Course modalities offered

Birkbeck, University of London
Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Birkbeck's specialist MA Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) is ideal if you wish to pursue your career opportunities. You will already have experience of teaching second or foreign languages or have a strong academic background in a relevant subject and an interest in the theory and practice of language teaching.

This course is specially structured to bridge the gap between theory and practice and help you reflect on the important balance between them. You will develop knowledge in key areas of research and gain further confidence in your own practice through appreciating individual and cultural styles of learning and communication. By advancing your knowledge of current literature and carrying out your own research for course assignments, you will be able to engage critically and constructively in debates relating to many aspects of language teaching.

This MA uniquely offers you:

  • a focus on the multilingual and multicultural contexts of language learning and teaching

  • the opportunity to learn with students from all over the world and share experiences with locally based teachers to gain an insight into a range of language teaching contexts in the UK

  • the chance to choose between your dissertation pathways - an empirical research investigation of an aspect of language teaching and learning or an independent library-based project on a relevant topic of your choice.

An important feature of this MA is its flexibility. You can follow your professional interests and choose to study aspects of teaching English and graduate with an MA TESOL, or you can choose to focus on the teaching of languages other than English and graduate with an MA Language Teaching.

Highlights

  • This is an essential qualification for those who wish to teach languages at university level, whether for general or more specific purposes. For those with less teaching experience, the MA will give you a competitive early career advantage as you gain more experience in teaching posts.

  • You will be taught by specialists from our Department of Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics, a centre of teaching and research excellence.

  • In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), Modern Languages and Linguistics achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 73% of our research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.

  • The Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication and TESOL) in the London area. Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions. The Centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

  • The School of Arts offers a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.

  • The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.

For your coursework, you complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words or an independent literature review of 4000-5000 words.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), MA.

Usually at least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject and/or relevant professional training and language teaching experience. An interview may be required. A short admissions task of no more than 500 words may also be requested, to support your application. You must provide two references, at least one of which should be an academic reference. If you have been awarded the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) in the last five years, you may apply for credit for one option module (please indicate this in your application). Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA

England UK £9030 year 1
Northern Ireland £9030 year 1
Scotland £9030 year 1
Wales £9030 year 1
International £16380 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

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See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

What students say about studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language in the UK?

  • Classroom Management for Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Grouping Students

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

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  • Top reasons why students choose Birkbeck, University of London

Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Malet Street
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