MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

These courses provide the opportunity to integrate the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages. They are designed to be useful to experienced teachers and those considering a career in English language teaching.

Students who have an interest in a particular field of TESOL can also choose one of five specialisms to focus on and graduate with a TESOL degree in that specialism.

Choose your course

These flexible courses allow you to choose the path that best suits your ambitions. You can:

• Achieve either an MSc, PGDip, or PGCert qualification
• Study 'on campus' in St Andrews or online
• Start in September or January
• Choose an optional specialism

Master of Science (MSc)

A one-year full-time taught course. The MSc requires you to take eight modules and complete a 15,000-word dissertation.

Optional specialism

You can choose to focus your studies in a particular area of interest by taking TESOL with a specialism. Specialisms available are:

• Assessment and Evaluation
• English for Academic Purposes
• English Medium Instruction
• Teaching Young Learners
• Technology for Teaching

Course details

TESOL programs are run by the International Education Institute.

Highlights

• Integrate theory and practice – discuss theoretical concepts and frameworks in small groups and online written forums and apply these through applied assessments
• Interact with a global cohort of students, studying both in St Andrews and online, through module learning activities
• Engage in and reflect on a new language learning experience to gain an all-around perspective on language teaching and learning
• Access an optional and supplementary resource bank of material in parallel with your PGT program to support both your learning and the development of your professional identity
• Join experienced practitioners and scholars in the English language teaching community, with opportunities to be involved in ongoing professional development events and the annual English for Academic Purposes (EAP) conference

The number of taught modules you will take depends on whether you are studying for the MSc, PGDip, or PGCert degree. Those on the MSc and PGDip will take five compulsory modules plus three optional modules. If you decide to take TESOL with a specialism, you must take one of your optional modules in that specialism. Those on the PGCert will take four modules of their choice. If you decide to take a PGCert with a specialism, you must take the module of your specialism plus three more modules.

You will study each module for five weeks.

In each module, you interact online in a weekly written discussion forum (or similar activity) with other postgraduate students in St Andrews and around the world, providing the opportunity to learn from peers living and working in a wide variety of contexts.

While the program does not include a teaching placement or practicum, it supports students in exploring how theory can be applied to real-world situations, through:

• Practical learning and assessment tasks
• Materials development activities
• Participation as a student in language classes
• A limited number of peer teaching activities

Outside of modular study, you are also offered the chance to apply for mentored teaching opportunities. In the current academic year, the International Education Institute has:

• Mentored students in leading Academic English Service workshops
• Supported students to present at our annual English for Academic Purposes conference
• Engaged several students in supported assistant teacher roles on summer courses
• Offered students the opportunity to teach refugees in the local community

TESOL specialisms

Assessment and evaluation

This specialism is aimed at educational practitioners with a particular interest in assessment and evaluation. It opens up possibilities to work in a wide variety of academic settings, either writing assessment material or training those who write and deliver assessment and evaluation.

Assessment is increasingly been seen as an integral part of the learning process.

A specialism in assessment and evaluation will support you in understanding the development of the current testing culture in education, including reflecting on how, when, and why we assess.

There is also practical value to the specialism. Being able to evaluate and improve tests, create supporting materials, guide examiners, and evaluate the effectiveness of assessments, are therefore prized skills for educational practitioners.

This specialism will help you gain a greater appreciation of the full assessment cycle.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

The EAP specialism allows students to integrate the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with a particular focus on teaching academic English. It opens up possibilities to work as an EAP tutor, course designer, or assessment specialist.

EAP is a growing discipline, and English is considered the lingua franca of academia. There is a strong need for evidence-based training and development in the practical teaching skills needed for this diverse and dynamic field.

You will be able to develop knowledge and skills in academic discourses, materials design, and assessment of EAP.

English Medium Instruction (EMI)

The EMI specialism is aimed at teachers with a particular interest in English medium instruction. This is an aspect of education in English that is growing rapidly, offering various roles for content teachers, English language teachers, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers.

It opens up possibilities to work in any level of education, covering EFL and EAP, as well as teacher development and institutional management. It is also beneficial to educators in any discipline who work or plan to work, with students who are users of English as an additional language.

As a relatively new field of study, EMI can develop in many ways, giving opportunities for creativity and innovation, from primary to tertiary level study.

Teaching Young Learners

This specialism is aimed at teachers with a particular interest in teaching young learners. It opens up possibilities to work in a variety of preschool, elementary, and secondary-level educational settings as a teacher or policy specialist.

This degree aims to help you take account of cognitive development in approaches and methods in the context of teaching children or teenagers (from 4 to 18 years). Taking this specialism will provide you with a qualification that highlights your knowledge and understanding of the needs and strengths of these age groups. This is advantageous as future employers can see immediately that you are more likely to be qualified to teach in schools at any level.

You will be able to produce a portfolio of four lessons for contexts in which you can select yourself, giving room for creativity and a focus on your preferred age group.

Technology for Teaching

This specialism allows students to integrate the theory and practice of teaching with a particular focus on technology for teaching. Graduates with experience in technology for teaching are in demand in a wide variety of educational settings to enhance technology-led provision.

This specialism is aimed at students who want to develop the pedagogical knowledge that underpins the application of technology in language classrooms. This is a transdisciplinary course drawing on sources from a variety of fields like education, psychology, sociology, design, ludology, linguistics, and philosophy.

You will develop technical skills in a range of applications, such as data-driven and game-based learning. You will also develop project management skills, using techniques from agile design and design thinking.

The University of St Andrews has a world-class reputation and offers a wider student experience with a diverse range of social activities, including over 150 student societies and 50 sports clubs. Historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrews an unforgettable experience.

St Andrews is a unique and captivating place, and the University is a key part of its charm. Seven centuries of history link the students with the town, leading to the ancient and yet modern institution apparent today.

Why St Andrews

St Andrews is a unique place to study and live. Nestled on the east coast of Scotland, students may find themselves crossing golf courses on their way to class, or jogging along the beach after dinner. Not only does the University have a world-class reputation, but it also offers a diverse range of social activities, including over 140 student societies and 50 sports clubs. Historic buildings are juxtaposed against the modern facilities, and the many student traditions truly make studying at St Andrews an unforgettable experience.