BA (Hons) Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) combines the academic study of the English language with practical teacher training. Students explore how English works and how languages are learned, and have the opportunity to earn a recognised TEFL qualification alongside the degree.

Department: School of Language, Literature, and Media | Duration: 3 years (optional fourth year for placement or study abroad) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 includes Fundamentals of the Human Speech System, Introduction to the Study of Language, Theory and Practice in English Language Teaching, Words and Sentences, Foundations of Sociolinguistics and Introduction to TEFL Methodology. Later modules include Initial Teaching Practice, Language Teaching in Different Contexts, Multilingualism, Literature and Film in Language Teaching, Cognitive Linguistics for Second Language Learning and Teaching and a linguistics project.

Career pathways

Graduates can teach English in schools, language centres and private institutions in the UK and internationally, or work in education and training, international education and communication and language services.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (optional fourth year for placement or study abroad)

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