Master of Arts - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

University of Hertfordshire

Studying an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of Hertfordshire will give students an in-depth knowledge of the English language and the skills to teach it, opening up opportunities for them to become part of the growing international academic and professional English Language Teaching community.

A key feature of this programme is its practical teaching element. Supported throughout by the University's experienced staff, learners will first observe and then participate in practice teaching sessions right from the start of the two taught semesters. Teaching these volunteer students in small groups, learners will build their skills in lesson planning, preparing case studies and delivering and receiving detailed peer and teacher feedback. Lectures are supplemented with workshops, seminar discussions and out of class reading. 

Alongside guided classroom teaching students will follow a comprehensive range of modules that link language teaching theory and practice, enabling them to develop academic research skills while gaining a strong foundation in English Language Teaching. They'll be taught by highly respected TESOL academics who have published research within various journals and publications including The British Council, The Qualitative Report, and the International Student Experience Journal.

This Master's course also provides, students, an in-depth analysis of the phonology, grammar and pragmatics of spoken and written English to enhance their knowledge of the language. They'll explore how English has been used around the world, how it continues to develop to meet localized needs, and its implication in teaching. In addition to this, learners will be equipped with key skills needed to setting up language schools or tutoring businesses.

As graduates of this MA TESOL, students will be qualified for jobs teaching English at a range of levels in most countries of the world. Graduates are currently teaching worldwide, including EAP/ESP at universities, FE level in colleges, and for the Refugee Council (UK), as well as progressing onto senior teaching positions and starting their own online tutoring businesses.