TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MSc, PgCert or PgDip

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MSc, PgCert or PgDip

Introduction

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 refreshingly practical approach to acquiring expert knowledge in linguistics to flourish academically and professionally. We also run a 5-week intensive Summer Postgraduate Certification programme in TESOL.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MSc, PgCert or PgDip
Duration
1 month, 4 months, 9 months, 12 months, 21 months or 24 months
Study Mode
Full Time or Part Time
Start Month
July, September or January
Location of Study
Aberdeen

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 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.

Five-Week Intensive Summer Postgraduate Certification in TESOL

We offer an intensive Summer PG Cert programme in TESOL, enabling you to obtain a postgraduate certificate in just five weeks! You will explore core elements within language teaching and practice to encourage innovation, reflection and personal growth as an English Language teacher. Whether you have teaching experience or not, you will gain foundational knowledge in TESOL, enrich your teaching tools and explore how to use novel, innovative techniques in your teaching context.

Visit the document under the Related Information section below for more details on the Summer PGCert in TESOL, and explore our courses by clicking PGCert under Available Programmes of Study.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More
PgDip

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
PgDip 9 months or 21 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
PgCert

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
PgCert 4 months or 9 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
PgCert 1 month On Campus Learning Full Time July Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Funding Opportunities

The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.

Scholarships

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.

How You'll Study

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.

  • Lectures and seminars designed to enhance individual and teamwork skills and group discussion.
  • Peer review and critique.
  • A variety of learning styles.
  • Language teaching.
  • A focused teaching portfolio.
  • Written dissertation with practical work in teaching.

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.

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

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.

Why Study TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages?

  • Excellence with relevance.
  • A 'conversion' programme that can be completed in a single year from any background, any discipline at undergraduate level to kick start a career teaching English to speakers of other languages.
  • Master a very marketable set of skills as you embark on your career.
  • Excellent balance between theory and practice using a range of innovative teaching methods.
  • We draw upon the range of specialist academic knowledge from our Departments of Language and Linguistics and Education.
  • High-quality teaching through face-to-face communication.
  • Observe and take part in language teaching in the University’s well-established Language Centre.
  • Practical assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback.
  • Having a wide choice of learning formats, courses and seminars helps give you a broader platform to gain greater knowledge.
  • Strong international flavour - students come from a range of countries. This adds a multicultural perspective. Surround yourself with students and teaching staff whose diversity of ideas and interactions become part of the learning experience.
  • Develop a Focused Teaching Portfolio showcasing your credentials, sampling evidence of your teaching and reflections on that evidence, adding depth to your CV.
  • We examine CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), CMC (Computer-Mediated Communication), Young Learners, Discourse Analysis and ESP (English for Specific Purposes).
  • Excellent career prospects, get a job anywhere in the world.
  • For English Language and Literature 'research outputs’, we rank number 1 in Scotland and Number 2 in the United Kingdom.
  • Learn from practitioners who are experts in their field.
  • Benefit from a strong international and multi-cultural mix. You will study in a group that mixes students from Europe to Asia and South America.
  • As a world centre for the energy industry, Aberdeen is the perfect cosmopolitan city, full of people from all over the world, working in Europe's energy capital with links to tourism and global business. Here, there’s a constant flow of new people and ideas from all over the world. It’s a perfect place to enjoy your international learning experience.
  • Our Alumni network of 82,500, spanning 192 countries, provides valuable peer-to-peer networking for years to come.

What Our Students Say

Zhewei Zha (Aurora)

Zhewei Zha (Aurora)

Zhewei Zha (Aurora)

The TESOL programme has been an incredibly meaningful journey for me. The lecturers’ innovative and student-centred teaching styles as well as their patience in mentoring students equipped me with confidence in both teaching and academic writing.

Sharmin Akter Shimu

Sharmin Akter Shimu

Sharmin Akter Shimu

The TESOL programme provided me with a thorough understanding of language learning, the ability to apply it on my own, and an increased interest in TESOL research. I appreciated the effort and mentoring of the extremely knowledgeable instructors.

Faraj Alharbi

Faraj Alharbi

Faraj Alharbi

I acquired vast knowledge in the field of TESOL and Linguistics through different teaching methods led by highly qualified staff. I liked the diverse aspect of this programme as I studied and worked collaboratively with multicultural cohorts.

Entry Requirements

Prospective students requiring a visa to study in the UK are advised to apply as early as possible to secure a place. Submitting a CV with your application is optional.

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

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.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Reference
a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person

Careers

The English language is in ever-increasing demand throughout the world. Knowledge of the English language and the ability to use this language is a valuable global commodity.

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

  • Employment anywhere in the world.
  • Native English teaching, English as second language advisors, lecturers.
  • Teaching TESOL up to professor level at specialist colleges and institutes.
  • Centre Directors.
  • Language specialists, assessment specialists.
  • Continuation to a PhD by research from this degree.

Travel Globally With TESOL

TESOL offers you a 'career change' opportunity to travel and teach around the world, as demand is high globally

6th in the UK for Linguistics

We ranked 6th in the UK for Linguistics by the Complete University Guide 2024.

1st in Scotland for Linguistics

We are ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Linguistics by the National Student Survey 2023.

Our Experts

Other Experts
Ms Julie Bray
Dr Vincent Troy Greenier
Ishrat Rehman-Feltell
Programme Coordinator
Dr Agni Connor

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Facilities

Image for Sir Duncan Rice Library
Sir Duncan Rice Library

Sir Duncan Rice Library

The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.

Find out more

Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen

This the University’s virtual learning environment. This is where you will find learning materials and resources associated with your courses and where you will be notified of any announcements about your courses or the University.

University Language Centre

Home to state-of-the-art comprising audio-video facilities.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX