���϶�

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.

Note
'Neither the ������ 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 .

A second or first class honours level primary degree or equivalent professional qualification (Primary degree: Level 8 - ).

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

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "������ Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. 

EU - €7,600

Non- EU - €18,000

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the  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.

Image

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.”

---

Image

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.”

---

Image

Mairead Clinton, MA TESOL 2024-2025

I would highly recommend the MA TESOL programme at UL to anyone starting out as an English language teacher or looking to refine and expand their teaching skills. I began the course as a novice teacher with very little experience, and it equipped me with the practical tools, theoretical grounding, and confidence I needed to grow professionally.

UL provided a strong platform to build up my teaching experience and offered opportunities to work with learners across various language levels. Along with teaching UL’s Erasmus students as part of my teaching practice, I was fortunate to teach academic English online to students at one of UL’s partner universities in China for an entire semester.

I will also be travelling to China next year to teach academic English at Henan Polytechnic University which was offered to me through UL. This is an excellent platform on which to build my new career and can also open the doors to a career in publishing, materials development or curriculum development to name a few.

I truly believe I wouldn’t have had these chances to grow my skills and confidence without the rewarding experiences UL offered. I highly recommend this MA to anyone considering a career in English language teaching.

---

Image

Lexis Moran, MA TESOL |2025 Graduate, "I discovered the MA TESOL programme at the ������ through careful research. Having completed my Bachelor's degree in Education in the US, I was seeking a Master's programme abroad that would effectively build on my existing knowledge and experience. UL’s MA TESOL programme stood out due to its well-structured curriculum, practical skill-building opportunities, and vibrant university community. The programme exceeded my expectations! The professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and consistently supportive throughout my studies. Beyond gaining deep theoretical insights, I acquired valuable practical skills that have significantly enhanced my career prospects. I highly recommend this programme to anyone looking for an engaging academic experience balanced with real-world applications".

---

Image

Sofiia Tuzhyk, MA TESOL | 2025 Graduate, "Coming from a background in Applied Linguistics, the MA in TESOL gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of language teaching and focus more specifically on teaching English. It was a rewarding and enriching experience.

What I appreciated most about the course was the balance between theory and practice. The Teaching Practice module, in particular, offered real classroom experience and constructive feedback from my supervisors, which was incredibly valuable for my development. Depending on your performance and interests, there are also opportunities to get involved in additional teaching projects that provide even more hands-on experience. By the end of the course, you’re equipped with both theoretical understanding and practical skills — well prepared to begin or advance your teaching career".