Skip navigation
Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Birkbeck, University of London

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: University of London

Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Taught)

Course options

2025 - 2026
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This MA in language teaching/teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) is ideal if you are a language teacher wishing to progress to a more senior or specialist role. It will help you develop specialised knowledge in key areas of language teaching, reflect on your own teaching practice, and enable you to engage critically and constructively in debates relating to a range of aspects of language teaching. Why choose this course?

  • You can choose to study aspects of teaching English and graduate with an MA TESOL, or you can focus on the teaching of languages other than English and graduate with an MA Language Teaching.
  • The course brings together teachers of English and teachers of other languages to offer you a unique focus on the multilingual and multicultural contexts of language learning and teaching.
  • MA Language Teaching/TESOL is an essential qualification for those who wish to teach languages at university level, whether for general or more specific purposes.
What you will learn This course is specifically structured to bridge the gap between language teaching theory and practice, and help you reflect on the important balance between them. You will advance your knowledge of current literature in key areas of research in language teaching and in applied linguistics, and gain further confidence in your own practice through appreciating the variety of factors shaping language teaching and learning in the classroom. How you will learn This course is available with full- or part-time study, with classes taking place in the evening. You will learn through lectures, seminars, and by carrying out your own research. You will also benefit from guest lectures, symposia and workshops. You will have the chance to choose between an empirical research investigation of an aspect of language teaching and learning, or an independent library-based project on a topic of your choice. If you are not yet ready to commit to an MA, we offer this course as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate, ideal if you have classroom experience of language teaching, or have a relevant first degree and an interest in the theory and practice of language teaching. Highlights
  • You will be taught by an outstanding multidisciplinary team of specialists in language teaching and applied linguistics.
  • You will also benefit from our extensive network of academics and practitioners in language teaching and applied linguistics. Birkbeck is an institutional member of the British Association of Applied Linguistics and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language.
  • The Birkbeck Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication and TESOL) in the London area.
  • We offer a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this MA, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • the capacity to think and communicate creatively and critically
  • a sophisticated use of written and spoken English
  • an ability to understand and apply complex ideas
  • effective organisation and time-keeping skills
  • facility and precision in the use of analytical tools
  • strong skills and initiative in collecting and organising complex materials and writing up reports.
If you are an experienced teacher this MA will help you to progress to a more senior or specialised position in language teaching, such as a:
  • senior teacher
  • director of studies
  • teacher trainer
  • consultant
  • materials developer.
Graduates can also pursue career paths in local and national government, the charity sector, public relations and the media, marketing, lexicography and translation, tourism/hospitality, academia and research.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework only.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

Usually at least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject and/or relevant professional training and language teaching experience. An interview may be required. A short admissions task of no more than 500 words may also be requested, to support your application. You must provide two references, at least one of which should be an academic reference. If you have been awarded the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) in the last five years, you may apply for credit for one option module (please indicate this in your application). Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £3690 Year 1
Northern Ireland £3690 Year 1
Scotland £3690 Year 1
Wales £3690 Year 1
International £6780 Year 1

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

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS