English Language Teaching

Teachers from all over the world can take this part-time (two and half years duration), five semester Masters degree programme, which is studied entirely online. Developed and delivered collaboratively by the University of Southampton and the British Council, it offers postgraduate level study in key areas of current theory and practice in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching.

It provides you with postgraduate level study in a number of important areas of current theory and practice in applied linguistics and language teaching and provides a focused route for English language teaching professionals who wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills in English language curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. It will give you the opportunity to reflect on your professional experience and update your theoretical and pedagogical knowledge in a flexible and well-supported learning environment.
Students who successfully complete the first four modules will be eligible for the Post Graduate Certificate in English Language Teaching: Online.

Get a taste of what studying this MA would be like with our free online course 'Understanding Language: Learning and Teaching'.

This programme is divided into 180 credits. 120 credits are obtained from taught modules with the remaining 60 credits relating to the dissertation.

Typical course content

Taking an innovative approach to online course design and distance learning, the MA content includes, interactive 'learning objects', podcasts and video clips from lectures and seminars given by teaching and research staff at the University. There is also extensive use of discussion forums and synchronous communication with other students on your course, as well as the module tutors. Full reading lists are provided as well as access to the University library and its stock of e-books and journals.

Students can expect a weekly commitment of 10–12 hours of online study, chatroom seminars and online forums, supported by 10 hours of private study. The course concludes with a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation.

Year 1

Semester One

Compulsory:

• LING6018 Language Analysis for Teaching
• LING6021 Principles of Communicative Language Teaching

Semester Two

Compulsory:

• LING6019 E-Learning for English Language Teaching
• LING6020 A Critical Appraisal of Language Teaching Methodologies

Year 2

Semester One

Compulsory:

• LING6025 English as a World Language
• LING6026 Discourse Analysis

Semester Two

Compulsory:

• LING6024 Second Language Learning
• LING6027 Research Skills (Dissertation)

Year 3

Semester One

Compulsory:

• LING6032 Dissertation

Semester Two

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

First, or upper second class honours degree or equivalent in English, Linguistics, Modern Languages or another relevant discipline, plus two years of relevant professional experience related to English language teaching (other relevant forms of experience may also be acceptable).English LanguageIELTS 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each section, or equivalent in other approved English language test.Selection process: Intake: - Average applicants per place: 4University application with transcripts and personal statement. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

If you take our free online course, 'Understanding Language: Learning and Teaching', to get a taster of what studying the online MA will be like, you may become eligible to apply for a scholarship to cover part of the fees for our MA English Language Teaching (Online) programme. The scholarship would cover first year fees on this 2.5year online programme. The 'Understanding Language: Learning and Teaching' short, online course in run jointly between the University of Southampton and the British Council, via the Future Learn platform.

Terms and conditions

• You need to be a 'full participant' in our 'Understanding Language: Learning and Teaching free online course
• Scholarships will be awarded by the lead academics on the online MA programme, by judging applicants' personal statements
• Instructions on how to apply for a scholarship for the online MA programme will be given to you upon completion of the 'Understanding Language' free online course.