MA TESOL

The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master’s Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.

We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.

For more details on how you can meet us, visit out events page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/meet-us/

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations;
• copies of English Language Certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT or Pearson test score report, if available at the time of application;
• your CV;
• evidence of a minimum of two years' full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience (gained after the completion of your university degree) from your employer(s).

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid delays.

Develop specialist expertise in English language teaching and language education.

MA TESOL is designed for experienced teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey.

The course explores the theories, practices and contemporary issues that shape language teaching and language learning in a wide range of educational contexts.

Drawing on research, professional practice and collaboration with a global community of professionals, you will develop the skills to critically reflect on your practice and teaching contexts. The programme encourages critical engagement with current developments in English language education and TESOL practice.

The programme is particularly relevant for current teachers and teacher educators seeking to develop specialist expertise in TESOL. You will strengthen your understanding of language education while developing skills that can be applied across the sector.

The course also provides a strong foundation for further research, doctoral study and careers that contribute to the development of language education at national and international levels.

• Engage in language teacher professional development to further your teaching career.
• Explore and critically understand your own teaching practice through engagement in theories of language teaching and learning and relate these to appropriate, context-sensitive methodology.
• Collaborate with experienced teachers from around the world to reflect on your teaching and learning.
• Develop your knowledge of TESOL-related research and develop your competence in becoming a researcher.
• Develop advanced professional skills in evaluating and designing language materials and courses; teacher training and development; technology-facilitated learning.

• Education has been a discipline of study at Manchester since 1890.
• We have more international students than any other UK university, with more than a quarter of the student body joining us from outside the EU.
• The experience our teachers bring to the MA creates a rich ground for collaborative, professional development.

All assignments allow you to address an area of contextual relevance and professional interest related to the course you are studying. You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of relevant theory, to use that understanding to reflect on your professional practice, and to demonstrate technical, academic, and professional skills as you develop action. All assignments will be followed by both formative and summative feedback.    

Your dissertation work is conducted after the end of the taught course units in Semester 2. You can choose between an empirical, conceptual or a practical dissertation.

Empirical dissertations report on a research project, conceptual dissertations discuss or develop a conceptual understanding or framework of relevance to your professional development; practical dissertations display your ability to develop a course or materials for a particular professional setting based on needs analysis processes. 

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) which has its own Student Hub. Here you'll find all your teaching staff and support staff as well as a place to relax with fellow students.

MIE is based in the University's Ellen Wilkinson building, which is centrally located on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Students' Union.

Graduates develop specialist knowledge and skills that are relevant across English language teaching, language education and educational development.

Potential career paths include:

• English language teaching
• TESOL and EFL teaching
• Teacher education and training
• Curriculum development
• Educational materials development
• Digital English language teaching
• Language programme management
• Educational consultancy
• Language education leadership
• English language education research
• Lecturing or academic roles in TESOL Doctoral study (PhD)

The programme is suitable both for those seeking to develop an existing teaching career and for those wishing to move into specialist roles within language education, educational development and research. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic study and research-focused careers.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

• Working in the UK after study
• Working during study
• Professional and alumni networks for international students

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK.

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country, and provide an opportunity to build professional and social networks.