Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time by distance learning, Part-time, Part-time by distance learningDuration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time, 3 years part-timeStart date
September 2023, January 2024, September 2024, January 2025Overview
Develop your abilities as a teacher of English to speakers of other languages, or kickstart your TESOL career, on this flexible Master's in Applied Linguistics and TESOL.
You may already be an established TESOL practitioner (or ELT, EFL or EAP) with a minimum of three months full-time teaching experience, looking to advance your skills and become an expert in your field. If not, as long as you've completed initial ELT, TESOL or TEFL teacher training, you can still apply for this course and do an extra module to build up your practical teaching skills.
On this course, you'll apply contemporary TESOL theory to the classroom. Guided by our expert teaching team, you can apply your learning to the context of teaching you currently work in or aspire to, whether that's in the private or state sector, teaching adults, primary, secondary or higher education.
You'll use a global perspective to critique your own approaches to teaching, conduct your own research into teaching techniques, and explore lesson planning and course design.
You can study in a way that fits around your existing professional and personal commitments by choosing between full-time, part-time, campus-based or distance learning options.
When you graduate, you'll have a deeper understanding of TESOL and how best to get results as an expert practitioner. You'll be ready to pursue roles in areas such as educational management or leadership, curriculum development, editing, publishing or advertising, in the UK or overseas.
Prefer to study with a work placement?
You can also study for this Applied Linguistics and TESOL Master's (with Professional Experience).
Looking to develop your career in TESOL leadership instead?
You can study our MA TESOL Leadership and Management degree course.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Take your TESOL knowledge and teaching skills to postgraduate level
- Choose to study in a way that suits you and your professional life, from on campus or distance learning, full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or 3 years), and a September or January start
- Reflect on your classroom practice in order to improve the way you teach
- Learn to effectively plan and design a syllabus, courses and assessment methods, and choose to build a portfolio of lesson plans supported by critical reflection
- Analyse research into how people learn languages and the implications that has for the classroom
- Explore linguistic theory, unpick the hidden systems and bias in the use of language, and conduct research into teaching techniques
From the lecturers to the coursemates, everyone has been so informative and has helped me to learn a lot and grow as a professional and as an individual.
What you'll study on this MA Applied Linguistics and TESOL degree course
Modules
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Plan, execute and submit a substantial dissertation according to the specification provided.
- Justify, deploy and critically evaluate advanced techniques of analysis within an ethical framework.
- Systematically understand and interpret complex issues from the literature and integrate ideas appropriately into the final report.
- Review and identify the potential for new hypotheses and/or ongoing study.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and critically evaluate the principal theories of second and additional language acquisition and their relation to classroom practice.
- Evaluate and critically assess the importance of a range of factors which may influence second language acquisition.
- Make informed decisions based on current theories of language acquisition about language teaching methodologies and practice.
- Appraise and interpret different second language research methodologies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on and critically examine the theory and practice of TESOL.
- Plan and evaluate a range of TESOL lessons, showing a critical awareness of contextual factors.
- Evaluate and critique approaches to curriculum, syllabus and assessment design and implementation, showing a critical understanding of such approaches.
- Design and plan the implementation of syllabuses, courses and assessment methodologies for their own and other contexts.
Optional
You'll take 2 optional modules.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select appropriate tools for the analysis of language patterns across the course of whole authentic texts and discourses.
- Justify, as relevant to the particular texts, the selection of tools.
- Critically analyse authentic texts for the language patterns which operate across the whole text.
- Critically evaluate how language patterns are related to the social activities of which they are a part.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically select, review and analyse the main principles of how language is used in context (campus) / Critically review, select and analyse the main principles of pragmatics and discourse analysis relevant for language teaching (DL)
- Critically examine language teaching materials for whether and how an understanding of language in use is developed in learners.
- Systematically apply a principled approach to materials adaptation and materials writing.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select and define a relevant area suitable for independent study.
- Critically analyse, discuss and evaluate in-depth a topic of particular interest and/or professional relevance.
- Critically analyse and evaluate primary and/or secondary data and/or practice to reach defined objectives.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop and apply practical skills in manipulating and creating language corpora.
- Investigate a linguistic, social, or similar research issue using an appropriate corpus (or corpora).
- Design and critically evaluate teaching and learning activities that make use of the technologies covered during the module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Systematically outline the history and the geography of the relocation of English around the world.
- Critically discuss the notion of language contact with relation to inherent hybridity of the English language.
- Identify and analyse the key issues in and the development of the academic fields of World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca.
- Compare and contrast significant linguistic features (at the level of phonology, lexis, grammar, discourse) of the main varieties of English.
- Evaluate the political and ideological implications of the relocation of English and the various roles it plays in different settings around the world.
- Reflect critically on the pedagogical implications of the plurality of rules and roles of English with particular reference to a part of the world they are familiar with.
Modules
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and critically evaluate the principal theories of second and additional language acquisition and their relation to classroom practice.
- Evaluate and critically assess the importance of a range of factors which may influence second language acquisition.
- Make informed decisions based on current theories of language acquisition about language teaching methodologies and practice.
- Appraise and interpret different second language research methodologies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on and critically examine the theory and practice of TESOL.
- Plan and evaluate a range of TESOL lessons, showing a critical awareness of contextual factors.
- Evaluate and critique approaches to curriculum, syllabus and assessment design and implementation, showing a critical understanding of such approaches.
- Design and plan the implementation of syllabuses, courses and assessment methodologies for their own and other contexts.
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Plan, execute and submit a substantial dissertation according to the specification provided.
- Justify, deploy and critically evaluate advanced techniques of analysis within an ethical framework.
- Systematically understand and interpret complex issues from the literature and integrate ideas appropriately into the final report.
- Review and identify the potential for new hypotheses and/or ongoing study.
Optional
You'll take 2 optional modules.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select appropriate tools for the analysis of language patterns across the course of whole authentic texts and discourses.
- Justify, as relevant to the particular texts, the selection of tools.
- Critically analyse authentic texts for the language patterns which operate across the whole text.
- Critically evaluate how language patterns are related to the social activities of which they are a part.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically select, review and analyse the main principles of how language is used in context (campus) / Critically review, select and analyse the main principles of pragmatics and discourse analysis relevant for language teaching (DL)
- Critically examine language teaching materials for whether and how an understanding of language in use is developed in learners.
- Systematically apply a principled approach to materials adaptation and materials writing.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select and define a relevant area suitable for independent study.
- Critically analyse, discuss and evaluate in-depth a topic of particular interest and/or professional relevance.
- Critically analyse and evaluate primary and/or secondary data and/or practice to reach defined objectives.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop and apply practical skills in manipulating and creating language corpora.
- Investigate a linguistic, social, or similar research issue using an appropriate corpus (or corpora).
- Design and critically evaluate teaching and learning activities that make use of the technologies covered during the module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Systematically outline the history and the geography of the relocation of English around the world.
- Critically discuss the notion of language contact with relation to inherent hybridity of the English language.
- Identify and analyse the key issues in and the development of the academic fields of World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca.
- Compare and contrast significant linguistic features (at the level of phonology, lexis, grammar, discourse) of the main varieties of English.
- Evaluate the political and ideological implications of the relocation of English and the various roles it plays in different settings around the world.
- Reflect critically on the pedagogical implications of the plurality of rules and roles of English with particular reference to a part of the world they are familiar with.
Modules
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select and define a relevant area suitable for independent study.
- Critically analyse, discuss and evaluate in-depth a topic of particular interest and/or professional relevance.
- Critically analyse and evaluate primary and/or secondary data and/or practice to reach defined objectives.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and critically evaluate the principal theories of second and additional language acquisition and their relation to classroom practice.
- Evaluate and critically assess the importance of a range of factors which may influence second language acquisition.
- Make informed decisions based on current theories of language acquisition about language teaching methodologies and practice.
- Appraise and interpret different second language research methodologies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on and critically examine the theory and practice of TESOL.
- Plan and evaluate a range of TESOL lessons, showing a critical awareness of contextual factors.
- Evaluate and critique approaches to curriculum, syllabus and assessment design and implementation, showing a critical understanding of such approaches.
- Design and plan the implementation of syllabuses, courses and assessment methodologies for their own and other contexts.
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Plan, execute and submit a substantial dissertation according to the specification provided.
- Justify, deploy and critically evaluate advanced techniques of analysis within an ethical framework.
- Systematically understand and interpret complex issues from the literature and integrate ideas appropriately into the final report.
- Review and identify the potential for new hypotheses and/or ongoing study.
Optional
You'll take 1 optional module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select appropriate tools for the analysis of language patterns across the course of whole authentic texts and discourses.
- Justify, as relevant to the particular texts, the selection of tools.
- Critically analyse authentic texts for the language patterns which operate across the whole text.
- Critically evaluate how language patterns are related to the social activities of which they are a part.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically select, review and analyse the main principles of how language is used in context (campus) / Critically review, select and analyse the main principles of pragmatics and discourse analysis relevant for language teaching (DL)
- Critically examine language teaching materials for whether and how an understanding of language in use is developed in learners.
- Systematically apply a principled approach to materials adaptation and materials writing.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop and apply practical skills in manipulating and creating language corpora.
- Investigate a linguistic, social, or similar research issue using an appropriate corpus (or corpora).
- Design and critically evaluate teaching and learning activities that make use of the technologies covered during the module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Systematically outline the history and the geography of the relocation of English around the world.
- Critically discuss the notion of language contact with relation to inherent hybridity of the English language.
- Identify and analyse the key issues in and the development of the academic fields of World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca.
- Compare and contrast significant linguistic features (at the level of phonology, lexis, grammar, discourse) of the main varieties of English.
- Evaluate the political and ideological implications of the relocation of English and the various roles it plays in different settings around the world.
- Reflect critically on the pedagogical implications of the plurality of rules and roles of English with particular reference to a part of the world they are familiar with.
Modules
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Identify and critically evaluate the principal theories of second and additional language acquisition and their relation to classroom practice.
- Evaluate and critically assess the importance of a range of factors which may influence second language acquisition.
- Make informed decisions based on current theories of language acquisition about language teaching methodologies and practice.
- Appraise and interpret different second language research methodologies.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on and critically examine the theory and practice of TESOL.
- Plan and evaluate a range of TESOL lessons, showing a critical awareness of contextual factors.
- Evaluate and critique approaches to curriculum, syllabus and assessment design and implementation, showing a critical understanding of such approaches.
- Design and plan the implementation of syllabuses, courses and assessment methodologies for their own and other contexts.
Optional
You'll take 2 optional modules.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select appropriate tools for the analysis of language patterns across the course of whole authentic texts and discourses.
- Justify, as relevant to the particular texts, the selection of tools.
- Critically analyse authentic texts for the language patterns which operate across the whole text.
- Critically evaluate how language patterns are related to the social activities of which they are a part.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically select, review and analyse the main principles of how language is used in context (campus) / Critically review, select and analyse the main principles of pragmatics and discourse analysis relevant for language teaching (DL)
- Critically examine language teaching materials for whether and how an understanding of language in use is developed in learners.
- Systematically apply a principled approach to materials adaptation and materials writing.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Select and define a relevant area suitable for independent study.
- Critically analyse, discuss and evaluate in-depth a topic of particular interest and/or professional relevance.
- Critically analyse and evaluate primary and/or secondary data and/or practice to reach defined objectives.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop and apply practical skills in manipulating and creating language corpora.
- Investigate a linguistic, social, or similar research issue using an appropriate corpus (or corpora).
- Design and critically evaluate teaching and learning activities that make use of the technologies covered during the module.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Systematically outline the history and the geography of the relocation of English around the world.
- Critically discuss the notion of language contact with relation to inherent hybridity of the English language.
- Identify and analyse the key issues in and the development of the academic fields of World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca.
- Compare and contrast significant linguistic features (at the level of phonology, lexis, grammar, discourse) of the main varieties of English.
- Evaluate the political and ideological implications of the relocation of English and the various roles it plays in different settings around the world.
- Reflect critically on the pedagogical implications of the plurality of rules and roles of English with particular reference to a part of the world they are familiar with.
Core
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Plan, execute and submit a substantial dissertation according to the specification provided.
- Justify, deploy and critically evaluate advanced techniques of analysis within an ethical framework.
- Systematically understand and interpret complex issues from the literature and integrate ideas appropriately into the final report.
- Review and identify the potential for new hypotheses and/or ongoing study.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
As a TESOL practitioner with a postgraduate qualification, you'll be ready to teach English to speakers of other languages all around the world to the highest professional standard. There are now more people who learn English as a second language than there are native speakers (ThoughtCo), so your skills will be in high demand.
When you complete the course, you'll have the specialist knowledge to stand out to employers at institutions such as universities, language schools and private schools in the UK and overseas.
Graduates of this course have gone onto areas such as:
- teaching English as a second/foreign language
- teaching ESOL in the UK
- teaching other languages, applying skills learning on this course
- educational management and/or leadership
- teacher training
- materials writing
- curriculum development
- editing
- publishing
- advertising
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Director of Studies (DoS)
- Senior Teacher
- Senior Lecturer of English as a Foreign Language
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 1 year (full-time study)
- 2 years (part-time study)
- 3 years (part-time study)
Full-time study
The full-time course lasts 1 year whether you study on campus or by distance learning.
If you study full-time, you can expect:
- Up to 4 hours of teaching time every week (lecture, seminar or workshop) for each module you study, held over no more than 3 consecutive days in a week wherever possible.
- 24–30 hours of independent study each week.
Part-time study
If you study part-time on campus, your course will be 2 years, while if you study part-time by distance learning, you can choose to complete the course over 2 or 3 years.
Studying part-time, you can expect:
- All core material available online at all times so you can create your own study schedule around work or other commitments.
- 12–15 hours of independent study each week.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree. If you choose campus based study, the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this course include:
- seminars
- workshop sessions
- one-to-one and group tutorials
- academic skills development workshops
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through:
- written assessments
- dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Facilities and specialist equipment
You'll have the option to use these facilities during your studies:
Digital Language Laboratories
Perfect your listening and comprehension skills in a rich, multi-media language learning environment. Find out how to integrate and manipulate video, sound, text and internet sources in different languages.
Global Café
You can meet students from all over the world at the Global Café on Wednesday afternoons. Learn about other's cultures and practise speaking in each other's languages while making new friends and getting to share your own culture.
Supporting your learning
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on-campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2023 and January 2024 start)
- Full-time: £9,900
- Part-time: £4,950 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £8,500
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £4,250 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £2,830 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £9,900
- Part-time: £4,950 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £8,500
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £4,250 per year
- Part-time distance learning - 3 years): £2,830 per year
- Full-time: £17,200
- Part-time: £8,600 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £8,500
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £4,250 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £2,830 per year
Tuition fees (September 2024 and January 2025 start)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £5,200 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £10,400
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £5,200 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £3,470 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full-time: £10,400
- Part-time: £5,200 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £10,400
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £5,200 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £3,470 per year
- Full-time: £18,800
- Part-time: £9,400 per year
- Full-time (distance learning): £10,400
- Part-time (distance learning - 2 years): £5,200 per year
- Part-time (distance learning - 3 years): £3,470 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Discover how you can fund your Master's study at Portsmouth – including loans, scholarships and bursaries – and read our guidance on topics like how to budget, and how to get support if you're disabled or have dependents.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: If you choose to study on-campus, accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2023 / January 2024 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- Initial teacher training and a minimum of three months full-time, relevant, teaching experience.
- If you do not have relevant teaching experience, you can still apply for our campus programme, and you will study an additional non-credit bearing module The Classroom Practice of TESOL at no additional cost.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2024 / January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- Initial teacher training and a minimum of three months full-time, relevant, teaching experience.
- If you do not have relevant teaching experience, you can still apply for our campus programme, and you will study an additional non-credit bearing module The Classroom Practice of TESOL at no additional cost.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying to study on-campus as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our postgraduate application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Standard applications
Start this course in September 2023
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Distance learning
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Standard applications
Start this course in January 2024
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Distance learning
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Standard applications
Start this course in September 2024
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Distance learning
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Standard applications
Start this course in January 2025
On-campus
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Distance learning
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2022, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.