- 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.
MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
MA (NFQ Level 9)
This course is available through the following application route(s)
- Duration:
- 1 Year
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 9 (90 credits)
- Level:
- Graduate Taught
- Award:
- Master of Arts
- Next Intake:
- September
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
- Duration:
- 1 Year
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 9 (60 credits)
- Level:
- Graduate Taught
- Award:
- Graduate Diploma
- Next Intake:
- September
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
- Duration:
- 2 Years
- Attendance:
- Part-Time
- Delivery:
- On Campus
- NFQ Level:
- 9 (90 credits)
- Level:
- Graduate Taught
- Award:
- Master of Arts
- Next Intake:
- September
- Country Specific Entry Requirements:
- Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
- Other School Leaving Requirements:
- See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.
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 8 competitive Scholarships this year: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/graduate/scholarship_tesol/
- 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 with less/no experience should apply for our other MA TESOL Pre-Service stream Z378 instead.
- Find out more about the MA TESOL from our former students below.
About This Course
Graduates of the programme aim to apply for senior positions within TESOL – posts of responsibility such as Academic Directors, teacher trainers, materials designers, examiners, senior teachers, course designers and beyond. The international field of TESOL continues to expand and there are exciting opportunities for graduates in Ireland and beyond with advanced qualifications. Other graduates have gone on to complete PhDs in the field.
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.
| 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 |
MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Z155) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9330
nonEU fee per year - € 21520
Grad Dip in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Z173) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7030
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Z259) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 5470
nonEU fee per year - € 11300
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 9330
nonEU fee per year - € 21520
Grad Dip in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Z173) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 7030
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Z259) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 5470
nonEU fee per year - € 11300
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.
The Language Centre offers 8 competitive Scholarships (6 full-time Non-EU and 2 full-time EU) for students who will study on the MA full-time each year. The scholarships will cover 50% of the tuition fees and will be awarded on merit.
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 with less/no experience should apply for our other MA TESOL stream Z378 instead)
- 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.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
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 teachers of English as a second, foreign or additional language who have a minimum of one year relevant teaching experience. Applicants with less/no experience should apply for our other MA TESOL Pre-Service stream Z378 instead.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages):
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z155 MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Master of Arts Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z173 Grad Dip in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Graduate Diploma Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | Z259 MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Master of Arts Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page