TESOL for Experienced Teachers (Taught)

About this course
The MA TESOL for Experienced Teachers is designed for individuals who already have professional experience in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and wish to deepen their understanding of English Language Teaching (ELT) theory and practice to take on leadership roles. The course focuses on applying your existing knowledge to critically appraise and innovate within the field. We are ranked 6th in the UK for Linguistics as per Times and Sunday Times 2025.

Key compulsory modules, unique to experienced teachers, include:
• Critical Appraisal of Language Teaching Methodologies: This module specifically draws on students' existing theoretical and practical knowledge of language teaching methodologies in various contexts.
• Current Issues in Language Teaching Methodology: Studies current academic discussions about adapting methodologies, particularly the ""post-method condition.""
• Analysing Language for ELT/TESOL

Entry Requirements
This course is explicitly for experienced professionals and requires:
• A 2:2 degree in a relevant subject (e.g., English, Linguistics, Modern Languages).
• A minimum of two years' professional experience related to English language teaching.

Your future career
On completion, you will be prepared for a rewarding career as a language teacher, language teaching educator, or an applied linguistics researcher. The skills gained—including research, critical thinking, and communication—are transferable to various sectors such as local and national government bodies, universities, schools, colleges, and private language schools.

Further information
• Course Duration: The course is offered as a full-time (12-month) master's degree, or as a part-time option over two or more years.
• Course Structure: The taught part of the course takes place over the first nine months (Semesters 1 and 2), followed by the independent 12,000-word dissertation over the final three months (summer).
• Distinctiveness: The key feature that distinguishes this MA from the standard MA TESOL is the requirement of two years of teaching experience, which shapes the content of the core modules to be more critically reflective and leadership-focused.
• Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus.

"Compulsory modules include: Analysing Language for ELT/TESOL; Critical Appraisal of Language Teaching Methodologies; Current Issues in Language Teaching Methodologies; Dissertation. Optional modules include: Autonomy and Individualisation in Language Learning; Writing and Written Language; Digital Education and English Language Teaching; English as medium of instruction in global education; Language ideologies in a globalising world.

For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/english-language-teaching-tesol-masters-ma#modules"

We'll assess your knowledge through: individual and group projects and presentations, through workshop activities, written assignments, and the dissertation.