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
Language and Learning - Focus on Literacy
Develop your reading and writing skills, along with your knowledge and understanding of the grammatical and functional systems underpin the English language. You further develop your language subskills such as bottom-up and top-down processing for reading, and organisational and editing skills for writing. You identify grammatical language features of syntax and morphology, and analyse these features effectively to support language development.
This is a 20-credit module.
Language and Learning - Focus on Oral Skills
Understand how listening and speaking skills are developed by speakers of other languages than English. And identify the relevant systems underpinning the English language. You develop language skills such as discrimination, segmentation and anticipation for listening, as well as fluency, accuracy and using discussion markers for speaking. You identify lexicon features such as word class and word collocation, and key phonological features of English to analyse language development.
This is a 20-credit module.
Develop your independent research skills on a topic of personal interest that relates to your course. Define your research focus and create a plan, carry out real-time research. and write up the process and results in a final report.
This is a 60-credit module.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Use historical context to consider modern approaches to teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). You gain practical knowledge and understanding of working in a TESOL environment, covering areas such as classroom management, planning, delivery and assessment. You develop your own classroom teaching skills through observation, practice and reflection.
This is a 20-credit module.
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.
Digital development week
Alongside teaching, you take part in digital development week, featuring five hours of online activities. Flexible learning allows you to structure your week around the activities as you engage with our Future Facing Learning digital strategy. Activities may include recorded videos, screencasts, online workbooks, group or individual projects, or digital employment activities.
Enhancement and enrichment weeks?
This module is taught for the first 10 weeks. Weeks 11 and 12 are dedicated to enhancement and enrichment. You go beyond the core material of the course, enhancing your knowledge as you review your learning. This can include taught material reviews, writing workshops, academic support or activities to help you transition between levels of the course.
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.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
