Course overview
This programme is designed to enhance your critical understanding of the latest developments in TESOL theory and practice. By blending theory and practice, it draws on cutting-edge research and provides opportunities for reflection, both in-class and through assignments, on how these concepts can be applied in real-world teaching contexts.
This postgraduate course is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers or deepen their understanding of TESOL practices. It equips students with the skills to conduct independent research into teaching and learning, fostering a deeper engagement with the field. Additionally, the programme offers a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies.
Through this programme, students will refine their ability to critically analyse TESOL methodologies, explore innovative teaching strategies, and contribute to the development of effective language teaching practices.
Please note that the MA TESOL does not confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but it provides valuable expertise for teaching roles in global contexts and supports further professional and academic growth.
Why Choose This Course?
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Designed for both novice and experienced TESOL professionals, this programme equips you with the skills needed to excel as a teacher, course designer, manager, or trainer in English Language Teaching (ELT) roles globally.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering critical areas like language teaching methodology, curriculum design, and language assessment, the programme balances theoretical insights with practical applications to meet diverse learner needs.
- Research-Oriented Learning: Engage in independent inquiry through a Masters-level dissertation, fostering advanced research skills that enhance your professional practice and academic development.
- Customisable Learning Pathways: Select from a range of specialised modules such as Materials and Technology in Language Education, Assessment in Language Education, and Practice-Based Inquiry to tailor your studies to your interests.
- Global Perspective: Delivered at the renowned University of Nottingham Malaysia, this programme integrates cross-cultural insights into TESOL, preparing graduates for impactful roles in international education contexts.
- Prestigious Qualification: Earn a degree from a world-class university, recognised for academic excellence, innovation in education, and a commitment to professional development.
Course content
The taught element of this course is made up of four 30-credit modules, plus a 60-credit dissertation.
To be awarded a MA TESOL, you need to complete and pass four modules (two core and two elective) plus a dissertation.
Core modules
Language Teaching: Methodology and Curriculum
The module focuses on topics which have been the subject of recent discussion and research in the field of foreign and second language teaching. These include:
- a historical review of language teaching methods and approaches
- content vs process syllabus design in language teaching
- humanism in language teaching
- Communicative Language Teaching and Task Based Learning
- areas of applied linguistics particularly relevant to teaching of productive skills, especially sociolinguistics and pragmatics
- areas of applied linguistics particularly relevant to the teaching of receptive skills, especially psycholinguistics
You will be expected to read, understand and engage critically with the research presented on these topics.
Understanding Language Learning and the Language Learner
The module focuses on key areas in Applied Linguistics relating to Second Language Acquisition (SLA), and explores them from the perspective of both language learners and teachers. These include:
- ‘the good language learner’
- a historical overview of theories of SLA (key insights from applied linguistic research)
- recent applied linguistic developments in the theorisation of SLA as a dynamic complex system and social process
- implications of first language acquisition for SLA
- variability and individual differences in SLA (gender, age, aptitude, motivation, attitudes and beliefs, cognitive styles, strategies, autonomy and self-regulation)
- the role of grammar, vocabulary and phonology instruction in second language learning
- trends in applied linguistic research into SLA including the broadening of the field, greater exploitation of computerised samples of language, the growing stature of classroom-based investigation
You will be expected to read, understand and engage critically with the research presented on these topics.
Dissertation
This substantive piece of scholarship within the field of the course will normally be based on interests and skills you have developed in the course of the modules already studied.
You will choose a topic in consultation with your course leader and an appropriate supervisor.
Optional modules
MA students are to complete TWO elective modules.
- One compulsory elective module: Practice-based Inquiry
- One elective module: Assessment in Language Education
Practice-based Inquiry
The content will involve you in active critical consideration of participating in and leadership of practitioner inquiry in relation to professional context mapping and workplace learning.
These processes will be achieved through:
- conceptualising different kinds of practitioner inquiry relevant to work-based understanding and development (purposes, processes, contexts, dilemmas, outcomes).
- examining a range of approaches to educational inquiry, with an emphasis on action research.
- developing an inquiry into your professional context.
Assessment in Language Education
This module will look at:
- purposes of assessment
- types of assessment
- communicative assessment
- assessing the ‘4 Skills’
- case studies of key international exams
- current issues in language assessment
Meet the tutor
Programme coordinator: Dr Tiong Ngee Derk
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Entry requirements
A relevant second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent. Relevant experience may be required for some programmes. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Malaysian applicants, expatriates, and their families residing in Malaysia without the standard entry requirements but with substantial and relevant work experience may be considered for entry at the discretion of the School, provided they have successfully passed the Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) assessment through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application.
English language requirements
| IELTS (Academic): | 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) |
| TOEFL (iBT): | 90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
| PTE (Academic): | 71 (with no less than 65 in each element) |
| MUET: | Band 4.5 |
- IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
- IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
- MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
Careers
This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to accelerate your career and explore new paths in various industries.
- TESOL Specialist
- Curriculum Developer
- Language Assessment Specialist
- Teacher Trainer
- Educational Consultant
Are you ready to embark on an exciting career journey after graduation? At the University of Nottingham Malaysia, our Careers Advisory Service is here to support your career aspirations. We offer a range of professional services, including résumé writing assistance and interview preparation, to equip you with the tools needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Contact careers@nottingham.edu.my to learn more.
