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 refreshing practical approach to acquire expert knowledge in linguistics to flourish academically and professionally.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc, PgCert or PgDip
- Duration
- 4 months, 9 months, 12 months, 21 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
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.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January More - PgDip
-
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthPgDip 9 months or 21 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January More - PgCert
-
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start MonthPgCert 4 months or 9 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January MoreDegree Content
Compulsory Courses
- TESOL Methodology: Teaching English as A Second or Other Language (LN5511)
-
30 Credit Points
- Qualitative TESOL Research (LN5537)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will explore ways of collecting qualitative data in the TESOL context, including classroom observations, questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. There will also be some focus on analysing the structure of academic articles.
Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following:
- Peer Teaching in TESOL (LN5516)
-
15 Credit Points
Through a process of observation, delivery and reflection, learners will develop the ability to plan and teach coherent and structured lessons which meet stated aims and objectives. This will consolidate content covered in the TESOL methodology course.
- Quantitative TESOL Research (LN5533)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is a core course for the Dissertation route and an optional course for the TESOL Focussed Teaching Portfolio route. The course will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of quantitative research in TESOL.
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £7,935 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Home / RUK £3,690 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year
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
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
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
- Lectures and seminars designed to enhance individual and team work skills and group discussion.
- Peer review and critique.
- A variety of learning styles.
- Language teaching.
- A focussed 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 multi-cultural 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.
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
International Applicants
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.
- Employment anywhere in the world.
- Native English teaching, English as a 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.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Ms Julie Bray
- Dr Vincent Troy Greenier
- Ishrat Rehman-Feltell
- Alison Rae McBoyle
- 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
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 moreVirtual 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