Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MA) - 2012/2013 entry

This programme values the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice and is structured to reflect the fine balance between the two. In addition to two core modules and two option modules, you will be required to complete a dissertation, which is designed to ensure a good coverage of the curriculum and the full range of learning outcomes and to bring together knowledge and skills learnt in different taught modules.

• Enrich your knowledge of the current theories and models of language teaching and learning.
• Enhance your professional skills in language teaching, and reflect on your own experience of language learning and teaching.
• Acquire the knowledge and understanding, skills and aptitudes necessary to undertake advanced studies in language teaching at doctoral level.

You will take two core modules (worth 30 credits each) and two or three option modules (worth 30 credits each), and complete a 12,000–15,000-word dissertation (worth 60 credits) or a 4500–5000-word criticial review.

Core modules:

• Core Issues in Language Teaching and TESOL
• Research Methods and Design.

Option modules:

• International Management Communication 
• Introduction to Applied Linguistics
• Issues in Translation
• Language Behaviour and Brain Mechanisms
• Language, Culture and Communication
• Linguistic Analysis
• Marketing Communications: An Introduction 
• Professional and Business Communication
• Professional Development for Language Teaching
• Psycholinguistics of Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism
• Second Language Acquisition
• Sociolinguistics.

Note: please check with the programme office for availability of the modules listed above.

The Birkbeck Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication and TESOL) in the London area.

Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

Find out more about the student support and facilities we offer.  

If you are interested in further research, we offer a NewRoutePhD in TESOL.

Graduates go on to careers in language teaching and education, publishing, translating and interpreting, and education management.

Please note: Your application will only be considered if you have completed initial training as a language teacher and if you have relevant classroom language teaching experience. Please give full details of your training and experience in your application.

If you have been awarded the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) in the last five years, you may apply for credit for one option module. If you wish to apply for credit then please indicate this in your application.

• We recommend you apply as early as possible. Later applications may also be considered, subject to availability of places.