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Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL)

MA, PG Cert, PG Dip

Application options include:

Full-time Part-time
On campus

Course Overview

Birkbeck's specialist course in language teaching/teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) is ideal if you wish to progress to a more senior or specialised position in language teaching. You will already have experience of teaching second or foreign languages, or 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.

Our 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 focus on the teaching of languages other than English and graduate with an MA Language Teaching.

If you are not yet ready to commit to an MA, we also offer this course as a Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate, ideal if you have classroom experience of teaching second or foreign languages, including English, or have a broadly relevant first degree and an interest in the theory and practice of language teaching.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) (MA, PG Cert, PG Dip).

Key information and modules

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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 a centre of teaching and research excellence that prides itself on research-led teaching in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, making it an outstanding multidisciplinary team.
  • The Birkbeck 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.
  • We offer a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.
Come and meet us Request a prospectus Contact us

Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the Key Information section under Attendance.

  • Entry Requirements Entry Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    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.

    On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

    Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

    English language requirements

    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-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

    Visa and funding requirements

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

    Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university, you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

  • Fees Fees

    Fees

    Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Part-time home students: £5,535 per year
    Full-time home students: £11,070 per year
    Part-time international students: £10,170 per year
    Full-time international students: £20,340 per year

    Language Teaching/TESOL PG Cert: 1 year part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Part-time home students: £3,690 per year
    Part-time international students: £6,780 per year

    Language Teaching/TESOL PG Dip: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2025-26

    Academic year 2025–26, starting October 2025

    Part-time home students: £3,690 per year
    Full-time home students: £7,380 per year
    Part-time international students: £6,780 per year
    Full-time international students: £13,560 per year

    Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy.

    If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

    Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

    International scholarships

    We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship.

  • Teaching and Assessment Teaching and Assessment

    Teaching

    At Birkbeck, most of our courses are taught in the evening and all of our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

    Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

    In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor.

    Methods of teaching on this course

    Lectures, seminars, discussions, workshops and presentations.

    Key teaching staff on this course

    Teaching hours

    Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available.

    On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable).

    Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time.

    Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning.

    On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies.

    Timetables

    Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol).

    Indicative class size

    Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor.

    Independent learning

    On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments.

    Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching.

    Study skills and additional support

    Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas:

    • academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation)
    • written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar)
    • numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics).

    Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia.

    Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies.

    Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies.

    Assessment

    Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams.

    Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online.

    Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.

    Methods of assessment on this course

    Coursework only. If you are enrolled on the MA programme, for your coursework you will complete a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words or an independent literature review of 4000-5000 words.

  • Careers and employability Careers and employability

    Careers and employability

    If you are an experienced teacher this MA will help you to progress to a more senior or specialised position in language teaching, such as a:

    • senior teacher
    • director of studies
    • teacher trainer
    • consultant
    • materials developer

    Graduates can also pursue career paths in local and national government, the charity sector, public relations and the media, marketing, lexicography and translation, and tourism/hospitality. Possible professions include:

    • language teacher (TESOL)
    • secondary/further/higher education lecturer
    • publisher
    • translator
    • speech and language therapist
    • community development worker
    • youth worker
    • special educational needs teacher.

    We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

  • How to apply How to apply

    How to apply

    You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

    You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification.

    When to apply

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

    You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer.

    Help and advice with your application

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

    Apply for your course

    Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section.

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Related courses

Course structure

Course structure listing

Course structure and modules for Language Teaching/Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025

You must complete modules worth a total of 180 credits, consisting of:

  • two core modules (30 credits each) and
  • two option modules (30 credits each) and a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation (60 credits), or
  • three option modules (30 credits each) and a 4500-5000-word independent literature review (30 credits).

If you are planning to pursue an academic career/research it is advisable that you opt to complete the dissertation. You will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of modules in the course of your study. Please check with the course administrator which option modules are available in each academic year.

Full-time students are advised not to take employed work for more than 20 hours a week during term time.

On successful completion, you will be awarded:

  • an MA TESOL if your focus was on aspects of teaching English
  • an MA Language Teaching if your focus was on teaching other languages.
Core modules
Indicative option modules
Dissertation/Independent Literature Review

Course structure and modules for Language Teaching/TESOL PG Cert: 1 year part-time, on campus, starting October 2025

You must complete modules worth a total of 60 credits, consisting of:

  • one compulsory module (30 credits)
  • one option module (30 credits).

Please note that the list of option modules is only indicative and not all modules are available every year. Please check with the course administrator which option modules are available in each academic year.

Compulsory module
Indicative option modules

Course structure and modules for Language Teaching/TESOL PG Dip: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, on campus, starting October 2025

You must complete modules worth a total of 120 credits, consisting of:

  • two compulsory modules (30 credits each)
  • two option modules (30 credits each).

Please note that the list of option modules is only indicative and not all modules are available every year. Please check with the course administrator which option modules are available in each academic year.

Compulsory modules
Indicative option modules