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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

MA (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The MA in TESOL is an internationally recognised qualification in the field of English language education.
  • develops the professional competences essential to work in leadership positions within the field
  • enables participants critically investigate aspects of own classroom practice in a supportive and developmental environment
  • introduces participants to a wide range of academic and professional networks within the field of TESOL
  • See our website for more information here: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/graduate/
  • We are pleased to announce that we will be offering 4 competitive Scholarships this year: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/graduate/scholarship_tesol/
  • Find out more about the MA TESOL from our former students here:

About This Course

  • Apply a critical reflection to a range of language teaching, learning and assessment approaches and adopt theory into practice.
  • Demonstrate an evidence based understanding of teaching, learning and assessment in TESOL.
  • Develop a practical approach to research planning and writing skills.
  • Develop advanced research skills in an area of expertise (language teaching or assessment).
  • Develop confidence and competence in engaging in and networking with the professional community via conference presentations and workshops.
  • Develop leadership competencies in teaching, curriculum design, assessment, management, teacher development or materials design.
  • Foster a deeper understanding of the English language and the classroom implications of teaching applied language skills.
  • Integrate a range of language teaching, learning and assessment technologies to enhance their students' learning experience.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LANG40590 The English Language for TESOL Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LANG40600 The English Teaching Context Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LANG40610 TESOL: Principles and Practices Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LANG40620 The TESOL Research Process Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LANG40630 SLA + TESOL pedagogy Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 LANG40260 TESOL - Minor thesis Summer  30
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Option modules - pick one
 LANG40640 Teaching Practice, Observation & Feedback Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Option modules - pick one
 LING40460 Phonology (MA) Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:
Option modules - pick one
 LING40470 Sociolinguistics (MA) Spring  10

Click here to watch former student Danni Feng's testimonial.

Click here to watch former student Gabi Widurek's testimonial.

MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Z155) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9100
nonEU    fee per year - € 21520

MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Z259) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5340
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

  • Applicants should hold an honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum second class honours or international equivalence.
  • Applicants should have a minimum of one years’ relevant teaching experience in Ireland or overseas.
  • Applicants, whose first language is not English, should have an overall band of 7.0 in IELTS (with a 7.0 in listening and writing components).

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


This programme is suitable for teachers of English as a second, foreign or additional language who have a minimum of one year relevant teaching experience. Applicants, whose first language is not English, should have an overall band of 7.0 in IELTS (with a 7.0 in listening and writing components) or equivalent.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z155
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Arts		 Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt Z259
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Master of Arts		 Part-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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