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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - MA Programme content

Gain hands-on teaching experience and advance your career with UL’s TESOL MA, designed for new and experienced English language teachers.

Key information

EU fees per year €8,400
Non-EU fees per year €19,200
NFQ Level NFQ Level 9 Major
Duration One year
Attendance Full-time
Programme type Taught
Delivery In-person
Start date September
Award Masters

Key information

  • Complete full-time in one year
  • Delivered on campus
  • Full-time students take core modules and elective modules each semester
  • Modules taught during the autumn and spring semesters
  • Submit dissertation at the end of the summer semester

You will learn through a blend of

  • Lectures, workshops, and experiential learning
  • Reflective practice and supervised research
  • Regular feedback from faculty and peers through group work and assessment

Programme content

Core modules

  • Language Systems 1 (L15931) will explore key linguistic approaches to English, covering syntax, semantics and phonetics, with practical applications for language analysis and teaching.
  • SLA Theories and Classroom Applications (TE6011) will provide you with foundational knowledge in second language acquisition (SLA) theories and practical language teaching skills, covering contemporary teaching approaches and topics such as child language acquisition, bilingualism and classroom management.
  • Research Methodology in Applied Language Studies (RM6011) will equip you with essential research skills, covering qualitative and quantitative methods, ethical considerations and data analysis to prepare you for developing and structuring future research projects.

Electives

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.

Core modules

  • Language Systems 2 (LI5922) will examine how people use language in speech and writing, using real-world examples of discourse to examine grammar and meaning using corpus-based approaches.
  • Language Pedagogy for ELT (TE6012) will explore key methodologies in second language teaching, including communicative and task-based approaches, alongside topics such as error analysis, teaching mixed-ability groups, and assessing language proficiency.
  • Linguistics for Language Teaching (LI6012) will introduce you to key concepts in linguistics, focusing on first and second language acquisition, as well as the relationship between language and society, including multilingualism and language variation.

Electives

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.

Core modules

  • Dissertation 1 (Process) (TE6001) will guide you in the steps required to begin conducting independent research for a 12,000–15,000-word dissertation. From writing a research proposal to submitting an ethics application, to data collection, you will work proactively with your supervisor to set targets and receive feedback.
  • Dissertation 2 (Product) (TE6002) will enable you to complete the writing of the MA dissertation, with the support of your supervisor, who will provide support and feedback on your work from the first draft to final submission.
  • TESOL Praxis (TE6013) will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 15-week TESOL-related internship, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, develop professional skills, and critically reflect on your experience through an analytical portfolio.

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules.

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