Manchester Metropolitan University
MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Manchester, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 20,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* full time: 20,000 GBP per year| part time: 3,334 GBP per 30 credits
Key Summary
About: MA TESOL at Manchester Metropolitan University blends practical practice with research-informed study in TESOL, applied linguistics, and ELT. You can tailor modules and assignments, observe teachers at British Council-accredited Language Centre, and volunteer for teaching experience. The course runs one year full-time (January, September) or two years part-time (September).
Career Outcomes: Graduates gain skills in language pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, teacher development, and research. You can work as a language instructor, curriculum developer, academic manager, educational consultant, or continue to doctoral study. Careers support, employer events, interview preparation, and alumni resources boost employability in international English language teaching programme.
MA TESOL at Manchester Met is a practical qualification grounded in the latest research in English language teaching and learning. Whether you're an experienced teacher or just starting out, this course will help you enhance the essential skills and knowledge needed for effective teaching.
Our course is delivered by a team of highly experienced and qualified language teachers who are internationally recognised TESOL researchers specialising in various areas. You'll have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations by choosing from a wide range of theoretical and practical modules. You can customise your study experience by aligning your assignments to your current or desired field or specialist area of teaching to boost your employability and effectiveness in that area. Our interactive sessions are crafted to engage you actively in learning contemporary TESOL methodologies.
You can gain hands-on teaching experience by volunteering to help our international students improve their communication skills and have the chance to observe our highly experienced teachers at our British Council-accredited Language Centre, which is home to a thriving modern foreign language programme.
By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of TESOL, practical teaching experience, and the research skills necessary to advance your career in English language education.
The MA is available to complete in one year full-time (January and September start dates available), or two years part-time (September start date only).
Features and benefits
- Research-informed teaching - You’ll be taught by staff who are active researchers, many of whom are part of the Manchester Centre for Research in Linguistics. Our expertise spans forensic linguistics to second language acquisition to sociolinguistic projects.
- Be part of a professional community - Build a professional network in a diverse community of linguists, both teaching staff and students from across the globe. As well as being able to take advantage of the research expertise of staff, you'll interact with a range of other students.
- Get hands-on experience - You can get practical experience in our Language Centre. The Centre is accredited by the British Council and offers students opportunities to interact with those learning a new language.
- Employability focussed - Many of the assessment tasks are designed to enhance your employability. In the Independent Project, you produce a traditional research-focussed dissertation or similar investigation into a specific aspect of TESOL.
- Industry links - You’ll benefit from our extensive professional links, including the Northern Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, which facilitates professional development and provides networking and employment opportunities.
- Get a recognised qualification - As part of your programme, you will have the opportunity to take the internationally recognised Trinity Cert TESOL qualification (September start only).
Course information
The core modules focus on course design, academic management, assessment and various teaching practice approaches ensuring you're equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in modern educational environments. These modules bridge the gap between theory and practical application in teaching English. You can also explore related interests through option modules, including those from our MA in Applied Linguistics if you have broader interests in language study.
All students engage in an independent project. Drawing from the theoretical and practical disciplinary knowledge acquired throughout the duration of the programme, you'll explore an area of Applied Linguistics research and/or practice. The specific topic can be aligned to your own disciplinary interests and is negotiated with a personal project supervisor.
Core modules
- Independent Project
- Fundamentals in Linguistics
- Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
- Language Teaching, Learning and Technology
- Course Design, Management and Assessment
Option modules
- Teaching English for Academic Purposes
- Language, Culture and Communication
- Language in a Globalised World
- Language and The Law
- Teaching English to Young Learners
Throughout the year, you’ll build a strong foundation in the core areas of teaching English to speakers of other languages while tailoring your learning through a range of specialist options. Explore the building blocks of language, develop essential research skills, and examine how language shapes identity. Our flexible structure allows you to shape your learning journey around your interests and career goals, supported by research-active staff and a diverse, global student community.
Explore your options and build sought-after skills
Through our Careers Service, you will be supported and encouraged to get ready for what comes next - whether that’s continuing your studies or pursuing your work ambitions.
Through Future Me, you can explore your career plans. And through Rise, you can top up your skills with hundreds of online short courses.
Our groundbreaking research with industry means we have unrivalled business connections that can help open doors to your dream career.
You’ll get chances to meet employers, and help preparing for interviews.
And the support doesn’t stop when your course ends. Our recent graduates can access services and support to start and boost their careers. As an alumnus, you will have lifelong access to our online career resources.
A career as unique as you
The MA TESOL enhances employability and professional development for new and experienced teachers. Graduates are prepared for roles in language instruction, curriculum development, and academic management, and will have a competitive edge in the global job market.
Students receive excellent training in the soft skills required for employability and future PhD study, such as groupwork, discussion, critical analysis, teamwork, and development of IT skills.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Part-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination