Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA

Course overview

MA TESOL is a postgraduate degree for educators with at least two years of teaching experience who want to deepen their understanding of how English is learned and taught. It covers language analysis, teaching methodologies, learner development, and specialist areas within TESOL.

The course is led by experts and provides both theoretical grounding and practical insight into effective English language teaching. It equips professionals to respond to diverse learner needs, to use evidence‑based approaches, and to specialise in emerging or in‑demand areas such as technology‑enhanced learning or English for academic purposes.

Graduates can pursue a wide range of careers in the global TESOL field, including roles such as English language teacher, curriculum developer, teacher trainer, programme administrator, consultant, or specialist in areas like young learners, teacher education, academic English, or English‑medium instruction.

I chose Teaching Languages to Young Learners and Global Learning in UK Primary Schools as my optional modules. I found these courses interesting because they were both closely related to my previous working experience in primary school.

Yi-Chun Pan, MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages for Young Learners

Why study at Leeds:

• Learn from leading academic staff: They specialise in areas such as second language teacher education, English medium instruction, digital language learning, motivation, language assessment, corpus linguistics, and vocabulary.
• Build strong academic writing skills: Take part in our bespoke, year‑long academic literacy course designed specifically for TESOL students.
• Regular TESOL Forum sessions: Explore current ideas and research, and contribute to a student‑led postgraduate taught conference.
• Study within a friendly, supportive environment: Our staff understand the challenges of adapting to a new cultural and learning context so are here to support you every step of the way.
• Engage with the world‑class Centre for Language Education Research (CLER): Learn about its influential research and classroom projects.
• Access opportunities to enter prestigious awards: Examples include the British Council Master’s Degree Dissertation Award and other recognised competitions.

Course details and modules

MA TESOL is a comprehensive course that allows you to develop both academically and professionally.  

In semester one, you’ll deepen your understanding of the foundations of TESOL, focusing on how people learn languages, how to describe and explain language to learners, and the various approaches to teaching languages. 

In semester two, you’ll expand your knowledge of more specialist areas. You can choose from a range of optional modules to suit your own interests and professional contexts, such as developing TESOL materials, teaching young learners, assessing language learning, technology enhanced language learning, teaching vocabulary and various other topics. 

In the final part of the year, you’ll use your newly acquired knowledge and skills to independently research and write your dissertation. This can be related to your own interests within the field of education. To support your work on your dissertation, you’ll take a non-assessed research methods module. Your supervisor will support you throughout the dissertation writing process. 

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, tutorials, student-led discussions and group work complemented by digital technologies.

Independent study is an important aspect of this programme as it allows you to develop key research, analysis and communication skills and develop your own ideas.

The Language Education team in the School of Education is nationally and internationally recognised for its range of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics.

To develop your academic writing, you’ll have the opportunity to join an academic literacy course designed specifically for TESOL students. Additionally, the University of Leeds library offers a range of online resources, workshops, and one-to-one appointments to provide further support.

Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will provide academic guidance, offer support and advice, and foster your personal development.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We assess your learning on modules in varied ways, including written assignments, oral presentations, and posters. These assessments will require you to read widely and use relevant literature to support your arguments. You’ll be expected to demonstrate your critical understanding of TESOL debates and the application of theory in classroom contexts.

Clear guidelines and structured support will be provided for all assessments. Module tutors will also offer formative feedback to help you with your assignments.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree (hons) with a 2:1 or non-UK equivalent plus two years of relevant experience after graduation. We will consider applicants with alternative qualifications or experience on an individual basis.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read  Language for Education (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Education (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information we will need include:

• Original or certified copies of your transcripts
• Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Education

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgeduc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,000 (Total)

International: £27,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

The School of Education usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.

Career opportunities

Choosing this degree gives you a real edge in a competitive job market and opens the door to an exciting career - whether you want to work at home or explore opportunities around the world.

Where this degree could take you

Graduates from this course go on to do all kinds of inspiring things: teaching English in schools and universities, creating learning materials, designing curricula, translating for global companies, and supporting communities through charities and NGOs. Some even launch their own language‑teaching businesses or move into specialist roles that take them across continents.

Every year, international students choose to stay in the UK after graduation, becoming ESOL teachers or gaining extra teaching qualifications like the CELTA. Others dive deeper into the field by progressing to postgraduate research degrees in the UK and beyond.

Studying TESOL at Leeds doesn’t just give you qualifications - it gives you skills, confidence, and global opportunities that can shape your future.

“After graduating from Leeds, I was employed by British Council as Programme Manager for the English language department. I believe my time in Leeds has helped me both to secure this job.”

Abayneh Haile, MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.