TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Online) MA

With our MA TESOL (Online), you’ll have the freedom to study whenever and wherever it works best for you while benefitting from world-class instruction delivered by the same lecturers and faculty experts who teach on campus.

You can study at your own pace and in your own time on this flexible online course. You'll self-study using interactive course materials created by our experts in linguistics. 

• Choose from multiple start dates throughout the year.
• Apply real-world insights to the classroom as you learn.
• Explore different approaches to teaching and learning English. You’ll study both theory and practice which you can immediately apply to the classroom.
• We'll support you throughout the MA. You’ll have a personal tutor who will provide advice and answer questions along the way.
• You can meet fellow students and staff at our optional summer schools in Birmingham or Japan. 

The University of Birmingham offers a range of programmes aimed at those wishing to begin or develop careers as teachers of English as a second language.

You'll study one module every four months. Module one begins when you start the programme, followed by modules two and three during your first year.

In months 15 to 19, you'll take module four. At the start of your second year, you'll begin planning your dissertation and submit a dissertation proposal. During module five (months 17 to 20), you'll be assigned a supervisor and begin researching your chosen topic. You'll then complete module six in months 20 to 24

The dissertation makes up one-third of your degree. In the final six months of the programme, you'll work with your supervisor to write and submit your dissertation.

You'll study online using our University's 'virtual learning environment' and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.

• Virtual learning environment course materials: including aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, and details of assignments.
• Resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions whenever suits you. 
• Course handbook introducing you to the team, so you know who to contact if you have any questions or need guidance during the course.
• Consult academic staff in Birmingham via Zoom.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2026/27 Session

For information about which year each module should be taken please speak to your department

The following must be taken:

Students must choose 40 credits from the following:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject like English Language or Linguistics.

Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry. Please include details of your current and/or previous employment in your application.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

This programme is charged per module.

Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2026 - July 2027: £1,360 per module

Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2027: £1,400 per module

Students who start between October 2026 and July 2027 will continue to pay module fees at the rates shown here throughout the duration of this course. An invoice will be issued for each module, at the time that you register onto that module.

A fee is also payable for the dissertation (worth 60 credits) and this is charged at the applicable rate for the academic year in which it is submitted. As a guide, dissertation fees are £4,200 for October 2027 entry.

Paying your tuition fees

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Application deadlines for this programme are as follows:

• Entry point: 1 February – application deadline 1 January
• Entry point: 1 April – application deadline 1 March
• Entry point: 1 July – application deadline 1 June
• Entry point: 1 October – application deadline 1 September
• Entry point: 1 December – application deadline 1 November

By studying an online postgraduate degree in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include strong written and verbal communication, organisation skills, time management and analysing information.

This online MA is ideal preparation for a number of career roles, including:

• English Language Teacher
• Teacher of Modern Languages
• Director of Studies
• Teacher Trainer
• Materials Developer
• Journalism
• Marketing

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey. As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers.