Queen's University Belfast - Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The MSc in TESOL and Applied Linguistics is a professionally oriented higher degree for those who intend to pursue a career in language teaching (i.e., novice as well as practicing teachers) or careers in other professional areas related to language advocacy, policy, or research. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop deeper, contextualized understandings of the flexible and dynamic ways that language is learned, taught, and used in education, media, workplaces, and in greater society. It enables participants to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to devise and teach language, in addition to equipping students with the essential research and analytical skills to stay current with rapid developments in language teaching and other robust areas of applied linguistics.

Through the range of modules, you can also focus on certain pedagogical aspects of TESOL and Applied Linguistics, including, materials development, bilingual education, and language assessment, or you can learn about broader intersections of language in society such as the impact of digital literacies and communication. One of the key features of the MSc TESOL and Applied Linguistics is that the program is linked directly to the Centre for Language Education Research which means that students can benefit from a rich research culture to augment their course activities.

Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages And Applied Linguistics Highlights

Over 83% of research submitted by colleagues based in the Education Unit of Assessment was judged to be ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent' by a peer review panel (REF2021).

Student Experience

• Small-group teaching The academic team is internationally recognized for its range of teaching and research in language education and Applied Linguistics.
• Flexibility: Diploma and Certificate options are also available.
• Credit transfer Students who have completed other masters-level awards, eg PGCE, within the last 10 years are eligible for credit transfer. The credit transfer application must be submitted at the same time as the online program application as retrospective applications are not accepted.
• Disciplinary-focused assessment There are no examinations. Assessment is based on continual assessment of coursework, e.g. written assignments, online discussion forum tasks, presentations, role plays, and online and digital projects.