University of Birmingham - College of Arts and Law
MA In Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
28 Aug 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 11,250 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for UK students | 3 July 2026 for international students
** UK: £11,250: full time | £5,625: part time | international: £29,160 full-time
Key Summary
Discover why we are the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers ('Graduate Market in 2024' and 'Graduate Market in 2025' High Fliers reports) at our on-campus Postgraduate Open Day.
Uncover the close relationship between language teaching theories and practice with our experts in linguistics. We focus on training students to be English teachers via hands-on practice throughout the MA. You’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to apply language teaching theories and methods in your teaching career.
We also offer a distance learning programme over 2.5 years – for more information see Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA (Distance Learning).
Course highlights
At Birmingham, you'll learn with other early career teachers of English and be taught by experts in linguistics. Our course is designed with your level of experience in mind.
You won't just learn how to teach English as a second language - you'll understand how the English language works too.
By the end of the MA, you'll possess a rounded knowledge of linguistics and English language teaching methods, ready to apply this knowledge directly in the classroom.
- Develop the English language teaching skills and knowledge you need to advance your career.
- Small group learning – discuss linguistic theories together and enhance your teaching skills by practising presenting your ideas.
- Learn from experts in a range of linguistic areas at a world Top 30 department for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings 2024).
By studying a postgraduate degree in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include strong written and verbal communication, organisation skills, time management and analysing information.
Linguistics and Communication graduates enter many roles, including:
- Secondary School Teacher
- Digital Communications Officer
- TESOL Tutor or Language Tutor
Employers our Linguistics and Communication graduates have worked for include:
- Regional councils/schools in the UK and worldwide
- Further Education colleges
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Please visit the course webpage below for up-to-date information on modules.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Scholarships for international students
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. As an international student you can take advantage of our wide range of University run scholarships as well as the many scholarships and bursaries from external funding organizations.
- A World Top 40 Linguistics department that's renowned for research excellence (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Join a global community and discover a course that matches your interests and aspirations with our huge range of postgraduate programmes in the College of Arts and Law.
Study options
We offer full time or part time study for many of our courses. We're proud to offer many courses by distance learning so you can access our exceptional teaching and resources from anywhere in the world.
Looking to study for a shorter period? Some of our courses offer PGCert and PGDip qualifications.
Innovative postgraduate degrees
Benefit from our interdisciplinary approach with opportunities to develop your skills. Whichever programme you pick, you’ll expand your knowledge and be ready for your next career step.
The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 and 2025, High Fliers report.
Ways you can enhance your career prospects include:
- Placement opportunities on the MA Film and Television: Research and Production
- Optional public history placement module on our MA History courses
- Practice-based dissertation options on MA International Law, Ethics and Politics
First-class facilities
Take your learning to the next level at Birmingham. Benefit from our incredible facilities available to College of Arts and Law students including:
- The Film Editing Suite: Access content creation and podcasting studios, professional cameras, and filming equipment with beginner friendly training by media technicians.
- The Barber Institute of Fine Arts: Our on-campus art gallery with paintings spanning seven centuries, from Botticelli to Monet and Van Gogh. The History of Art and Art History and Curating programmes are taught in the Barber for direct access to artwork. [The galleries of the Barber Institute are currently closed due to essential building works. Teaching will recommence in the galleries from autumn 2027.]
- Bramall Music Building and our Music Hub offering state-of-the-art performance, concert and rehearsal spaces.
- Shakespeare Institute: Our Shakespeare Studies students access a wealth of resources and a dedicated library at our Shakespeare Institute, based in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum including over 2,000 archaeological objects and an environmental archaeology collection.
Experts in distance learning
You don’t need to be in Birmingham to make the most of our outstanding teaching and research. Study from anywhere in the world through our range of distance learning options.
With over 25 years’ experience delivering distance learning courses, we’ll make sure you’re supported from day one.
You won’t be alone in your studies – on our taught programmes you’ll connect with your peers through our Virtual Learning Environment. If you choose a postgraduate research degree by distance learning, you’ll access remote research supervision meetings.
“I studied International Heritage Management as a distance learning student. My time at the University of Birmingham had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional.” – Josh, MA International Heritage Management by Distance Learning alumnus and Senior Operations and Events Executive at Historic Royal Palaces.
Birmingham Law School
For almost a century Birmingham Law School has led the way in legal education and research. Today, we continue to provide our students with innovative, challenging, and research-driven education.
We are a truly global, civic and diverse community reflected through our staff and students who have important impacts around the world through research, teaching and enterprise.
The Shakespeare Institute
An internationally renowned research institution based in the heart of Shakespeare's beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon. Established in 1951 to push the boundaries of knowledge about Shakespeare studies and Renaissance drama. Study in Stratford-upon-Avon or online.
The University of Birmingham is engaged in an exciting collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). This pioneering project is the result of the longstanding relationship between the RSC and the University of Birmingham which amongst other things has seen the reinstatement of the iconic RSC studio theatre, The Other Place.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in TESOL.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a dissertation in an area that interests you. Alternatively you can take the Practical Teaching Dissertation.