Course summary
Did you know that any discipline at undergraduate level can kick start a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages? Our conversion programme can be completed in a single year giving you a master’s level qualification. With a strong commitment to global standards for excellence, our MSc reflects a refreshing practical approach to acquire expert knowledge in linguistics to flourish academically and professionally. The ability to teach English as a foreign language is a skill highly valued worldwide making native English speaking teachers high in demand. The MSc in TESOL aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to help learners grow the confidence to speak English fluently and confidently. Our programme offers a range of innovative courses to develop your critical and creative thinking skills while giving you a solid grounding on relevant themes in language teaching. Deepen your understanding of language teaching by exploring our optional courses in curriculum and materials development, the psychology of wellbeing in language teaching, key concepts and TESOL-orientated theories of learning and more. You will develop the ability to apply appropriate teaching techniques and assess situations from different viewpoints with support from highly qualified and committed academic staff. Using a combination of learning methods and assessments such as experimental teaching sessions, seminars, and peer language teaching observations, you will find meaningful ways to teach as an individual. There are opportunities to observe and engage in language teaching in the University’s well-established Language Centre and master a very marketable set of skills. A selection of students on the programme have previously taught English to real learners at local language charities, allowing them to put their skills and knowledge into practice. You also have the option to write a dissertation that provides great preparation to study for a PhD or build a Focused Teaching Portfolio showcasing a valuable record of your growing knowledge, skills, and experience, thereby adding depth to your CV. The programme attracts a cultural mix of students worldwide and draws upon a range of specialist knowledge from our Departments of Language, Linguistics and Education, creating a dynamic environment to appreciate different perspectives and engage in stimulating discussions.
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your master’s degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, written and oral examinations and by preparation of an acceptable portfolio of documents on language acquisition and language teaching methods and practice. Instead of writing an academically-oriented dissertation, you can compile a Focused Teaching Portfolio as the final element in your studies, an offering unique in the field. Preparing and presenting the Portfolio involves the same research skills as producing a dissertation, but with the added benefit of involving practical work aimed towards the goal of becoming a teacher of TESOL.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Students are required to have a good 2.1 degree (or its equivalent) in a related discipline, such as English or Linguistics, and/or sufficient English Language Teaching experience as approved by the Admissions Officer.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11077 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23800 | Year 1 |
| England | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11077 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £23800 | Year 1 |
| International | £23800 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX