Awarded byPlymouth Marjon UniversityMaster of Arts (TESOL)
A Master of Arts in TESOL from Plymouth Marjon University, UK — second-language theory, methodology and the current issues shaping the field.
Program Overview
The one-year MA TESOL program is designed for individuals seeking to advance or launch a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages. From qualified teachers holding a DELTA to aspiring educators with a strong background in language learning, this postgraduate program prepares you to succeed in English language classrooms worldwide.
At the heart of the program lies a strong emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application, helping students build expertise across four core areas:
- Learning styles and learner strategies in TESOL
- Teaching skills and materials development
- English language analysis and description
- Professional and research capabilities
All modules are grounded in current research and evidence-based practice, ensuring students are exposed to the latest developments in language teaching and learning. With a structure of eight 15-credit modules and a 60-credit final thesis, the program also fosters independent inquiry and critical reflection.
The MA TESOL is ideal for:
- Practising teachers looking to deepen their expertise
- DELTA-qualified educators seeking academic progression through APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning)
- Aspiring professionals with extensive language learning experience — both native and non-native English speakers from the UK, EU, and beyond
By the end of the program, graduates will have sharpened their professional and research skills, enhanced their teaching practices, and significantly expanded their career opportunities in TESOL worldwide.
Who is it for?
- Practising teachers moving into leadership
- Education professionals broadening their expertise
- Graduates entering the education sector
- Those seeking a pathway to doctoral study
What each module covers
Expand any module to read intended learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Critically evaluate and discuss different perspectives on second language learning and acquisition.
- LO2MLO2. Appraise the role of social, affective and cognitive factors which influence processes of second language learning and acquisition.
- LO3MLO3. Critically evaluate traditional and innovative methods of assessment task design.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Critically evaluate a range of theoretical frameworks.
- LO2MLO2. Reflect on professional practice in TESOL and observations of authentic classbased teaching.
- LO3MLO3. Show evidence of critical and innovative or creative thinking about TESOL lesson design
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Critically evaluate the role of stakeholders in curriculum planning and practical TESOL delivery.
- LO2MLO2. Synthesize a range of perspectives on teacher learning, teacher training, professional development and curricular innovation.
- LO3MLO3. Critically discuss how assessment design and processes can have an impact on learning, teaching and curriculum design.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Describe a comprehensive range of standard English forms and critically analyze typical learner errors.
- LO2MLO2. Critically evaluate how social context and task type interact with language.
- LO3MLO3. Provide accurate, constructive and practical feedback to students on a range of English language errors.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Analyze and describe a range of standard English speech sounds and compare these to learner errors.
- LO2MLO2. Provide accurate, constructive and practical feedback on pronunciation.
- LO3MLO3. Critically evaluate how pronunciation accuracy interacts with personal, social, and linguistic contexts and the extent to which native speaker-like speech is desirable.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Show substantial evidence of principled and creative thinking in designing tasks and materials for language learning.
- LO2MLO2. Demonstrate critical understanding of how learning resources, curriculum design, teaching methodology and individual learning styles interact.
- LO3MLO3. Critically evaluate how learning resources can be adapted and supplemented to meet the needs of learners.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Integrate theory and practice in the planning, delivery and subsequent adaptation of L2 lessons.
- LO2MLO2. Function as effective reflective practitioners and critically evaluate their skills, lessons, plans, resources, activities and assessment strategies based on an understanding of the relationships between theories and practices in TESOL.
- LO3MLO3. Respond appropriately to feedback on their teaching.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
- LO1MLO1. Critically evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of a range of research methodologies and how these methods inform research design.
- LO2MLO2. Produce critical reviews of previous research relevant to their chosen field of study.
- LO3MLO3. Propose an appropriate research project and critically assess the ethical and practical issues that it entails.
Dissertation
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About Plymouth Marjon University, UK
Plymouth Marjon University, UK
Plymouth Marjon University is one of the prestigious educational institutions in the United Kingdom for its reputation and educational quality, which was established in the year 1840. Serving the student community for over 180 years to build a vibrant future for themselves, Marjon prides itself on a personalised and student-centred approach, focused on helping every student to fulfil their potential.
The university aims to be an open, friendly and active community, taking initiatives to meet changing social and economic needs locally, nationally and internationally. It offers a range of programmes from Foundation Degrees & Progression Courses, distance learning to Honours Degrees and Postgraduate study.
Plymouth Marjon University works with a range of partners from the sectors of education, sport, health and the creative industries to provide innovative programmes of teaching and applied research which result in very high levels of employability.
Master of Arts (TESOL)
Issued and conferred by Plymouth Marjon University, UK on successful completion. Specimen shown for illustration — names and dates appear on the issued certificate.
How to qualify
Eligibility
What you'll need to applyApplicants must have attained the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University
- IELTS score of 6.0 overall
Documents needed
What to send with your application
How you'll learn
A flexible, mentor-led online experience — built so busy educators can upskill without a career break.
- Live & interactive lectures by expert faculty
- Recorded sessions for offline viewing
- World-class curriculum by eminent faculty
- Practical learning through seminars & workshops
- Assignments for module assessments
- Easy-to-use LMS, accessible anywhere
- Online library to further enhance your knowledge
- Real-world skills for a well-rounded experience
Where this qualification takes you
Continue your journey
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SpainFrequently asked questions
It is a one-year master's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages. The programme builds expertise across four areas: learning styles and learner strategies, teaching skills and materials development, English language analysis and description, and professional and research capability. All modules are grounded in current research and evidence-based practice.
One year, studied fully online. The structure is eight 15-credit modules plus a 60-credit dissertation, making 180 credits in total. Live interactive lectures are backed by recorded sessions for offline viewing, so the programme can be studied alongside teaching. An advisor can confirm intake dates.
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university and an IELTS score of 6.0 overall. Documents to send include the application form, academic documents with transcripts, a resume, a copy of your passport, a photograph, a statement of purpose, an experience or employment letter, and your IELTS scorecard.
Eight 15-credit modules: second language learning theory, TESOL methodology, current issues in TESOL, language and error analysis, analysing and teaching speech, designing materials for TESOL, teaching practice, and research methods. A 60-credit dissertation completes the 180 credits and develops independent inquiry and critical reflection.
Yes. The page describes the programme as suiting practising teachers deepening their expertise, DELTA-qualified educators seeking academic progression through APL, and aspiring professionals with extensive language-learning experience, whether or not English is their first language. It is a 180-credit master's degree rather than a short course. An advisor can review your prior study.
The page lists English language teaching, teacher trainer, TESOL curriculum lead, language school leadership, international schools, higher education, curriculum leadership, research and publication, academic management and education policy. Where the qualification takes you depends on your own teaching experience and the context you work in.
Plymouth Marjon University, UK. The award, titled Master of Arts (TESOL), is issued and conferred by the university on successful completion, and the certificate carries your name and the award date. Speak to an advisor about how the qualification fits your plans.