Course Overview
Course summary
Building on the success of our onsite Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA, we have launched the bespoke online Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA, a new course that has been specifically designed to be studied fully online, allowing you to complete your Master’s from anywhere in the world.
You’ll benefit from access to the online course platform, where your course materials, including videos and readings, will be available on demand, allowing you to learn in your own time and fit your studies around your schedule. Your learning will be complemented by one-hour weekly, live online tutorials with a member of the course team, giving you the opportunity to discuss the course material in small groups and ask any questions you may have.
The TESOL MA provides a combination of theoretical academic study, robust practical applications, and skills development in English language teaching, providing advanced training for TESOL professionals ranging from beginners to experienced teachers. You’ll evaluate and critique key concepts, research methods and processes in TESOL. In addition to the theoretical aspects of TESOL, you'll conduct teaching practice as part of the courses where you’ll design and deliver an online lesson to an imagined audience of your choice.
Upon graduation, you’ll be able to reflect critically on established good practice in the TESOL profession, your own practices and how such practices can be adapted for various teaching and learning contexts. You’ll be well equipped to make progress as an advanced English language teaching practitioner or manager in a variety of different national, regional and cultural educational systems.
Top reasons to study with us
- Course materials are available on demand, allowing you to fit your studies around your schedule
- You’ll be taught by an experienced teaching team, including lecturers with over 20 years’ experience in the UK and abroad, with some still practising as English teachers
- Write and present your own online lesson which will be assessed, allowing you to practise your teaching skills
- This course has been designed specifically for online learning, providing you with tailored content unique to our online students
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Core modules
This module introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core principles in the description and analysis of language with specific reference to English language teaching. The module also introduces and encourages in-depth exploration of core concepts in language learning with specific reference to second language acquisition and the implications of these concepts for language teachers.
The module examines historical and current practice in language learning and teaching, autonomy in the classroom, learning styles, language teaching technology, and extra-curricular influences on language learning and teaching. A particular focus of this module is the critical examination and development of inclusive teaching methods and activities.
The module will acquaint you with the theory and principles of educational attainment and the nature of learning and will consider, on this basis, the conceptual and design principles of good language course materials and their components, including print, audio, video, and online platforms. On this module, you will both analyse teaching materials produced by others and develop your own teaching materials. The module places particular emphasis on considerations of learners' diversity, needs, and aspirations in the production of course materials.
The module examines past and current developments in language testing and assessment. It covers the role of language tests in measuring achievement and communicative proficiency, whether diagnostic or prognostic. Types of tests will be analysed, and you will develop new testing materials for your own purposes.
This module presents you with the opportunity to develop, undertake, and write up an independent research project on a TESOL topic of your choice. Guided readings and bespoke recorded presentations created by the course team will scaffold your learning on this module. The development of your research project is supported by the development, with supervisory guidance, of a viable research proposal, peer and lecturer feedback on work-in-progress presentations, and topic-specific guidance via one-to-one supervision. The module will equip you to evidence and advance knowledge of research processes and your ability to participate in the creation of new knowledge in TESOL and related fields.
Studying the TESOL MA at Westminster
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open evenings
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Careers
Our Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA provides you with the training and preparation to make a significant contribution in instructor, manager and researcher roles. The online nature of the course allows you to fit this training around your current career or commitments.
Prepare for your TESOL career
You'll gain the skills and knowledge to progress as an advanced English Language Teaching practitioner or manager in a variety of national, regional and cultural educational systems.
Practise your teaching skills
You’ll write and present your own online lesson as part of your assessments, allowing you to put your studies into practice.
Online career resources
You’ll have access to our extensive range of online materials and platforms to help you develop the skills desired by employers.
Industry links
Members of our course team have over 20 years’ experience academically, as well as professional experience of teaching English in the UK and overseas. Richard Paterson manages the English for Academic Purposes courses available to Westminster students via the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation (CETI).
Graduate employers
Graduates from our TESOL MA course have found employment in education and research, at organisations including:
- Ashmole Academy
- Eastern Mediterranean University
- Italian Consulate, London
- Paddington Academy
- Regent College London
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a variety of job roles, including:
- Education manager
- Education researcher
- EFL organisation leader
- School English teacher
- University English teacher or lecturer
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dr Sean Sutherland
Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
I’ve been teaching at the University of Westminster since 2007. I’ve realised since then that being in central London is the best place in the world to be if you’re interested in studying aspects of English or studying language teaching (I wrote my PhD thesis about the social aspects of language teaching, so I have an interest in both English language and in TESOL.).
The linguistic diversity is spectacular, both in terms of the number of different languages and in terms of the number of varieties of English you hear daily. Our staff and students come from around the city, the country and the world.
Being here at the University of Westminster is a great opportunity to interact with a global community of like-minded people.
Course Team
Our course team is made up of experienced academics with over 20 years of experience teaching TESOL, as well as experience of teaching English in the UK along with various countries around the world, from Korea and Japan to Germany, France and Spain.
Why study this course?
Learn in your own time
The asynchronous nature of this course allows you to fit your studies around your other commitments.
Prior teaching experience is not needed
Our course is open to you whether you're already teaching or if you don't yet have teaching experience.
Tailored for online study
This course has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you receive the best experience possible.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2).
After submitting your application, you will be given an assignment which requires you to discuss the statement "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages must take account of the learners' educational context" in no more than 1,500 words. Your discussion should include references to (A) current approaches to English language teaching, (B) an educational context that you are familiar with, and (C) published academic work on this topic.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2).
After submitting your application, you will be given an assignment which requires you to discuss the statement "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages must take account of the learners' educational context" in no more than 1,500 words. Your discussion should include references to (A) current approaches to English language teaching, (B) an educational context that you are familiar with, and (C) published academic work on this topic.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for application
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £4,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £4,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Our Humanities subjects are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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