Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language TESOL (MSc/PGDip/PGCert, single module) - online - September start at University of St Andrews

Programme overview

A part-time online programme integrating the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages, with five optional specialisms and MSc, PGDip, PGCert or single-module study. There is no assessed teaching placement.

Department: International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) | Duration: Part-time online: MSc 2 to 5 years; PGDip 2 to 4 years; PGCert 1 to 2 years | Intake: September 2027 (starts 6 September 2027); application deadline Wednesday 1 September 2027 | Study mode: online | Location: St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The MSc and PGDip include five compulsory modules (Action Research and Reflection for Education Practitioners; Education and Researching; Language Teaching Methodology; Linguistics for Language Teachers; Second Language Acquisition) plus three optional modules from Assessment and Evaluation in Education, English Medium Instruction, English for Academic Purposes, Teaching Young Learners and Technology for Teaching. An optional specialism in one of these five areas is awarded if one option and the dissertation align. The MSc adds a 15,000-word dissertation; the PGCert is four modules of choice. All assessment is coursework with no exams, and 20% of each module grade comes from an online group discussion forum.

Career pathways

Most TESOL graduates work in education as teachers, lecturers, researchers or policymakers, and many continue to doctoral study in TESOL; others work in publishing, journalism and management.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree (or typically a 3.0 to 3.3 out of 4.0 GPA, depending on the higher education system) in any discipline, from any education system; or significant professional or other relevant experience with evidence of prior alternative learning such as professional qualifications or certifications. Application documents: CV with education and employment history, one signed professional or academic reference, transcripts and degree certificates, and evidence of English language proficiency if English is not the first language (a test can be submitted after applying; offers are conditional on it). Personal statement guidance applies for IELLI courses. Application deadline: Wednesday 1 September 2027. 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.

Intake: Monday 6 September 2027

Duration: Part-time online: MSc 2 to 5 years; PGDip 2 to 4 years; PGCert 1 to 2 years

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences