MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The MA TESOL programme enhances critical understanding of TESOL theory and practice, blending research with real-world teaching application. It equips professionals with the skills to conduct independent research and engage deeply with TESOL methodologies. The programme prepares students for advanced teaching roles and supports further academic growth, providing a strong foundation for those considering doctoral studies.

Please note that the MA TESOL does not confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Entry Requirements:

• Academic Qualifications:

  • Relevant second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent.

  • Relevant experience may be required for some programmes.

  • Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against the UK standard.

  • Malaysian applicants and expatriates with substantial work experience may be considered if they pass the Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) assessment through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

• Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in each element).

  • TOEFL (iBT): 90 overall (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking).

  • PTE (Academic): 71 overall (with no less than 65 in each element).

  • MUET: Band 4.5.

• Additional Notes:

  • IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE results must be less than two years old.

  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.

  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.

  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.

Core Modules:

Language Teaching: Methodology and Curriculum

This module explores key topics in foreign and second language teaching, including:

• Historical review of language teaching methods and approaches.

• Content vs. process syllabus design in language teaching.

• Humanism in language teaching.

• Communicative Language Teaching and Task-Based Learning.

• Applied linguistics topics relevant to teaching productive skills, such as sociolinguistics and pragmatics.

• Applied linguistics topics relevant to teaching receptive skills, with a focus on psycholinguistics. You will engage critically with the research on these topics.

Understanding Language Learning and the Language Learner

This module focuses on Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and explores:

• The concept of 'the good language learner.'

• Key insights from applied linguistic research on SLA.

• Recent developments in SLA theories as dynamic complex systems and social processes.

• The implications of first language acquisition for SLA.

• Variability in SLA (gender, age, aptitude, motivation, etc.).

• The role of grammar, vocabulary, and phonology instruction.

• Trends in applied linguistic research on SLA, including classroom-based investigations. You will engage critically with SLA-related research.

Dissertation

A substantial piece of scholarship based on the interests and skills developed throughout the modules. You will choose a topic in consultation with your course leader and supervisor.

Optional Modules (Electives):

MA students must complete TWO elective modules.

1. Practice-based Inquiry

   • Active critical consideration of practitioner inquiry related to professional context mapping and workplace learning.

   • Key activities:

     • Conceptualizing various forms of practitioner inquiry.

     • Exploring different educational inquiry approaches, particularly action research.

     • Developing an inquiry into your professional context.

2. Assessment in Language Education

   • Focuses on assessment purposes, types, and practices.

   • Key topics include:

     • Purposes and types of assessment.

     • Communicative assessment techniques.

     • Assessing the four language skills.

     • Case studies of key international exams.

     • Current issues in language assessment.