Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

On completion of this programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding to make a valuable contribution to the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. You will be aware of the contemporary debates impacting the sector and the theoretical considerations underpinning pedagogical decisions. You will be exposed to different methodologies and contexts of English language teaching including raising awareness of the needs of different groups of learners such as children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and community-based learners. You will be confident in contributing to supporting learners in schools and community organisations to have a sense of belonging and integration. 

You will be supported through tutor and peer-led opportunities to gain an understanding of multilingual populations and how to effectively strengthen community ties. 

Whilst this programme doesn’t lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you will be fully prepared for a range of professional careers within the education sector which include:

• Teaching English overseas or in a private organisation
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator in schools
• Lecturing in Further Education (FE) or Higher Education (HE)
• Educational charity roles
• Management and administrative careers in education

Course highlights

• Research-informed teaching and learning is embedded throughout the programme
• Educational and TESOL theory, research, policy and practice are drawn upon as the basis to debate current dilemmas and contemporary issues
• Learning content is rooted in global perspectives and uses decolonised literature to encompass global voices
• Real-world assessments with a focus on critical reflection to enhance personal development and autonomy
• Enhanced employability through exposure to intercultural and diverse perspectives 

Crafting your own identity as a TESOL practitioner 

This programme empowers all students to become active participants in their own learning journey and to articulate their own identity as a TESOL practitioner. Flexible learning opportunities will stimulate an enquiring, analytical and creative approach where you are encouraged to embrace independent judgement and critical self-awareness. 

You will be supported to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to engage with sustainability challenges, which will prepare you to be a responsible global citizen. 

This programme will allow you to gain the skills necessary to create safe and inclusive learning environments that embrace diversity and promote social cohesion. You will be confident in encouraging collaborative learning and implementing conflict resolution strategies.

A degree that aligns with the world around us

Advocating for gender equality and empowering all women and girls is woven into the course through a focus on inclusive pedagogies that respect and promote diversity. You will be encouraged and supported to reflect on any biases and assumptions through practising transformational education principles and understanding the importance of fostering a more equitable learning environment.

You will explore new methodologies and technologies in language teaching that can be applied to various contexts, so you have the practical skills to contribute to economic development as a TESOL practitioner.

You will be supported to explore your understanding and develop your critique of informed opinions of current English Language Teaching (ELT) policies, schools of thought and strategies through the lenses of local, national and international contexts and cultures.

What you will gain from this course

• Knowledge of practices relevant to TESOL and an ability to relate these to employment in the sector
• Critically develop reasoned arguments and make informed recommendations for sustainable, inclusive and effective language teaching
• Critically appraise ideas and evidence, showing appropriate engagement in academic debate
• Design, deliver and evaluate TESOL curricula  and learning materials
• Professional and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and presentation skills for disseminating and articulating ideas 

You will study the following core modules:

• Language Learning: Theory and Practice (20 credits)
• Contemporary Debates in Applied Linguistics (20 credits)
• Research and Innovation in Education (20 credits)
• The Principles of English Language Teaching (20 credits)
• Curriculum Pedagogy and Materials Development in English Language Teaching (20 credits)
• The Changing Contexts of TESOL (20 credits)
• Extended Education Project (60 credits total) 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and independent study. You will develop your transferable skills, such as independent working, oral and written communication, presentation skills, teamwork and confidence.

Community ties will be strengthened by working collaboratively with organisations dealing with community language learners. In this way, engagement with real world scenarios and workplaces will be used as resources and context for learning.

How you'll be assessed 

Modules will include both formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment strategies include tutorials, discussions, feedback on proposals for summative assignments and their prime purpose is as an integral part of the learning process. All summative assignments are coursework.

Assessments may include practical reports and proposals, self-reflective diaries, presentations, case studies, essays and a postgraduate research project. The rationale behind these different types of assessments, per module, is to build an array of transferable skills, closely linked to your academic and personal development as well as employability. Each assessment is designed to have relevance to practice, and to focus on and highlight the specific subject, thus aiding attainment of real-life skills.

You could consider a role such as:

• Teaching English overseas or in a private organisation
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator in schools
• Lecturing in Further Education (FE) or Higher Education (HE)
• Educational charity roles
• Management and administrative careers in education

Ongoing careers support

Our Careers and Employment Service will provide you with help, guidance and support from day one of your course – and for up to three years after you’ve completed your studies.

You will usually need an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification.

If your first language is not English you will need to prove you are proficient in English – IELTS 6.5

Please note: this course is typically one academic year in length with the option to extend.

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.