English Language Teaching

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in English Language Teaching (ELT) incorporates academic, research and practical elements within its structure. It supports an integrated approach to English language teaching that balances theory with practice. The course will give practicing teachers the opportunity to explore current issues in ELT, and to deepen their understanding of the theoretical and practical concerns that underlie their teaching in TESOL and other settings.



For students who are new to teaching, the electives modules in English Language Teaching Practice can provide exposure to lesson planning and teaching approaches through the use of classroom observation, controlled micro-teaching practice, and other means.



The M.Phil. in English Language Teaching programme benefits in particular from CLCS’s involvement in the development and implementation of two Council of Europe tools that are important in the current debate about language learning, teaching and assessment world-wide: the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the European Language Portfolio. These tools are relevant in English language teaching environments, including TESOL environments.



Is This Course For Me?

The English Language Teaching programme is aimed at both new and experienced teachers of English as a foreign or second language. Preference is given to applicants with relevant teaching experience. However, applicants without English language teaching experience will be encouraged to take the English Language Teaching Practice electives. All applicants are expected to show proficiency in at least one language other than their first language.



Course Structure

All students take six taught modules, which include four core modules and two elective modules. Teaching for each module involves one two-hour session per week over one term.



Full-time students take two core modules each term (for a total of four core modules), and they take one elective module each term (for a total of two elective modules).



In addition, students attend a series of tutorials in research methodology.



Part-time students will have one core module during both terms in both years (for a total of two core modules per year, and four across both years), and one elective module each year (for a total of two elective modules across both years).



In addition, part-time students attend a series of tutorials in research methodology in their first year.

Course Content

Students take four core modules: Second Language Curriculum Planning and Implementation; Describing English Grammar; and Language Testing Pedagogical Grammar of English.



Students then choose two electives among the following menu of elective modules: Computer Assisted Language Learning; Corpus Linguistics; English Language Teaching Practice 1; English Language Teaching Practice 2; and Linguistic Pragmatics; Multilingualism; Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching; Speech and Language Technology in Education; Technology, Language, and Communication.



In the final phase of the course, students prepare and write a 15,000-word dissertation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a good honours degree (at least an upper second or equivalent; GPA of at least 3.2). Previous knowledge of applied linguistics is not a requirement. Normally only graduates with language teaching experience are admitted to the course in Applied Linguistics.



Applicants must provide a Personal Statement explaining their motivation in applying for their chosen course(s).



English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet B and C, see the English Language Requirements page.

Closing Date 30th June 2025

1 Year Full Time/2 years Part Time

Next Intake September 2025

Career Opportunities

Aimed at both new and experienced teachers of English as a foreign or second language, this course supports an integrated approach to English language teaching that balances theory with practice and enhances teachers' career options.