MA TESOL

If you’re considering a master’s at Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more.

• Taught master's information sessions
• Taught master's guided campus visits
• Study fairs in the UK
• Education fairs overseas

For more information, see our page on meeting us .

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of English Language Certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report;
• 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;
• 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.

How your application is considered

Applications for MA TESOL are very competitive. Due to the high demand for the programme we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If we are unable to consider you for an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will only be considered for an offer if places become available.

Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.

Please note, the course may reach capacity before the official closing date of 31st of August, so all students are advised to apply as soon as possible.

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.

Whether you're looking to deepen your classroom expertise, move into a leadership role, or influence the future of English language education, this course offers the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to help you get there.

This is not a one-size-fits-all course. You'll have the opportunity to tailor your learning through a choice of specialist pathways, each available as a standalone degree or within the broader MA TESOL framework. These include:

Educational Technology: explore cutting-edge digital tools and approaches that are transforming language learning around the world.

Intercultural Education: develop a nuanced understanding of global communication and cross-cultural learning.

Materials and Course Design: learn to create engaging, effective content and curricula that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Teacher Education: gain the skills to mentor and train other educators, and shape the next generation of TESOL professionals.

Taught by leading experts in applied linguistics and education, the course combines rigorous academic study with practical insight drawn from real-world teaching contexts. You’ll engage with the latest research, reflect critically on your own practice, and collaborate with a global network of fellow professionals.

Graduates go on to achieve senior positions in schools, universities, government bodies, and NGOs worldwide.

Whether you’re aiming to lead a department, develop national curricula, or deliver teacher training, this MA will equip you to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language education.

• 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.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

• a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
• a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

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 of the MA TESOL course emerge as confident, knowledgeable professionals equipped to take on influential roles in the field of English language education.

Many go on to hold senior positions in schools and universities, lead teacher training initiatives, or act as consultants and advisors to educational organisations at both national and international levels.

Others explore new avenues in materials development, publishing, language assessment, and curriculum design; helping to shape the future of English teaching from behind the scenes.

With the support and global reputation of the Manchester Institute of Education, our alumni are well-placed to influence education policy and practice across NGOs, government bodies, and both public and private sector institutions.

Whether you see yourself teaching, lecturing, conducting research, or leading educational innovation, the MA TESOL will provide the expertise and connections to take your career to the next level.

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.