Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - MA
Embark on a global journey in education with our MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This programme is designed for educators who want to create real change. You will explore the evolving landscape of education and develop practical teaching skills and techniques. On graduation, you can gain the Trinity qualification to teach languages abroad or progress into leadership, research or global education.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £9,400 per year. Part time £5,200 per year.
International - £17,100 per year.
Duration of study
- 1 year full-time
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2025/26 academic year.
Why study Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Keele University?
Course summary
Our MA TESOL (Trinity Certified) programme is designed for those looking to begin or advance a career in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), whether in the UK or internationally. The course will support you in developing the skills to become a reflective, ethical, and research-led educator. The programme will also prepare you for a career in research which can lead to careers in publishing, education management or curriculum design.
You will be taught by academics who are specialised in their field and committed to innovative teaching methods. The programme includes areas such as the methodology of teaching English Language, and understanding the needs of learners of English. You will investigate the use of AI and GenAI in classroom teaching, and how to design teaching materials and assessments for different groups of learners.
Assessments are designed to reflect real-world teaching and learning. They include teaching sessions with learners of English, as well as lesson observations, collaborative teaching activities, and the development of professional teaching portfolios. You will also complete a supervised project focused on a self-selected area of interest within TESOL.
As part of the programme, if you successfully complete two core modules, you will be able to apply for moderation for the Trinity College London Certificate in TESOL (CertTESOL). This is an internationally recognised qualification for English language teaching. An additional moderation fee applies.
Related courses
Course structure
On this programme, you will study five compulsory core modules (120 credits), in addition to undertaking the TESOL Capstone Project (60 credits).
Modules
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.
Compulsory core modules
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.
Certificate in TESOL Part A
This module provides the foundations for English language teaching, including an introduction to the structure of the English language and some of the principal methodologies and techniques for teaching. You will be given the opportunity to experience learning an unknown language, as well as developing skills in teaching practice and classroom management by observing experienced teachers. This is the first part of preparation for the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL (on payment of a moderation fee).
Certificate in TESOL Part B
This is the second module leading to the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL (on payment of a moderation fee) and the main focus is on enhancing your knowledge of English while continuing to develop your teaching skills. You will assess and evaluate various types of learning materials and develop a programme of study. You will continue to develop your practical experience through teaching language learners in the community and observing your peers. This is the final part of preparation for the Trinity College (London) Certificate in TESOL on payment of a moderation fee.
Language Teaching Methodology
This 2-semester module provides a detailed overview of different methods and approaches to language teaching, including theoretical underpinnings regarding language, learning, pedagogy and assessment. We investigate a range of contemporary approaches to curriculum and syllabus design and their implications including critical evaluation of methodological principles and theories of language learning. It includes an asynchronous taught component which introduces educational research, including issues with qualitative and quantitative research design and the ethical issues entailed in conducting various forms of enquiry.
Teaching with Technology
This module will raise your awareness of the possibilities and challenges offered by digital technologies both now and in the future. The module aims to equip you with the academic (both synchronous and asynchronous), technical and practical skills needed to use technology to optimum benefit in your classrooms. This includes teaching online, materials design, critical evaluation of software including (Generative) Artificial Intelligence, and the design and delivery of assessments.
The Learner - ESP, EAP and CLIL
This module will familiarise you with the principles and practice of identifying and teaching different types of learners. You will look at the development of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) within the wider field of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The key principles in ESP course design will be discussed such as needs analysis and international English examinations as well as cross-cultural and intercultural issues in EAP.
TESOL Capstone Project
The capstone project provides an opportunity to identify, reflect on and explore a topic that has implications for your professional development. The project builds upon the practical, theoretical and research skills by demonstrating competence in the design, execution and reporting of a project. The project may discuss or develop a conceptual understanding or framework of relevance to your professional development. It may also display your ability to develop courses, materials or assessments for a particular context, with reference to current research.
Entry requirements
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.
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)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 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)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good in any subject
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)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 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)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 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)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 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)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any subject
or
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)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- 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)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 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.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
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. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
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Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
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 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
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.
Additional costs
You can expect some additional mandatory costs which support learning activities, specialist equipment, fieldwork, or other course-related requirements. Details are outlined below. For general information, see the university's additional costs information.
- Enhanced DBS check with digital ID check: £60.70
- Registration to the DBS Update Service: £16 per year.
- This price is not set by the University and is liable to increase.
Your career
The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (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.
Alongside teaching and leadership roles in the UK and internationally, the programme prepares you for careers in sectors such as education administration, policy, social care, health, marketing, charities, youth services, the arts and local government. You will develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, persuasive communication and effective reasoning, opening a wide range of career options.
The programme also provides strong preparation for doctoral study or careers in research and academia. Many of our master’s graduates have progressed to PhD programmes or Professional Doctorates.
Positions may include:
- Academic
- Careers advisor
- Community education officer
- Counsellor
- Development and training officer
- Education administrator
- Education consultant
- Headteacher
- Local government officer
- Marketing executive
- Education officer
- Principal/Vice-Principal
- Policy officer
- Private tutor
- Special educational needs teacher
- Teacher of English (as a foreign language)
- Teaching assistant
- Youth worker
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
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 Capstone Project, supported by a personal supervisor.
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Small-group tasks
- Individual contact time with module tutors
- Individual contact time with 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.
Methods of assessment include:
- Essays
- Presenting, designing and evaluating projects
- Teaching practice
- Observations of experienced teachers
- Designing and developing activities
- Reflective portfolio
- Research proposal
- Dissertation
Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA)
A focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA) is a Students’ Union that specialises in representing the interests of postgraduate students. With a dedicated home at the KPA Clubhouse, a popular venue on campus for students, staff and residents alike – the KPA offers support, advice and a welcoming community for postgraduates.
Our expertise
Education has been taught at Keele for over 50 years and we take pride in combining dedicated research with relevant, and 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.
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.