Course summary
This Master's degree covers the fundamentals of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at postgraduate level. The MA TESOL offers high quality and employability-focussed modules, which combine theory and practice in the discipline of TESOL. The curriculum offered is distinctive, international, and challenging. You will examine key issues in areas, such as English Language Teaching Methodology, Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Teaching English to Young Learners, or Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP), including English for Academic Purposes (EAP). The aim of the postgraduate programme is for you to develop your criticality, imagination, voice and creativity, as well as your professional skills. Upon completion, you will become a more flexible, proactive, culturally sensitive, and digitally literate person who can apply for teaching posts in a variety of contexts that teach English to speakers of other languages. These include private language schools, training departments in professional contexts and university based English language departments.
Modules
The Masters is offered on a one-year, full-time basis, though you can undertake this degree part-time should you wish. The MA TESOL is a level 7 Master's level course. Study comprises 180 credits at this level. All taught modules bear 20 credits and the Dissertation bears 60 credits. The MA TESOL includes the following core modules: Description of English for Language Teachers (20 credits) This module explores the characteristics of the English language and will equip students with key linguistic concepts, terms and tools necessary for describing language for pedagogical purposes. More specifically, the module introduces students to the areas of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse, as well as sociolinguistics, and helps students describe and analyse learner errors. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) (20 credits) This module introduces key topics, theories, concepts, and research in the study of second language acquisition, and extends this knowledge to critical evaluation of the implications for language teaching. The module focuses on key areas, such as: the development of a second, but also of the first, language; the impact of age in SLA; the role of input, output and interaction on the success of language learning etc. Also, it explores different theories (psychological, linguistic, sociolinguistic etc) regarding the acquisition of a second language. Introduction to TESOL Methodology (20 credits) This module is aimed at students with little or no previous teaching experience and provides an introduction to Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL). The module discusses various teaching methods and materials which are typically used in English language teaching contexts, and shows students how to use teaching textbooks and materials effectively. Also, students will learn how to plan and teach lessons. The module provides opportunities for observing experienced English teachers at work. Teaching English to Young Learners (20 credits) This module provides an introduction to teaching English to young learners. It presents current popular methods used in teaching young learners, and introduces the main principles of materials design for this age of learners. Students will gain an understanding of children's reading, writing, and spelling development in English as an L2. Also, students will have hands-on practice in developing teaching materials for young learners. Teaching English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESP) (20 credits) This module introduces relevant theories of teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, and examines key research in the area. It introduces students to practical concepts in English for Specific Purposes, including designing appropriate curricula to meet the needs of learners and their assessment. Students will explore the tension between content and meaning in English for Specific Purposes and the module will provide students with the skills and knowledge to conduct meaningful needs analysis in topics as diverse as engineering, medicine, business and English for Academic Purposes. MA Dissertation (60 credits) Students are required to conduct an original piece of research under the guidance of a supervisor. Students will be required to apply knowledge in original and innovative ways drawing upon research at the forefront of their academic field and must demonstrate critical evaluation of current research literature in the discipline. This level and quantity of work reflects research and dissertation requirements at Master's level. Optional Module Students will need take one optional module from a choice of modules offered in the other postgraduate programmes in Education, such as: Education, Diversity and Equality (20 credits) Specific Learning Difficulties (20 credits) Leadership in Education Settings (20 credits) Multi Agency Working (20 credits)
Assessment method
Assessment will be in a variety of forms, from more traditional methods such as coursework and written assignment to oral presentations. Our library offers academic support for assessments and assignment writing. Also, the International Office offer free of charge academic support for International Students.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a good honours degree or equivalent. Selection Procedure: Students are selected on the basis of an application form and a well-written personal statement. An interview may also be requested. International Applicants: Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on the Writing paper. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the Cardiff Met website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £1225 | Module |
| England | £1225 | Module |
| Northern Ireland | £1225 | Module |
| Scotland | £1225 | Module |
| Wales | £1225 | Module |
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB