MA TESOL (applicants with no teaching experience)

• 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 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.
• Develop the professional competences essential to work in leadership positions within the field.
• Critically investigate aspects of own classroom practice in a supportive and developmental environment. 

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared to launch their careers in teaching English to speakers of other languages, both in Ireland and internationally. Designed specifically for those with no prior teaching experience, the MA in TESOL Pre-Service provides the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies needed to become confident and reflective teachers in a wide range of educational contexts.

As the global demand for qualified English language teachers continues to grow, graduates are well-placed to take up positions in language schools, higher education institutions, community education, and international programmes. The degree also provides a strong foundation for progression into more specialised roles — such as curriculum design, assessment, or materials development —as your career advances.

Continuing Your Studies
The MA in TESOL is not only a gateway to an exciting international teaching career but also an excellent springboard for further academic study. Graduates may choose to pursue doctoral research in areas such as applied linguistics, second language acquisition, or teacher education, building on the expertise and research skills developed during the programme.

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

The UCD Centre for English and Global Languages offers a number of competitive scholarships up to 50 % for students who will study on the MA full-time each year.

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 must hold  an honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8)  or equivalent, having normally reached a 2H1 or better. Applications with a 2H2 average are considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Applicants, whose first language is not English, should have an overall band of 7.0 in IELTS (with no band less than 6.5).
• Applicants who do not meet the language requirements for direct entry can apply for our Pre-Sessional EAP Programme at a 50% discount.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

This programme is suitable for those interested in becoming an ELT Professional and for applicants with less than one year or no teaching experience. Teachers of English as a second, foreign or additional language who have a minimum of one year relevant teaching experience should apply for our other MA TESOL stream Z155 instead.