PhD with Integrated Studies in TESOL (iPhD) at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A four-year full-time on-campus integrated PhD in TESOL that combines a taught MSc year with three years of doctoral research, leading to both a PhD and an MSc in TESOL. Students choose a traditional thesis or a thesis by publication, and may graduate within 3.5 years or use a continuation year.

Department: International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) | Duration: From 3.5 to 5 years full-time in person (one taught year then 2 to 4 years of research) | Intake: 7 September 2026 (as listed) | Study mode: full-time | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The taught phase covers the MSc TESOL: Second Language Acquisition, Linguistics for Language Teachers, Language Teaching Methodology, Education and Researching, a doctoral-only module Being a Doctoral Researcher, three elective modules and a 15,000-word dissertation. Progression requires an average of at least 14 on the 20-point scale and a transfer review. The research phase produces an 80,000-word thesis or a portfolio of peer-reviewed publications with a 10,000 to 25,000-word commentary, examined by viva.

Career pathways

Students join the IELLI research community (CILTER seminars, EAP conference, scholarly publishing) and may contribute to research, teaching and publishing within the Institute, developing experience for academic and research careers in TESOL.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or 2:1 undergraduate degree (or GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale) or a Masters in any discipline, plus evidence of research capacity. Application documents: CV, 500 to 1,000-word personal statement, two references (at least one academic), transcripts and degree certificates, an academic writing sample, and an interview if required. No full research proposal is needed. English language (international applicants, IELTS Academic; equivalents accepted): overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component (taught postgraduate profile for the subject area). Also accepted: PTE Academic 70 overall (64 in each skill), TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) 81 overall (reading 16, writing 19, listening 16, speaking 19). Applicants from some countries and those with a degree taught in English at a qualifying institution may not need a test score. Test scores are normally valid for two years.

Domestic applicants: GBP 12,630 a year (2026/27). Year 1 taught phase only (Home). Research years are charged at the standard Home PhD fee, year 4 at 50% of it, with a continuation fee in year 5. Source

International applicants: GBP 27,200 a year (2026/27). Year 1 taught phase only (Overseas). Research years are charged at the standard Overseas PhD Arts fee, year 4 at 50% of it, with a continuation fee in year 5. Source

Intake: 7 September 2026

Duration: From 3 and a half years to 5 years of full-time in-person study

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