Teaching English Language in University Settings

The MSc in Teaching English Language in University Settings at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive program designed to equip future educators with in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to teach English effectively within higher education contexts. This unique course combines theoretical foundations of language teaching with practical applications, focusing on the linguistic, pedagogical, and cultural aspects relevant to university-level instruction. Students will explore advanced topics such as corpus linguistics, language assessment, curriculum design, and academic writing, all within a global and diverse educational environment. The program emphasizes research-informed teaching methodologies, enabling participants to develop innovative strategies tailored to the needs of university students learning English as an additional language. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on teaching practices, reflections, and collaborative projects that enhance their instructional competence and confidence. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to study language policy, digital learning tools, and multilingualism, preparing graduates for diverse roles in academia, language centers, and international organizations. The MSc aims to foster critical thinking, reflective practice, and professional development, ensuring that graduates can contribute effectively to the evolving landscape of higher education language teaching. By the end of the program, students will have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in teaching English in university settings, along with practical skills to design, implement, and evaluate effective language instruction programs. This program is ideal for aspiring language educators, academic staff seeking to enhance their teaching expertise, and professionals aiming to specialize in English language education at a tertiary level.

A low-residency course, it is characterised by intense online interaction and feedback, using a range of communication media. Its small-group teaching format pursues the Oxford tradition of demanding much of students and giving them much in return. 

The course is taught over two academic years, preceded each year by a week’s residential module in Oxford. Numbers on the course are kept low, to ensure quality of teaching and learning.

There are four distance-taught modules per year, spread over two eight-week terms from October to April. The assessment for each module comprises a take-home examination. In the third term of the first year you may pursue guided individual study on a chosen topic to begin developing a dissertation project.

Students are admitted in the first instance as students on the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Teaching English Language in University Settings. If you complete the PGDip to a high level you may then progress to the MSc, subject to a satisfactory dissertation research proposal. You will then matriculate at Linacre College in Trinity term of your second year and complete your dissertation during that term, under the supervision of a member of the applied linguistics group.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

In addition you should have at least two years’ experience of teaching English to adolescents or adults.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement: One to two pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The University of Oxford offers programs related to Teaching English Language in University Settings, designed to prepare students for academic and professional roles involving the teaching of English within higher education environments. These programmes typically encompass a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of topics essential for effective language instruction, including language acquisition theories, curriculum development, assessment methods, and intercultural communication. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical teaching placements, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts under supervision. The programme also emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to explore current issues in language education and to contribute to scholarly debates.

Students are provided with access to state-of-the-art resources, including extensive libraries and language labs, to enhance their learning experience. The faculty comprises experts in applied linguistics, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and curriculum design, offering mentorship and personalized guidance throughout the course. The programme fosters a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from linguistics, pedagogy, psychology, and technology to prepare graduates for diverse teaching contexts. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers as university language instructors, curriculum developers, educational consultants, or to undertake further research at doctoral levels.

The programme is structured to facilitate both full-time and part-time study options, accommodating the needs of a diverse student body, including international students. Admission requirements typically include a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area, proficiency in English, and, where applicable, teaching experience. The university promotes an inclusive learning environment that encourages scholarly inquiry, innovation, and professional development, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to advance their careers in language education within academic institutions worldwide.