TESOL MA

at University of Brighton

Course structure
 

The course provides a supportive, stimulating and culturally diverse environment. You will undertake six modules and the dissertation.
 

It is delivered flexibly – the full-time course is taken over one year but you can also take the course part-time, up to six years. Studying part-time means that you can take the option modules in any order, however, you will always undertake the dissertation at the end.
 

Modules
 

Language Awareness
You will explore English language and discourse and develop the ability to critically evaluate grammatical frameworks that are currently used in English language teaching worldwide. The module is assessed through an examination which asks you to apply learning to teaching problems and issues.

Exploring English Language Teaching
You will investigate key aspects of contemporary English language teaching. The module is built around the following areas: teacher cognitions and competencies; the teacher’s role and practice; classroom interaction and discourse; methods and Post-method; the relevance of context; learner diversity; and curricula and course design. These areas are examined in terms of their relevance to effective teaching practices, and all study is underpinned by the concept of evidence-based teaching. The module is assessed through an essay.

Second and Multiple Language Acquisition
You will explore research on second and multilingual language learning from analysis of learner language to current cognitive and sociocultural models. It will also help you to consider the implications of such research for second language teaching and teachers. The module is assessed through an essay.

Materials, Media and Technology
This module helps you to evaluate, adapt, supplement and create materials to support language teaching and learning. You investigate the role of the design processes and pedagogical principles underlying materials production. You also explore the appropriacy of different media technologies for materials production. It is assessed through a portfolio of work which includes: materials developed to support an aspect of language work; presentations from seminars; and a written discussion on the design process and its outcomes.
 

Contexts, Cultures and Contemporary Topics in English Language Teaching (ELT)
This module allows English language teachers to deepen their critical understanding of the ways in which cultures shape and frame language teaching and learning in multiple contexts. There are opportunities to reflect on personal and professional histories across national, cultural, linguistic, ideological and political borders, and consider impact on identity construction and engagement with pedagogies and practices. Theory and practice relating to critical pedagogy, intercultural communication and a range of contemporary topics within ELT are critically explored. Assessment is through a presentation.

Teaching World Englishes: Theory and Practice
This module is designed to raise your awareness of the global spread of the English language and the historical, political and sociological factors that have contributed to this development. You will explore the various debates surrounding models of English in teaching/learning, monolingual/multilingual speaker teacher, ownership and use of English in both your own and the wider global context. You will also critically engage with the implications for learning and teaching English as an international language. This module is assessed through critically reflective response and an essay.

Dissertation
The dissertation is a 12,000-word piece of work. It is the culmination of your MA experience and is based on independent research. It is self-managed, but you have a close support from your supervisor. If you are completing the course in one year, you will start your research in May and complete your dissertation over the summer.

Degree and experience
 

Applicants should normally have an undergraduate honours degree (usually at 2:2 level or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject area, for example English language, literature, education, foreign languages and media.
 

Applicants without an undergraduate degree will be considered on the basis of appropriate experience in relevant areas or some professional experience in fields such as teaching, teacher education, interpreting, journalism, cultural, social and educational policy, publishing and materials writing. These applicants may be required to provide written evidence (for example, an assignment from a training course or an essay set by the admissions team) of their analytical and reflective skills in writing.
 

All applicants are required to have a minimum of 12 months full-time, or 24 months part-time experience teaching English as a second, foreign or other language.
 

Credit towards the MA (up to 60 credits) can be given to applicants who have completed our own Diploma in TESOL (level 7), the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) or Trinity’s Diploma in TESOL. 

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

International (full-time) - 15,462 GBP

Graduating with a TESOL MA from the University of Brighton will open up opportunities across the world in the field of English language teaching. Equipped with relevant research skills and advanced knowledge about secondary language learning, you will have all of the relevant training you need to begin your career.
 

Our graduates have gone on to successful positions not only in second language teaching in schools and universities but also in educational management, educational marketing, teacher training, materials development and publishing, as well as further academic study.