TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Our TESOL programmes are unique, because they help you develop your professional practice skills through in-class microteaching and formal teaching practice. You will analyse and improve your practice through critical reflection and feedback within a supportive environment. You will also have the opportunity to observe live English language classes in the Centre and learn from highly qualified teachers who have extensive TESOL experience. You will see a difference in how you approach your teaching and in the value you give to your students.



Students on the MA TESOL programme will explore the theoretical underpinnings of English language teaching and will link them directly to their experience in the classroom. Students will develop best practice through engagement with state-of-the art research and acquire a familiarity with technological advances. Each week, research will be brought to the practical setting of the classroom context as students develop their knowledge and reflect on good practice. This goal will be achieved through the use of small groups, discussions, teaching observations, presentations, workshops and blended learning.



The UCD Language Centre offers a number of competitive Scholarships up to 50 % for students who will study on the MA full-time each year.



This programme is suitable for teachers of English as a second, foreign or additional language who have a minimum of one year relevant teaching experience. Applicants with less/no experience should apply for our other MA TESOL Pre-Service stream Z378 instead.



What Will I Learn?

• Apply a critical reflection to a range of language teaching, learning and assessment approaches and adopt theory into practice.

• Demonstrate an evidence based understanding of teaching, learning and assessment in TESOL.

• Develop a practical approach to research planning and writing skills.

• Develop leadership competencies in teaching, curriculum design, assessment, management, teacher development or materials design.

• Foster a deeper understanding of the English language and the classroom implications of teaching applied language skills.

• Integrate a range of language teaching, learning and assessment technologies to enhance their students' learning experience.

• Develop the professional competences essential to work in leadership positions within the field.

• Critically investigate aspects of own classroom practice in a supportive and developmental environment.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

LANG40590 The English Language for TESOL Autumn 10

LANG40600 The English Teaching Context Autumn 10

LANG40610 TESOL: Principles and Practices Autumn 10

LANG40620 The TESOL Research Process Spring 10

LANG40630 SLA + TESOL pedagogy Spring 10

LANG40260 TESOL - Minor thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Option modules - pick one

LANG40640 Teaching Practice, Observation & Feedback Spring 10

LING40440 Corpus Linguistics (MA) Spring 10

• Applicants must hold an honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) or equivalent, having normally reached a 2H1 or better. Applications with a 2H2 average are considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Applicants should have a minimum of one years’ relevant teaching experience in Ireland or overseas (applicants with less/no experience should apply for our other MA TESOL stream Z378 instead)

• Applicants, whose first language is not English, should have an overall band of 7.0 in IELTS (with no band less than 6.5).

• Applicants who do not meet the language requirements for direct entry can apply for our Pre-Sessional EAP Programme at a 50% discount.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: Yes



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Z155: Master of Arts TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



Z173: Graduate Diploma in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



Z259: Master of Arts TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates of the programme aim to apply for senior positions within TESOL – posts of responsibility such as Academic Directors, teacher trainers, materials designers, examiners, senior teachers, course designers and beyond. The international field of TESOL continues to expand and there are exciting opportunities for graduates in Ireland and beyond with advanced qualifications. Other graduates have gone on to complete PhDs in the field.