Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages & Linguistics

Overview

The MSc in TESOL and Applied Linguistics is a professionally-oriented higher degree for those who intend to pursue a career in language teaching (i.e., novice as well as practicing teachers) or careers in other professional areas related to language advocacy, policy, or research. The programme provides students with the opportunity to develop deeper, contextualised understandings of the flexible and dynamic ways that language is learned, taught, and used in education, media, workplaces, and in greater society. It enables participants to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to devise and teach language, in addition to equipping students with the essential research and analytical skills to stay current with rapid developments in language teaching and other robust areas of applied linguistics.



Through the range of modules, you can also focus on certain pedagogical aspects of TESOL and Applied Linguistics, including, materials development, bilingual education, language assessment, or you can learn about broader intersections of language in society such as social justice, the impact of digital literacies and communication. One of the key features of the MSc TESOL and Applied Linguistics is that the programme is linked directly to the Centre for Language Education Research which means that students can benefit from a rich research culture to augment their course activities.

Core Modules

Language Awareness (20 credits)

TESOL: Principles and Practices (20 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

An Introduction to Research Methods: Children, Young People and Education (20 credits)

Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

Contemporary Issues in Applied Linguistics (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Epistemic Injustice: The Ethics of Knowing in Special Educational Needs/ Inclusion (20 credits)

Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)

Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)

Materials Development for TESO (20 credits)

Leadership in Practice (20 credits)

Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits)

Understanding Children with ASD (20 credits)

Understanding Adults with ASD (20 credits)

Social Justice in Special Needs Education and Inclusion: A Capability Approach (20 credits)

Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)

E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline plus evidence of relevant teaching experience (minimum of 30 hours).



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications: Friday 26th June 2026at 4pm



Late applications may be considered.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

1 year (Full-time)

3 years (Part-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduates have found their degree very beneficial in gaining employment in a range of teaching institutions worldwide, international agencies and examination bodies, and to gain promotion in their current workplace. Others progress to further doctoral-level studies and research.