Gain the skills to teach English to speakers of other languages and put your learning into practice with a teaching placement.
Whether you are a qualified teacher or have no previous teaching experience, the MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Ulster is designed to enhance your teaching and communication skills and explore how people from different cultures learn languages.
Ulster’s TESOL programme is one of few master's level TESOL courses in the UK which combines theory with a teaching practice placement.
You will have the opportunity to complete a placement in our partner schools in Northern Ireland or in Gyor, Hungary*, where you will teach English to non-native speakers (subject to a minimum of 8 students wishing to go to Hungary).
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, the MA TESOL at Ulster is an exciting programme for individuals who wish to develop their teaching ability and knowledge about language.
You will study both the theory and practice of teaching, from classroom management to syllabus design, and gain the expertise and confidence to teach English in a variety of settings to students from across the globe.
Throughout the programme you will enhance your creativity and learn to adapt your teaching style and approach in order to effectively support a range of learners, with consideration to ethical and cultural differences.
You will also improve your research skills which will enable you to further your knowledge, particularly when completing the dissertation component of the MA, on a topic of your choice.
Employability is embedded within the programme design. A unique feature of the course is the teaching practice placement which takes place in one of our partner schools in Northern Ireland or in Hungary. The Hungarian teaching practice is ERASMUS funded, and at least eight students need to sign up for this placement in order for it to be organised.
The teaching placements offer an authentic environment where you will have the opportunity to put your learning into practice.
MA full-time: normally 4 days per week in semester one; 3 days per week (6 weeks) plus 8 weeks teaching practice in sem 2; followed by independent study for the dissertation during semester three (summer semester). This can be done at a distance.
MA part-time: Year 1: normally, 2 days per week in semester one, 4 weeks teaching practice semester 2. Year 2: normally, 2 days per week in semester one, and 4 weeks teaching practice in semester two. This is followed by independent study for the dissertation during semester three (summer semester) and during semester one and two of year 3. This can be done at a distance.
We aim to engage students through a range of teaching and learning methods - problem based learning, seminar discussion, lecture input, teaching practice, reflective practice, activity/task based learning, small group tutorial, one to one tutorial - using a blended approach of face to face and online teaching.
Assessment includes a variety of real work tasks related to the TESOL world : teaching practice portfolio, case study of language learner, analysis of teacher talk,research poster, short tests, presentations, dissertation.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Dr Helen Hou is originally from China and has worked at Ulster since 2010. She has taught English and trained teachers in China, Hungary and the UK. She has a particular interest in online teaching, the teaching of languages through social media and in the teaching and learning of pronunciation.
Professor Barbara Skinner has a wealth of experience working as an English language teacher at home and abroad. She has taught ESOL, EAP and EFL and worked as a Cambridge Examiner and an IELTS examiner. She is also a teacher trainer and has given workshops and conference presentations on EAL training needs, embedding cultural diversity in Northern Irish schools and developing effective teacher classroom language.
Mr Cain Barriskill is a dedicated educator with a passion for fostering cross-cultural communication through TESOL. With extensive experience teaching English to diverse learners, both in his home country and abroad. Cain has honed his pedagogical approach to create engaging and effective learning environments.
The course team contribute to research at the University and enjoy using the latest research to underpin and enhance MA TESOL students' learning.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module focuses on the practical tools and strategies needed for creative language teaching. It features a series of lectures and practical exercises which support a programme of peer teaching sessions in which students design and deliver lessons in small groups. Challenges to effective language teaching are explored through critical reflective practice on peer teaching sessions. Additionally, the module prepares students for EDU710, the Teaching Practice module in semester two.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the students to different theories about English grammar teaching and teaching of English pronunciation as well as diverse means of teaching grammar and pronunciation, including the application of digital technologies in transmitting knowledge about English language in classroom teaching. Students are expected to develop their skills in critically reflecting on their teaching performance and student learning, innovating new techniques in teaching grammar and pronunciation.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module gives an authentic opportunity to teach English to non-native speakers of English who are elementary to intermediate learners of English. They teach in a range of teaching contexts - state schools, private language schools, further education colleges, universities and charities. The key objective of the module is that graduates will move towards becoming competent candidates for posts as English language teachers and will continue in year two of their part-time programme to complete EDU703 Teaching Practice 2, in order to be fit for purpose.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module gives an authentic opportunity to teach English to a multilingual group of non-native speakers of English. Students teach in Northern Irish educational institutions/schools for 4 weeks. The key objective of the module is to build on EDU702 Teaching Practice one, so that graduates leave the module fit for purpose and as competent candidates for posts as English language teachers.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module develops students' conceptual competences, by giving them a solid theoretical underpinning regarding key English language acquisition/learning concepts. By doing so, it offers an opportunity to apply the theory to their practice and to explore research critically, either as a resource for their own teaching or for their own research. It will offer the opportunity to identify and clarify theories in relation to second language teaching.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces the students to basics of academic writing conventions, including identification and avoidance of plagiarism, appropriate referencing and citing and bibliography compiling. This module also introduces the students to the ways in which technologies are impacting on designing and conducting research. Students are expected to show conceptual and practical skills to draw up a research proposal and produce a series of feasible instrument tools.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will allow students to undertake a sustained piece of independent work. Working under supervision, students are guided to prepare a research proposal relevant to the TESOL field, to research a selected issue affecting professional life and to prepare and present a 18,000 word submission for examination.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; and evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
An Access NI check will be completed on all successful applicants.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
You can make an APEL application (accreditation of prior experiential learning). However, you cannot apply to be exempt from the teaching practice module.
In this section
Graduates of this programme have gained work as English language teachers in private language schools, further education colleges, universities and schools in the UK, Ireland and in many countries all over the world. Some have progressed to work in EAL related fields, others to doctoral study whilst others have got jobs as on-line English language teachers or developer of online langauge teaching resources. Students have gone on to work in teaching related areas: for example, developers of online English language teaching materials; whilst some of the students use their qualification to work for charities abroad in developing countries.
Shelley Wright explains the benefits of the TESOL programme:
‘I'm in my fourth year working as a lecturer at Kanda University of international Studies in Chiba Japan. It's an amazing job which hired me right after I graduated. We get over three months holiday per year and there are lots of opportunities for professional development. There's over 60 English lecturers here so that adds to the sense of community and the students are angels. During the interview process, my boss was impressed by the placement in Hungary that you sent us on!'
This exciting MA in TESOL includes a teaching practice placement. You can opt to do the placement with one of our Northern Irish partners or overseas, with one of our partner schools in Gyor, Hungary. In Northern Ireland, there are opportunities to work in primary, secondary, further education colleges, private language schools and higher education whilst in Hungary our partner schools offer placements in primary or secondary schools.
TESOL student teachers teach during semester two, normally starting in February and finishing just before the Easter holidays.
There are extra costs involved in going to Hungary, however, you can apply for ERASMUS funding of 370.00 Euro per month which can cover accommodation and subsistence costs. You teach in Gyor, which is a beautiful central European city located midway between Budapest and Vienna. Our students teach in primary or secondary schools and are supported by Hungarian host teachers and staff of the university who stay in Gyor for that purpose. We need at least eight students to sign up for the teaching practice placement in Hungary in order for it to run. Where students take up the overseas option, there may well be additional funding provided by the University to help towards travel.
The Northern Irish and Hungarian teaching practice modules give an authentic opportunity to teach English to non-native speakers of English.
We were delighted to congratulate our Hubarian school partnership who won Ulster University's global placement partner of the year award in 2020.
Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Each year the student who gains the best overall mark in the taught modules which make up the Postgraduate Diploma will receive the Pritchard Prize.
Overseas students who opt for the Hungarian teachign practice placement may need to apply for a visa. There is a cost for this and the application involves a trip to London. Both the trip and the application fee must be paid by the student.
Successful applicants must apply for AccessNI clearance and are responsible for costs associated with this application. AccessNI check costs £33.00.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Comments from External Examiners
‘The students were highly complimentary about the course
and commended the team spirit that had been generated, as
well as the commitment of the teaching staff.’
'The main strength of the course is the teaching practice in
Hungary. This provides an invaluable experience for both the
new teachers as well as the experienced teachers….I was also
particularly impressed by the way in which the experience in
Hungary was integrated into other modules of the course'.
Comments from students
‘The teaching practice is organised
extremely well, and links between the various schools
and the University are strong and mutually beneficial’.
‘We are all aware of the fact that it is people who make up
Departments within a University. I am in no doubt that all
students stand to benefit from the high standard that has
already been set. Sincere thanks to all involved in making the
course of studies so enjoyable’.
‘I’m in my fourth year working as a lecturer at Kanda
University of international Studies in Chiba Japan. It’s an
amazing job which hired me right after I graduated. We
get over three months holiday per year and there are lots
of opportunities for professional development. There are
over 60 English lecturers here so that adds to the sense of
community and the students are angels. During the interview
process my boss was impressed by the placement in Hungary
that you sent us on! They accepted me while I was still
finishing off my Thesis. Thanks so much for looking after us
so well Barbara – That was a really special year’.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
