MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Program Overview

The MEd TESOL at the University of Leeds provides a robust and flexible curriculum that supports students in developing both academic and professional expertise in the field of English language teaching. This program is designed for educators who have a background in TESOL or language teaching and are looking to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the profession. Students will study key areas such as second language acquisition, language teaching methodology, language assessment, and curriculum design, while also being encouraged to engage in critical thinking and research. The program culminates in the completion of a dissertation, where students can explore a topic related to TESOL that aligns with their interests and professional goals, fostering both personal growth and academic development.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MEd TESOL at Leeds is carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive learning experience that integrates core knowledge with specialized content. Core modules typically include Second Language Acquisition, Language Teaching Methodology, Assessment and Evaluation in TESOL, and Curriculum and Materials Development. These modules offer students the opportunity to explore the theories behind language learning and teaching while providing them with the practical skills needed to apply these theories in the classroom. Students also have the option to select elective modules that allow them to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest, such as Language and Technology, Teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and Sociolinguistics in TESOL. The program is structured to allow flexibility, with options for both full-time and part-time study, to cater to professionals with varying schedules and commitments.

Research Focus: The MEd TESOL program at Leeds is built upon a strong foundation of research excellence, with faculty members conducting cutting-edge research in areas such as second language acquisition, language assessment, pedagogical innovations, and language policy. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, encouraging students to engage with current research and contribute to the ongoing academic discourse in TESOL. Students are trained in research methods, enabling them to conduct their own investigations into issues such as teaching strategies, learning outcomes, and language assessment techniques. This research-driven approach ensures that graduates are not only equipped with practical teaching skills but also with the ability to critically evaluate and improve their own teaching practices.

Industry Engagement: The MEd TESOL program at Leeds has strong ties to the education industry, offering students numerous opportunities to engage with professionals, institutions, and organizations within the TESOL field. The program includes practical components that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world teaching environments. Leeds has established relationships with schools, language centers, and international educational bodies, offering students the chance to gain valuable teaching experience through placements or internships. Additionally, students can attend guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with experts in the field, enhancing their professional development and expanding their career prospects. The program’s strong industry engagement ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also ready to meet the challenges of teaching in a variety of global contexts.

Global Perspective: The MEd TESOL at Leeds takes a global approach to teaching English, recognizing the significance of English as an international language spoken in diverse cultural and social contexts. The program explores the global role of English as a lingua franca and the ways in which English is taught in different regions of the world. Students will examine case studies from a variety of countries, gaining insights into the challenges faced by English language learners in multilingual and multicultural environments. The global perspective of the program ensures that students are prepared to teach English to non-native speakers in a wide range of international contexts, from private language schools to university language departments. With an emphasis on cross-cultural competence, the program helps students understand the social, political, and economic factors that influence language learning and teaching worldwide.