Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - with optional specialism (MSc, PGDip, PGCert) September 2025 entry

These courses provide the opportunity to integrate the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages. They are designed to be useful to experienced teachers and those considering a career in English language teaching.

Students who have an interest in a particular field of TESOL can also choose one of five specialisms to focus on and graduate with a TESOL degree in that specialism.

Start date
15 September 2025
End date
Depends on your chosen qualification: MSc, PGDip or PGCert
Duration
Depends on your chosen qualification: MSc, PGDip or PGCert
School
International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI)
Apply for PGCert Apply for PGDip Apply for MSc
Register your interest in TESOL

Application deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and to allow time for visa applications, where necessary.

Choose your course

These flexible courses allow you to choose the path that best suits your ambitions. You can:

  • achieve either an MSc, PGDip or PGCert qualification
  • study on campus in St Andrews or online
  • start in September or January
  • choose an optional specialism

Optional specialisms available are:

  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • English Medium Instruction
  • Teaching Young Learners
  • Technology for Teaching

Master of Science (MSc)

A one-year full-time taught course, which runs from September 2025 to June 2026. The MSc requires you to take eight modules and complete a 15,000-word dissertation.

Apply for one of the MSc TESOL courses or degrees by the deadline of Sunday 1 September 2025:

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

A nine-month full-time taught course. The PGDip requires you to take eight modules over two semesters, from September 2025 to June 2026. Those on the PGDip do not undertake a dissertation. Apply for one of the following PGDip courses by Sunday 1 September 2025:

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

A flexible course that can be taken full-time over one semester from September 2025 or part-time over one to two years (subject to visa requirements). The PGCert requires you to take four modules of your choosing. Those on the PGCert do not undertake a dissertation.

In person or online

These programmes are delivered both in person at St Andrews and online. If you are interested in studying this programme entirely online, visit the online course webpages:

September or January

There are two different start dates you can choose from. This page has information for September entry. If you are interested in starting in January, visit the January entry course webpages:

MSc TESOL programmes taught in St Andrews

Other videos

Entry requirements

Typically, you should have one of the following:

  • A 2.1 Honours degree or 3.3 to 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in any discipline. Applications are welcomed from all education systems. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
  • Significant professional or other relevant experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning (such as professional qualifications or certifications).

For more information about our academic entrance requirements in relation to the education system you studied in, email iellipostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Recognition of prior learning

Some students may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on their previous studies, such as DELTA. The International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute considers applications for RPL on a case-by-case basis in line with the University's recognition of prior learning policy. To confirm the exact amount of credit you could be awarded, please forward your relevant transcript to rplearning@st-andrews.ac.uk.

English language requirements

You will need to be proficient in the English language. Information about English language entry requirements for these programmes is available on the postgraduate English language requirements page.

Applicants who have not met the English language entry requirements at the point of application may be made offers that are conditional on these requirements being met before enrolment. Offer-holders may then use the University’s Academic English pre-sessional courses to meet the English language requirements.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application deadline

Sunday 1 September 2025

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.

Application requirements

  • CV which includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment (paid or voluntary) to date
  • personal statement
  • one original signed reference (this may be professional or academic)
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language). If you have not yet taken an English language test, you can submit it at a later date. Any offer of a place would then be conditional on attaining evidence of your English language competence

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

Course details

TESOL programmes are run by the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute.

Highlights

  • Integrate theory and practice – discuss theoretical concepts and frameworks in small groups and in online written forums and apply these through applied assessments.
  • Interact with a global cohort of students, studying both in St Andrews and online, through module learning activities.
  • Engage in and reflect on a new language learning experience to gain an all-around perspective on language teaching and learning.
  • Access an optional and supplementary resource bank of material in parallel with your PGT programme to support both your learning and the development of your professional identity.
  • Join experienced practitioners and scholars in the English language teaching community, with opportunities to be involved in ongoing professional development events and the annual English for Academic Purposes (EAP) conference.

The number of taught modules you will take depends on whether you are studying for the MSc, PGDip or PGCert degree. Those on the MSc and PGDip will take five compulsory modules plus three optional modules. If you decide to take TESOL with a specialism, you must take one of your optional modules in that specialism. Those on the PGCert will take four modules of their choice. If you decide to take a PGCert with a specialism, you must take the module of your specialism plus three more modules.

You will study each module for five weeks, with five face-to-face contact hours for each module. You will study four modules in each semester, two in the first part and a further two in the second part of the semester.

In each module, you interact online in a weekly written discussion forum (or similar activity) with other postgraduate students in St Andrews and around the world, providing the opportunity to learn from peers living and working in a wide variety of contexts.

While the programme does not include a teaching placement or practicum, it supports students in exploring how theory can be applied to real-world situations, through:

  • practical learning and assessment tasks
  • materials development activities
  • participation as a student in language classes
  • a limited number of peer teaching activities

Outside of modular study, you are also offered the chance to apply for mentored teaching opportunities. In the current academic year, the International Education Institute has:

  • mentored students in leading Academic English Service workshops
  • supported students to present at our annual English for Academic Purposes conference
  • engaged a number of students in supported assistant teacher roles on summer courses
  • offered students the opportunity to teach refugees in the local community

TESOL specialisms

Assessment and evaluation

This specialism is aimed at educational practitioners with a particular interest in assessment and evaluation. It opens up possibilities to work in a wide variety of academic settings, either writing assessment material or training those who write and deliver assessment and evaluation.

Assessment is increasingly becoming part of English language teaching (ELT) pedagogy:

  • mastery and active learning approaches use assessment tasks as learning tasks
  • low-stakes testing is structuring engagement in online learning
  • increasingly, credential-oriented societies require teachers to make creative use of testing to support learning

A specialism in assessment and evaluation will support you to understand the development of the current testing culture in ELT, including reflecting on where teachers can work with or need to resist current developments.

There is also a highly practical value to the specialism: assessment is often done poorly, in a hurry, and with little awareness of consequences. Being able to develop tests, create supporting materials, and train examiners are therefore prized skills for ELT practitioners.

You will be able to experience and evaluate different types of assessment through the weekly coursework tasks.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

The EAP specialism gives students the opportunity to integrate the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with a particular focus on teaching academic English. It opens up possibilities to work as an EAP tutor, course designer or assessment specialist. 

EAP is a growing discipline, and English is considered the lingua franca of academia. There is a strong need for evidence-based training and development in the practical teaching skills needed for this diverse and dynamic field.

You will be able to develop knowledge and skills in academic discourses, materials design and assessment of EAP.

English Medium Instruction (EMI)

The EMI specialism is aimed at teachers with a particular interest in English medium instruction. This is an aspect of education in English that is growing rapidly, offering various roles for English as a foreign language (EFL) and English for academic purposes (EAP) teachers. 

It opens up possibilities to work in any level of education, covering EFL and EAP, as well as teacher development and management. It is also beneficial to educators in any subject who work, or plan to work, with students who are users of English as an additional language. 

As a relatively new field of study, EMI can develop in many ways, giving opportunities for creativity and innovation, from primary to tertiary level study.

Teaching Young Learners

This specialism is aimed at teachers with a particular interest in teaching young learners. It opens up possibilities to work in a variety of preschool, elementary and secondary level educational settings as a teacher or policy specialist.

This degree aims to help you take account of cognitive development in approaches and methods in the context of teaching children or teenagers (from 4 to 18 years). Taking this specialism will provide you with a qualification that clearly highlights your knowledge and understanding of the needs and strengths of these age groups. This is advantageous as future employers can see immediately that you are more likely to be qualified for teaching in schools at any level.

You will be able to produce a portfolio of four lessons for contexts which you can select yourself, giving room for creativity and a focus on your preferred age group.

Technology for Teaching

This specialism gives students the opportunity to integrate the theory and practice of teaching with a particular focus on technology for teaching. Graduates with experience of technology for teaching are in demand in a wide variety of educational settings to enhance technology-led provision.

This specialism is aimed at students who want to develop the pedagogical knowledge that underpins the application of technology in language classrooms. This is a transdisciplinary course drawing on sources from a variety of fields like education, psychology, sociology, design, ludology, linguistics, and philosophy. 

You will develop technical skills in a range of applications, such as data-driven and game-based learning. You will also develop project management skills, using techniques from agile design and design thinking.

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue. The modules listed are indicative, there is no guarantee they will run for January 2025 entry, and some elements may be subject to change.

The following modules are compulsory for those on the MSc and PGDip programmes. If you are studying for the PGCert, you can choose any four modules from this list or from the optional module list (if you are taking the PGCert with a specialism, one of your modules must be related to the specialism).

Action Research and Reflection for Education Practitioners: provides a learning experience in which students can reflect on concepts and theories they have studied in the past and connect them with individual educational contexts and explores the combined value of reflection and action research, providing a means for educational practitioners to understand their educational contexts and to plan responses to challenges in these contexts.

Language Teaching Methodology: explores the theories that inform teaching practice and analyses the implications these have in terms of ways of learning, material used, the teacher role and the learning spaces. This is essential for all those seeking to understand teaching environments more clearly and for those who have a chance to influence teaching environments.

Linguistics for Language Teachers: equips you with the skills required to describe and analyse language. It does not assume prior knowledge of Linguistics and seeks to introduce you to selected fundamental concepts, relevant to English language teaching. You acquire appropriate terminology and techniques in the analysis and description of grammatical terms and structures.

Second Language Acquisition: explores theories of second language acquisition to gain some understanding of what learners actually do, how learners differ, and the strategies they can use, answering questions like how do we learn languages, does it make any difference what age we are when we start learning, why do some learners seem to do better than others? This knowledge and understanding is evaluated in order to apply theory to practice, to inform language teachers, and to guide learners. 

Education and Researching: explores different research methodologies and critically evaluates quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches, helping students to understand the features of a rigorous research question in English Language Teaching and International Education, as well as consider how to design, pilot and reflect on the effectiveness of different data collection instruments. Students will be taught, and given the opportunity to practise, different approaches to data analysis. The module will also include guidance and discussion on the different ethical considerations when conducting classroom-based research, as well as the important stages in writing up the dissertation.

The modules listed here are indicative. There is no guarantee they will run for September 2025 entry and some elements may be subject to change.

Those on the MSc and PGDip programmes will choose three modules from the following list. If you are studying for the PGCert, you can choose any four modules from this list or from the compulsory module list.

If you are taking TESOL with a specialism, one of these modules must be related to the specialism.

Assessment and Evaluation in Education: considers the theory and practice of assessment in pedagogy. You will learn key concepts in both, how to design and improve tests for different purposes, and how to make productive use of assessment within teaching. We also consider some of the broader social impacts of assessment and testing and how teachers navigate tensions when promoting student learning within a measurement culture. The module provides opportunities to reflect on how different approaches such as mastery learning or active learning are reflected in assessment design, as well as critiquing aspects of assessment such as the use of time limits, group tasks, multiple-choice questions, and gamification.

English Medium Instruction: explores the rapid increase in the teaching of academic subjects through English in countries where the majority of the population do not use English as a first language and considers this global trend from the standpoint of content and language teachers, as well as students. It considers the wide variety of English medium instruction contexts, evaluating theory in the fields of teaching and learning, language acquisition and intercultural communication in an attempt to address some of the practical challenges involved.

English for Academic Purposes: provides an understanding of the higher education context, the key principles underpinning learning in a university, text and discourse in the communities of the different disciplines, theories and practice of assessment, and the most effective methods and materials to motivate students and help them into a discourse community so that, as an EAP teacher, you will be able to prepare and support students who come to study for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees through the medium of English. 

Teaching Young Learners: explores theories of child development and learning which are fundamental to the understanding of child second language acquisition, namely children aged 4 to 7, 8 to 11, and 12 to 18. Child psychology has to be taken into account in the development of teaching materials, teaching styles and classroom management. There is also a practical element to the module, in the form of tasks requiring you to create lesson plans and materials to share with your peers, to apply theory to practice.

Technology for Teaching: introduces you to the principle theories, concepts and practices of technology in language education. You will be able to critically consider the role and purpose of various modes of technology in education in a wide range of settings to identify and conceptualise problems within your own professional contexts.

Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered. Some modules may only allow limited numbers of students. See the University’s position on curriculum development.

Only those on the MSc programme are required to submit a dissertation.

For the dissertation, you will choose a topic of interest to you and to your future career. You will read related literature and conduct independent research on your topic.

Student dissertations will be supervised by IELLI staff members. Supervisors will provide guidance throughout the research process, helping you to formulate a suitable research hypothesis. They will offer advice on relevant literature and how to plan your time effectively.

The completed 15,000-word dissertation must be submitted by a specified date in August.

Teaching

You will take a variety of taught modules over the first two semesters of the programme, which are delivered through a mixture of:

  • live lectures
  • face-to-face seminars
  • office hours
  • out-of-class activities

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue. Some elements may be subject to change for September 2025 entry.

In each five-week module, you will integrate theory and practice by discussing and critiquing theoretical concepts and frameworks, and then apply them through a range of practical assessments. Assessments will include:

  • a variety of different types of written assignments
  • presentations
  • development of teaching plans
  • material development

Read more on curriculum development at the University.

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements.

To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Fees

MSc

Home: £12,030
Overseas: £25,900

PGDip

Home: £8,020
Overseas: £17,270

PGCert

Home: £4,010
Overseas: £8,650

These are programme fees rather than annual fees, which can generally be paid in instalments spread over the length of your studies.

MSc tuition fee discount

IELLI offers scholarships to students studying the MSc on campus in St Andrews who have approximately six months of relevant work experience. For students paying the Overseas fee, the scholarship is £2,000 and for students paying the Home fee, the scholarship is £1,000.

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to students each year.

15% Recent Graduate Discount

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.

MSc online tuition fee discount

IELLI offers a £2,000 tuition fee discount to students studying the MSc online who have approximately 2 years of relevant work experience.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

Your future

TESOL graduates are equipped with a range of skills and experiences which allow them to take on a variety of roles. The majority of TESOL students work within education, either as teachers or lecturers, researchers, or policymakers. Other graduates work in publishing, journalism and management.

See testimonials from TESOL students.

Lecturers within the International Education Institute have a wealth of teaching and leadership experience in TESOL, in a range of locations globally. They are active in using their international networks and experience to support and advise students on future career development.

Current teaching staff have taught, or held educational leadership roles, in Australia, Bulgaria, China, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Martinique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.

Meet us

Postgraduate virtual visiting days

We hold postgraduate virtual visiting days throughout the year to offer prospective students a chance to experience the University's unique atmosphere and the quality of the teaching on offer. 

TESOL online information sessions

If you are unable to visit St Andrews before you apply, IELLI offers TESOL online information sessions to discuss the programmes.

Awards

Members of IELLI staff and previous students have been awarded various awards and prizes including the following:

British Council ELT Masters Dissertation Award

McCall MacBain Foundation Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence Awards 2020

In 2020, the International Educational Institute was the recipient of two McCall MacBain Foundation Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence Awards:

  • Mark Carver was awarded for his work on assessment and feedback scholarship. 
  • Janie Brooks and Kerith George-Briant were awarded for a presentation entitled 'Developing Effective Online Engagement in the Context of Internationalisation' delivered at the British Council International Education Conference in 2019. 

University of St Andrews Golden Dandelion Awards

Kerry Tavakoli and Mark Carver were awarded a University of St Andrews Golden Dandelion Award for ET5524 and ET5624 English Medium Instruction in recognition of the considerable contribution to education for sustainable development that it makes.

University of St Andrews Teaching Excellence Awards 

  • Kirsty Duff was awarded one of five annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2023 for her excellent teaching and curriculum development at the International Education Institute.
  • Lori Davis was awarded one of six annual Teaching Excellent Awards in 2022. Lori was recognised for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to her classes, her commitment to embedding sustainability within her teaching, as well as her work mentoring colleagues and contributing to University widening access programmes.
  • Paula Villegas Verdu was awarded one of five annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2024 for her significant contribution to curriculum design within the Institute, and her leadership of the Institute’s Academic English Service. Her development of new provision to support students across the University with academic literacy development was particularly commended.
  • Kerry Tavakoli was awarded one of four annual Teaching Excellence Awards in 2018. Kerry was recognised for the positive impact her work has had on students through her teaching.

University of St Andrews Students’ Association 1413 Teaching Excellence Awards

  • Lesley Thirkell was nominated in the category of outstanding academic mentorship, which acknowledges the way a member of teaching staff influences students' personal and academic development, and in the Outstanding Innovation in Teaching category, which celebrates creativity in the classroom.
  • Paula Villegas Verdu was nominated for a Students' Association Excellence Award for outstanding commitment to inclusivity, for her work on the Online Programme Design module, and in the Postgraduate Taught Dissertation Supervisor category, which recognises excellent guidance and support offered to a dissertation student.
  • Alison Malcolm-Smith was nominated in the Outstanding Innovation in Teaching category, which celebrates creativity in the classroom.
  • John Hughes was nominated in the Outstanding Innovation in Teaching category, which celebrates creativity in the classroom.
  • Lori Leigh Davis was nominated in the categories of Outstanding Teacher (Arts and Divinity), Outstanding Innovation in Teaching, Outstanding Academic Mentorship, and Outstanding Commitment to Academic Inclusivity.

University of St Andrews Start-Up Challenge

Cameron Wren (MSc TESOL with a specialism in Technology for Teaching 2022-2023) won the Start-Up Challenge at the University's Entrepreneurship Centre with his business proposal for an online curriculum subscription service for online and offline English language teachers.

Careers advice

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 2255
Email
iellipostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI)

University of St Andrews 
Kinnessburn 
Kennedy Gardens 
St Andrews 
KY16 9DJ

International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) website