Course overview
There are two language modules where you learn about language skills as well as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and functions. The TESOL module concentrates on how speakers of other languages than English learn and how they should be taught English.
You also study a module that concentrates on planning research, and a dissertation module where you undertake a project on a topic of your choice, for example, language and culture, English language for science and technology, business language, or language and resources for younger learners.
You may be given the opportunity to take the University of Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test and, on graduating, apply to study towards the Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is a sought-after professional qualification for teachers of English as a foreign language.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
You define your own research topic and work on this over an extended period of time. You specialise in a particular area of interest related to TESOL, such as: language and culture, English for science and technology, business English, and language and resources for younger learners.
Language and Learning Focus on Literacy
You gain knowledge and understanding of reading and writing skills, as well as grammatical and functional systems which underpin English language learning.
You develop language skills for reading, as well as organisational and editing skills for writing. You also recognise grammatical language features and learn to analyse them effectively to support language development in specific contexts.
Language and Learning Focus on Oral Skills
This module equips you with the knowledge and understanding of how listening and speaking skills are developed by speakers of other languages, along with explicit knowledge and understanding of lexical and phonological systems which underpin the English language.
You develop language skills for listening, as well as fluency and accuracy for speaking. You develop your skills to notice lexical and key phonological features of English, which are analysed in specific language development contexts.
You gain an understanding of research in the field of education, in particular in a TESOL context. You develop skills to evaluate current research papers and make judgments about these, and it prepares you for the Individual TESOL Project module.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
You gain an historical context to consider modern approaches to TESOL. You gain practical knowledge of learning and teaching in a TESOL context, covering areas such as classroom management, planning, delivery and assessment.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through seminars, and individual and group tutorials sharing ideas with tutors and other students. Each module is supported by online resources and relevant discussion.
You gain knowledge and understanding of how to teach English to speakers of other languages, and develop a range of specialist and transferrable skills, including critical thinking and how to plan research in education. You gradually become more autonomous through independent learning.
How you are assessed
Your work is assessed in a variety of ways, to demonstrate your learning and level of achievement; for example: portfolio of evidence, teaching observation, essay, poster presentation, individual viva, dissertation.
Feedback is given on formative and summative work throughout your studies.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this course are normally one of the following:
• Level 5 or equivalent in any subject
• foundation degree in any subject
• HND (or equivalent) in any subject
• successful completion of two years in higher education, in any subject, with 120 ECTS (or equivalent).
For non-native speakers of English, there is an IELTS 6.0 English language entry requirement with no individual band below 5.5.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
This course is aimed at anybody who has a strong interest in the English language and in teaching it to speakers of other languages. There are varied work opportunities for BA in TESOL graduates, including working abroad in a range of TESOL contexts, or continuing on the Cambridge CELTA or on a postgraduate course such as MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or MA Education, or a PhD. The University offers specific guidance and support regarding further studies and employment in this field.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.