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Brief Description
This MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) has been designed specifically with the aim of providing initial teacher education for those wishing to become teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL; this takes in English as a Foreign Language, EFL, and English as a Second Language, ESL). The programme is designed to accommodate participants in search of an initial English language teaching qualification, as well as experienced English language teachers who wish to upskill and/or gain an MA level qualification.
This MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) has been designed specifically with the aim of providing initial teacher education for those wishing to become teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL; this takes in English as a Foreign Language, EFL, and English as a Second Language, ESL). The programme is designed to accommodate participants in search of an initial English language teaching qualification, as well as experienced English language teachers who wish to upskill and/or gain an MA level qualification. The programme also caters for L1 and L2 users of English, with language specific modules dedicated for those whose first language is not English. The programme encourages participants to develop and reflect upon their understanding of the various theoretical and practical issues that impact upon the field of language teaching. It places particular emphasis on the notion of informed and critical teaching and the need for teachers to mediate between theory and practice in constructing pedagogies according to specific teaching and learning contexts. In line with the most recent approaches in the field, language technology and, particularly, corpus-based approaches to the study and description of language, feature strongly in our modules. A balance is maintained throughout the course between linguistic content, pedagogic content, and teaching-related research. Participants have the opportunity to complete one or two modules of teaching practice as part of the programme. After completing the two taught semesters of the programme (60 credits), participants may opt to exit the programme at the end of Semester 2 with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Objectives
- To equip graduates with a professional qualification in the area of ESOL.
- To enable students to acquire the knowledge, range of capabilities, experiences and qualities that are required for the teaching profession.
- To develop students' understanding of the language-learning process and a critical awareness of associated pedagogies.
- To provide students with the necessary skills to carry out research in the area of ESOL.
- To afford the opportunity to develop skills in areas of pedagogic practice relevant in contemporary educational systems internationally, for example, new technologies and materials development.
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Core Modules
Electives
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Electives
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Note
'Neither the University of Limerick nor the School of MLAL guarantee the availability of any particular elective module or elective module stream. All elective modules or elective module streams are subject to restrictions such as scheduling and resources. Not all elective modules or elective module streams may be available to candidates. Please contact School of MLAL before registering as to the availability of elective modules or elective module streams.'
Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules.
A second or first class honours level primary degree or equivalent professional qualification (Primary degree: Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland).
All candidates will also be required to attend an interview. Where candidates are overseas these may be conducted via telephone or Skype. Candidates who do not meet the above degree/qualification requirements may apply for admission to the degree course. The admission of such applicants would be exceptional and would be subject to the applicant's interview and the approval of the Course Director and course team. In such cases, equivalent prior professional experience will be considered.
Applicants' qualification for entry to some of the modules, e.g. Teaching Practice modules, will be ascertained on the basis of demonstrated language proficiency, prior teaching qualification/s and teaching experience. This will initially be done at interview stage, and electives for Semester 2 will be decided in consultation with course team by the end of Semester 1.
International students require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) composite score in the range of 6.5 - 7 and not less than 6 in any one component, as for entry to all programmes in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.
Please note that places on the programme are offered on the basis of all the above, viz. qualifications, performance at interview, language proficiency level (if applicable) as well as candidates' references given in the application form.
WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- A copy of your CV
- A one page supporting statement
- References x 2 - Academic and/or professional
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice.
- If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
EU - €7,600 - Non- EU - 18,000
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)
Career Prospects
Students graduating from this course have followed a number of career paths in the past. These include: teaching at various levels (including university), school management, publishing, materials' development, technical writing, adult education and support, further study to PhD level.
Darrell Healy, MA TESOL student, Class of 2019/20 “I would recommend the MA for those who would like to teach at third level, or for example, want to increase their chances of work in language schools. There are many language schools in Limerick and around the country. To maybe have a certificate or a SELTA is very good. Having an MA would probably put you to the head of the queue and would more than likely secure your chances of employment.”
Caitlin Nolan, “I would definitely recommend this MA to others. I knew that teaching was something I wanted to try and if nothing else, I’d learn something about teaching and I did, I learned millions of things.”
Shu Yu Li, “I would highly recommend the MA TESOL program to those who want a deep development of their teaching skills. The MA TESOL is both a Masters Degree and also a qualification as an English teacher. In addition to this, the programme allows you to really improve your knowledge of the language and teaching simultaneously. The supervisors are so kind and patient with us, they make sure to answer all our questions and support us in every way possible.”