MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Program Overview

The MA TESOL at the University of Leeds is designed to provide students with both a strong theoretical foundation in language teaching and practical experience in the classroom. Students will explore various aspects of language acquisition, linguistics, teaching methodologies, and language assessment. The program is structured to give students the opportunity to analyze and evaluate different teaching approaches, understand the challenges and needs of diverse learners, and apply research-based techniques to improve teaching outcomes. By focusing on both the cognitive and social dimensions of language learning, the program equips students with the skills necessary to teach English effectively to speakers of other languages in a variety of contexts.

Curriculum: The MA TESOL at Leeds offers a flexible curriculum that combines core modules with a range of optional courses. Core modules typically include Language Teaching Methodology, Second Language Acquisition, Assessment and Evaluation in Language Teaching, and Research Methods in TESOL. These modules provide students with a deep understanding of language learning theories, teaching strategies, and assessment techniques. Students can also choose from a variety of optional modules, such as Teaching English for Academic Purposes, Pronunciation Teaching, Language and Identity, and Technology in Language Learning, which allow them to specialize in areas that match their interests and career goals. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students apply their research skills to explore a topic of their choice in TESOL.

Research Focus: The MA TESOL program at Leeds is supported by the university's strong research culture in applied linguistics and TESOL. Faculty members are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as language acquisition, sociolinguistics, language teaching methodology, and language testing and assessment. Students are encouraged to explore current issues in TESOL and contribute to ongoing academic debates by conducting their own research projects. The program’s research focus is informed by the university's Centre for Language Education Research, which provides students with access to valuable resources, research seminars, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on innovative projects. This research-oriented approach ensures that graduates are equipped to become reflective practitioners and leaders in the field of language education.

Industry Engagement: The MA TESOL at Leeds is designed to foster strong connections with the language teaching industry. The program offers students opportunities for practical experience through teaching placements, internships, and collaborations with language schools and educational institutions. Students can gain firsthand experience in teaching English to non-native speakers, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world teaching contexts. Leeds also has strong links with international organizations and educational bodies, providing students with the chance to network with professionals in the TESOL field. Additionally, the program hosts guest lectures, workshops, and seminars from experienced TESOL practitioners, which help students gain insights into current trends and best practices in language teaching.

Global Perspective: The MA TESOL at Leeds takes a global perspective on language teaching, addressing the diverse challenges and opportunities of teaching English in different cultural and linguistic contexts. The program explores global trends in English language teaching, including the role of English as a global lingua franca and the challenges faced by non-native speakers in multilingual environments. Students will examine case studies from various parts of the world, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and political factors that influence language learning and teaching. The program's international focus prepares graduates to teach English in a variety of global settings, from private language schools to university language departments, and equips them with the skills to adapt to the needs of diverse learner populations.