TESOL

The Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Monash University is a comprehensive and highly regarded postgraduate program designed to prepare graduates for the dynamic and rewarding field of teaching English as an additional language. This program provides students with in-depth theoretical knowledge combined with practical skills necessary to excel in diverse teaching contexts around the world. Throughout the course, students explore core areas such as language acquisition theories, pedagogical approaches, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and intercultural communication, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the needs of learners from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The curriculum is designed to foster innovative teaching practices and critical reflective skills, enabling graduates to adapt to rapidly changing educational environments and promote effective language learning.

Monash TESOL program emphasizes experiential learning through supervised teaching practica, where students gain real-world classroom experience under the guidance of experienced educators. This combination of academic rigor and practical application ensures that graduates are confident and competent, ready to undertake professional roles in schools, language institutes, community programs, or international development settings. The course also offers specialized electives, allowing students to tailor their studies towards particular interests such as English for Specific Purposes, bilingual education, or teaching young learners. Additionally, the program engages students with the latest research and developments in language education, preparing them to contribute innovatively to the field.

By the end of the program, graduates will have developed a strong pedagogical foundation, intercultural sensitivity, and a global outlook, making them highly competitive in the international education market. They will be well-prepared for careers in Australia and abroad, with the skills necessary to support diverse learner populations and foster positive language learning outcomes. Monash University’s TESOL program is recognized for its academic excellence, extensive professional networks, and commitment to producing competent, ethical, and reflective language educators who can make a meaningful difference in learners’ lives worldwide.

The course is structured in four parts: Part A. Orientation to education, Part B. Key constructs in education, Part C. Enhanced professional learning and Part D. Professional inquiry. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A, and some units from other parts.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Part A. Orientation to education

These studies will introduce you to contemporary issues in the study of education. They are intended for students who come into the course without previous qualifications in education or work experience in education-related fields. You will engage with academic traditions and scholarly practices in the field of education at the postgraduate level, become acquainted with a broad range of debates across education contexts and develop an understanding of the complexities in the field.

Part B. Key constructs in education

These studies present key theoretical frames to understand ideas and research conducted across a broad theme of significance in the study of education. The themes offered include learners and learning, curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, education and work, sustainability and inclusion, from which you will choose one or two. You will engage with research that responds to the themes you choose and as a result, advance your capacity to apply scholarly concepts in education more broadly.

Part C. Enhanced professional learning

These studies will deepen your knowledge of particular ideas and practices in TESOL, build your skills and address professional issues. They include consideration of language culture and curriculum, bilingualism, and the development of pedagogy and monitoring of learning in TESOL. Taken together, these knowledge and skills will develop your expertise to be applied across your learning and work contexts.

Part D. Professional inquiry

The focus of these studies is professional inquiry. You will address the challenges and opportunities of using and evaluating research evidence in professional practice. This will include engagement in professional practice to develop and upgrade the practical skills you need to function as effective teachers of TESOL in a variety of contexts. This may include an independent research dimension requiring the knowledge and application of research principles.

Requirements

The course comprises 96 points structured into four parts: Part A. Orientation to education (24 points), Part B. Key constructs in education (12 or 24 points), Part C. Enhanced professional learning (24 or 36 points) and Part D. Professional inquiry (12 or 24 points).

Students admitted at:

• entry level 1 complete 96 points (8 units), comprising Part A (2 units), Part B (1 or 2 units), Part C (3 units) and Part D (1 or 2 units*).
• entry level 2 complete 72 points (6 units), comprising units from Part B (1 or 2 units), Part C (3 units) and Part D (1 or 2 units*).
• entry level 3 complete 48 points (4 units), comprising units from Part B (1 unit), Part C (2 units) and Part D (1 unit*).

* Two units are required in Part D, for students taking the research pathway.

The course progression map will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Orientation to education (24 points)

Students complete:

• EDF4610 Interacting with research in education contexts
• EDF4611 Investigating education issues in global contexts

Part B. Key constructs in education (12 or 24 points)

Students complete one or two units from the following:

• EDF5620 Leading education and work
• EDF5621 Challenging curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
• EDF5622 Developing learners and learning
• EDF5623 Deepening education and sustainability

Part C. Enhanced professional learning (24 or 36 points)

Students complete:

• EDF5641 Pedagogy and assessment in TESOL

and one or two units from the following:

• EDF5640 Language, culture and curriculum
• EDF5642 Bilingualism and content-based programs

Part D. Professional inquiry (12 or 24 points)

Students complete a. or b. below.

a. The following unit:

• EDF5696 Professional practice for teachers of TESOL

and, if only one unit is completed in Part B, one of the following units:

• EDF5691 Professional project
• EDF5693 Using and evaluating research evidence
• EDF5694 Taking a stand in education debates
• EDF5695 Self-study as professional inquiry
• EDF5814 Creative research approaches

b. An alternative research pathway is available for students who achieve a weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent (high credit) in the units of this course. This is not available at the point of entry, however students commencing at entry level 1 or 2 and interested in this possibility must make space to pursue two units of professional inquiry by only taking one unit in Part B. Students commencing at entry level 3 who are interested in a research pathway should contact the student adviser to discuss options immediately after completing their first two units (with at least a 65 per cent average).

Students invited into this pathway complete the following two units:

• EDF5613 Research approaches in education
• EDF5614 Research project in education

Qualifications

English entry requirements

Minimum English language requirement for Monash University

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or
• TOEFL Paper-based test: 550 with a TWE of 4.5; or
• TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18.

The Master of TESOL at Monash University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. International students are typically required to budget for tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and academic materials. Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student's residency status and specific course components but are generally approximately AUD 40,000 to AUD 45,000 per annum. Domestic students benefit from subsidized tuition fees under the Victorian Government's subsidized university programs, which significantly reduce the financial burden associated with higher education and may include additional funding opportunities such as government loans or grants.

Students are encouraged to explore various scholarship opportunities offered by Monash University, including the Monash International Tuition Scholarships (MITS), which provide partial fee waivers for outstanding international students. Additionally, there are faculty-specific scholarships, research grants, and external funding options from educational organizations or government agencies that support TESOL and related fields. The university also provides guidance on financial planning, part-time work options, and student loans to assist students in managing their finances effectively during their studies.

Living expenses in Melbourne, where Monash's Clayton campus is located, should also be factored into the financing plan. On average, students should allocate approximately AUD 20,000 to AUD 25,000 annually for accommodation, food, transportation, textbooks, and personal expenses. Part-time employment opportunities are available on or near campus, helping students supplement their income while pursuing their degree.

International students also need to consider the cost of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is a mandatory health insurance policy required for visa purposes, costing approximately AUD 600 to AUD 900 per year. It is recommended that students create a comprehensive budget plan well in advance of their studies to ensure all expenses are covered and to explore the full range of financial aid and work options.

In summary, financing a Master of TESOL at Monash University involves understanding tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, living expenses, and the potential for part-time employment. Careful planning and utilization of available funding sources can help students manage the financial challenges of graduate study and focus on achieving academic and professional success.

The Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Monash University is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for a professional career in teaching English as a second or foreign language. This program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills, equipping graduates with the ability to effectively teach diverse learner populations across various educational settings worldwide. The curriculum covers key areas such as language acquisition, linguistics, pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, and technology integration in language teaching. Students engage in supervised teaching practicum experiences, which enable them to apply theoretical concepts in real classroom environments, gaining confidence and practical expertise. Monash’s TESOL program emphasizes cultural competency, inclusive education, and the development of innovative teaching strategies tailored to the needs of learners from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to work in a range of contexts, including language schools, universities, community programs, and international organizations. The program is aligned with current research and best practices in language education, ensuring that students graduate with up-to-date knowledge and skills. Monash University’s strong global connections and reputation in language education further support students in establishing international careers. The program typically requires coursework over one to two years full-time, with options for part-time study. Entry requirements include an undergraduate degree and a demonstrated interest in language education. The university provides access to state-of-the-art resources and a diverse academic community, fostering an engaging learning environment. Graduates are eligible for membership in professional bodies such as TESOL ANZ, enhancing their career prospects. Overall, the Monash TESOL program aims to produce highly competent and reflective language teachers capable of making a meaningful impact in their students' language learning journeys.