TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - No Teaching Experience

The MA in TESOL Pre-Service is an internationally recognised qualification in the field of English language education.



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. ​



This programme is suitable for those interested in becoming an ELT Professional and for applicants with less than one year or no teaching experience. Teachers of English as a second, foreign or additional language who have a minimum of one year relevant teaching experience should apply for our other MA TESOL stream Z155 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

LANG40690 Introduction to TESOL Pedagogy Autumn 10

LANG40620 The TESOL Research Process Spring 10

LANG40640 Teaching Practice, Observation & Feedback Spring 10

LANG40700 TESOL Pedagogy and Practice Spring 10

LANG40260 TESOL - Minor thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Option modules - pick one

LANG40600 The English Teaching Context Autumn 10

LING40460 Phonology (MA) Autumn 10

• Applicants should hold an honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum second class honours or international equivalence.

• 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

60

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. Delivery: On Campus.

GradDip TESOL (Z173) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 5980

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Z378: Master of Arts TESOL (applicants with no teaching experience) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



Z379: Master of Arts TESOL (applicants with no teaching experience) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to launch their careers in teaching English to speakers of other languages, both in Ireland and internationally. Designed specifically for those with no prior teaching experience, the MA in TESOL Pre-Service provides the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies needed to become confident and reflective teachers in a wide range of educational contexts.



As the global demand for qualified English language teachers continues to grow, graduates are well-placed to take up positions in language schools, higher education institutions, community education, and international programmes. The degree also provides a strong foundation for progression into more specialised roles — such as curriculum design, assessment, or materials development —as your career advances.



Continuing Your Studies

The MA in TESOL is not only a gateway to an exciting international teaching career but also an excellent springboard for further academic study. Graduates may choose to pursue doctoral research in areas such as applied linguistics, second language acquisition, or teacher education, building on the expertise and research skills developed during the programme.