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.



Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (3 years) basis. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester. Full-time students typically complete three modules per semester.



One optional module (20 CATS) may be chosen from those offered on the Educational Studies (MEd) programme including the following:

• Digital Literacy and Communication

• Issues in Language Assessment (Students cannot take Assessment Issues in Teaching and Learning in Classrooms if taking this module).

• Materials Development in Language Teaching



The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS points) and a 15,000 word research dissertation (60 CATS points).



Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from taught modules.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.



Year 1

Core Modules

• Bilingualism, Literacy and Disciplinary Literacy Development (20 credits)

• Contemporary Issues in Applied Linguistics (20 credits)

• TESOL: Principles and Practices (20 credits)

• Language Awareness (20 credits)

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

• Dissertation (60 credits)



Optional Modules

• Fundamental elements of behaviour change (20 credits)

• Understanding Adults with ASD (20 credits)

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

• Materials Development for TESO (20 credits)

• Deconstructing Special Needs Education and Inclusion (20 credits)

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

• Curriculum: Theory, Policy and Practice (20 credits)

• Issues in Language Assessment for TESOL (20 credits)

• Understanding Children with ASD (20 credits)

• E-learning: Concepts and Pract (20 credits)

• Digital Literacy and Communication (20 credits)

• Leadership: Theoretical Perspectives (20 credits)

• Leadership in Practice (20 credits)

• Leadership for School Improvement and Change (20 credits)

• Reflective Practice and Action Research (10 credits)

• Behaviour Change in Education and Supervising Others (20 credits).

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with a minimum of 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline plus evidence of relevant teaching experience (minimum of 30 hours).



Applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree below 55% or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may also be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in an education, training or relevant context plus evidence of relevant teaching experience (minimum of 30 hours).



International Students

Please see International Student's link below.

Closing date for applications: Friday 27th June 2025 at 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.

There are no written examinations. Modules are assessed through written assignments, including case studies, language analysis and coursebook evaluations.

1 year (Full-time)

3 years (Part-time)



Teaching Times

In-class teaching is on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Entry Year: 2025/26

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.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.