.
On this pathway, you will study four compulsory core modules (120 credits), in addition to choosing to undertake either a traditional Dissertation or Placement (60 credits). The placement provides an excellent opportunity to help you improve a particular aspect of professional practice, teaching delivery or administration, providing opportunities for observations and collaborating with an on-site mentor.
The MA Education with TESOL can be studied as a one-year full-time course, with a September start date.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification in Education, you may be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning, which could contribute to your overall degree credits.
Each application will need to be discussed on an individual basis and then reviewed by the University.
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Global and Inclusive Education Issues (30 credits) You will explore the changing world of education in the context of social, political, economic and cultural globalisation, especially in regard to how globally inclusive education has been positioned and promoted as a positive reaction to segregated schooling, inequality and prejudice. It reflects on the `nature' of international identity, both for teachers and students, and critically explores what `international' means, educationally, in this context. This module offers insights into many different aspects of inclusive education within a global policy discourse.
Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies in Social Science (30 credits) Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies offers a comprehensive introduction to the key research methods in the social sciences. You will learn about the key theoretical foundations, strengths and limitations of each approach and gain practical experience of data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. Emphasis is placed identifying appropriate methodological approaches to analyse complex social phenomena. This module will enable you to develop the necessary research skills to conduct robust and rigorous research when studying diverse aspects of the social world.
TESOL A (30 credits) This module, the first part of your preparation for the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL, provides the key foundations of English language teaching, which includes an introduction to the structure of the English language. You will learn about some of the principal methodologies and techniques for teaching, such as classroom management and lesson planning, as well as practical skills such as giving instructions and board work. You will be given the opportunity to experience learning an unknown language without recourse to translation, as well as begin to develop skills in teaching practice and classroom management by observing experienced teachers.
TESOL B (30 credits) This is the second module leading to the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL and the main focus is on enhancing your knowledge of the uses of English while continuing to develop your classroom skills. You are encouraged to use your creativity to develop and evaluate various types of learning materials including audio-visual sources, and to examine different types of syllabus design. At the same time, you will continue to develop your practical experience through teaching language learners in the community and groups of visiting international students. Throughout the module we discuss career development and how you can find employment both in the UK and overseas.
You will choose one of the following core modules.
Placement (60 credits) This module offers an educational work-based professional experience through a three-month placement in either a primary or secondary school. During the placement, you will observe practitioners in the education workplace. You will work with an assigned school-based mentor to identify educational topics that your placement school would like you to research. You will subsequently develop and conduct a small research project on a topic chosen by your placement school.
OR
Dissertation (60 credits) The dissertation module contributes substantially to your research methods training. To achieve this aim, you are required to demonstrate an understanding of the philosophy and principles of research and show competence in the design, execution and reporting of a research project. Your ability is developed to carry out subsequent research independently and to commission, manage and evaluate the research activities of others. The dissertation may be empirical or nonempirical in nature.
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Typical offer: 2:2 degree in any subjectAdditional criteria apply
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject or 65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject or demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
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Funding
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
The MA Education with TESOL responds to the rapidly growing opportunities for teaching English across the world, developing exceptional teaching practice that places learners' needs at its core. You will develop knowledge of a range of related global educational issues, such as creativity, inclusion, leadership and management, and understanding of learners with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Keele students who have graduated with the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL have gone on to teach in Language Schools and University Language Centres in countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
In addition to teaching and leadership positions in language schools here in the UK or internationally, this MA Education with TESOL can prepare you for positions not only in schools, but also in education administration, policy advice, social care, the health sector, advertising and marketing, the charity sector, youth services, the arts sector and the local government.
The personal and professional skills learned on this master’s degree include clear and analytical thinking, originality, problem-solving, persuasive writing and speaking, innovative questioning and effective reasoning, all of which can open a wide range of careers.
The course is also excellent preparation for doctoral study or careers in research or academia with previous master’s students continuing with PhD studies or a Professional Doctorate at Keele and other excellent institutions in the UK and elsewhere.
Teaching is delivered via a mixture of large and small group activities, individual tasks, and workshop sessions. You’ll also receive research training, in preparation for your dissertation, supported by a personal dissertation supervisor.
Teaching methods include:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Seminars
Small-group tasks
Individual contact time with module tutors
Individual contact time with dissertation supervisors
Personal and guided study time
Assessment
The wide variety of assessment methods used on this programme, reflects the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the degree programme.
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
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Our expertise
Education has been taught at Keele for over 50 years and we take pride in combining world-class research with relevant, practice-focused teaching. Through both our teaching and research, we are committed to exploring the many ways that education can change and affect modern society.
Our research projects are often run in close collaboration with schools, broadly focused on the scope and pattern of education policy and the problems education is asked to solve, and teaching practices, including the educational potential of new technologies, teaching excellence, education quality and performance of schools.
The programme team currently comprises of highly qualified experienced and respected academics and practitioners, working at the forefront of their fields. The breadth and depth of their expertise brings a unique flavour to the programme and enables them to offer students excellent support and supervision.