Course summary
About this course The MA TESOL is a UK-based master's degree designed for recent graduates who want to start a career in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or work in the teaching education sector. The program provides specialist knowledge and skills in TESOL and related linguistic areas. You will explore the theory and practice of English language teaching, focusing on the most recent approaches to curriculum, assessment, and pedagogy (the interaction between teachers, students, and the learning environment). We are ranked 6th in the UK for Linguistics as per Times and Sunday Times 2025. Key compulsory modules include: • Analysing Language for ELT/TESOL • Developing Approaches to Language Teaching • Principles of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Your future career This course prepares you to be a leader in the English language teaching profession. Graduates are employed globally across all areas of English language teaching. The degree equips you to challenge current practices and take an innovative approach to your future career. For those who already have teaching experience, the university offers a separate MA TESOL for Experienced Teachers course. Key features of this course • Focus on Pedagogy: Study current issues in teaching methodologies and explore specialised areas. • Flexibility: Optional modules allow you to pursue interests in subjects like learner autonomy, English as an international language, Corpus Linguistics for Language Teaching, or Digital Education and English Language Teaching. • Research Emphasis: Core modules like Research Skills and the final Masters Dissertation prepare you for independent research in Applied Linguistics or English Language Teaching. • Guest Speakers: You will benefit from seminars delivered by guest speakers and other extension activities. Further information This is a one-year, full-time master's course. Taught modules occur during the first two semesters, and you complete your research dissertation project over the final 18 weeks of the course. The minimum entry requirement is typically a 2:2 degree.
Modules
"Compulsory modules include: Analysing Language for ELT/TESOL; Developing Approaches to Language Teaching; Principles of Communicative Language Teaching; Dissertation. Optional modules include: Task-based Language Teaching; Autonomy and Individualisation in Language Learning; Writing and Written Language; Principles of Communicative Language Teaching; English as medium of instruction in global education; Language ideologies in a globalising world. For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/elttesol-studies-masters-ma#modules"
Assessment method
We'll assess your knowledge through: exams, presentations and dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English ability by meeting our Band C requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see our website.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a language or relevant subject such as journalism, history, social sciences subjects, business (english), education.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ