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During this programme, you will:  

• Develop a deep understanding of English language systems (syntax, phonetics, semantics) and language teaching methodologies. 
  
• Design and deliver effective lesson plans and teaching materials tailored to different learner needs, incorporating a range of language teaching techniques. 

• Get an opportunity to deliver supervised lessons to international students on campus and receive detailed feedback from experienced lecturers to refine your teaching techniques. 
  
• Gain a real-world, immersive teaching experience through a 15-week internship and strengthen your professional skills.

Key Information: 

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Delivered on campus 

• Full-time students take core modules and elective modules each semester 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semester 

• Submit dissertation at the end of the summer semester 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, workshops, and experiential learning 

• Reflective practice and supervised research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers through group work and assessment 

Year 1  

Autumn Semester 

Core modules:  

• will explore key linguistic approaches to English, covering syntax, semantics and phonetics, with practical applications for language analysis and teaching. 
  
• will provide you with foundational knowledge in second language acquisition (SLA) theories and practical language teaching skills, covering contemporary teaching approaches and topics such as child language acquisition, bilingualism and classroom management. 
  
• will equip you with essential research skills, covering qualitative and quantitative methods, ethical considerations and data analysis to prepare you for developing and structuring future research projects. 

Electives:  

Spring Semester  

Core modules:  

• will examine how people use language in speech and writing, using real-world examples of discourse to examine, grammar and meaning using corpus-based approaches. 
  
• will explore key methodologies in second language teaching, including communicative and task-based approaches, alongside topics such as error analysis, teaching mixed-ability groups, and assessing language proficiency. 
  
• will introduce you to key concepts in linguistics, focusing on first and second language acquisition, as well as the relationship between language and society, including multilingualism and language variation. 

Electives:  

Summer Semester 

Core modules:  

• will guide you in the steps required to begin conducting independent research for a 12,000–15,000-word dissertation. From writing a research proposal to submitting an ethics application, to data collection, you will work proactively with your supervisor to set targets and receive feedback.  

• will enable you to complete the writing of the MA dissertation, with the support of your supervisor, who will provide support and feedback on your work from the first draft to final submission. 

• will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 15-week TESOL-related internship, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, develop professional skills, and critically reflect on your experience through an analytical portfolio. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in any degree or an approved equivalent qualification. 

• The university will shortlist and invite you to an interview. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

International students:   

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• 1-page Personal statement
• Two letters of reference (academic and/or professional) 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €TBC

Non- EU - €18,600

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.   

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.. 

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:   

• Teaching at various levels, including university
• School management
• Publishing
• Adult education and support
• Technical writing 

Darrell Healy graduated our MA programme in 2020.  

He believes this degree enhances career prospectives in the competitive world of education and is particularly beneficial for those looking to teach at third level or secure roles in language schools. As he puts it, “Having an MA will put you to the head of the queue and would more than likely secure your chances of employment.”  

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions 

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Caitlin Nolan, “I would definitely recommend this MA to others. I knew that teaching was something I wanted to try and if nothing else, I’d learn something about teaching and I did, I learned millions of things.”

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Shu Yu Li, “I would highly recommend the MA TESOL program to those who want a deep development of their teaching skills. The MA TESOL is both a Masters Degree and also a qualification as an English teacher. In addition to this, the programme allows you to really improve your knowledge of the language and teaching simultaneously. The supervisors are so kind and patient with us, they make sure to answer all our questions and support us in every way possible.”

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Mairead Clinton, MA TESOL 2024-2025

I would highly recommend the MA TESOL programme ��ɫ��Ƶ to anyone starting out as an English language teacher or looking to refine and expand their teaching skills. I began the course as a novice teacher with very little experience, and it equipped me with the practical tools, theoretical grounding, and confidence I needed to grow professionally.

UL provided a strong platform to build up my teaching experience and offered opportunities to work with learners across various language levels. Along with teaching UL’s Erasmus students as part of my teaching practice, I was fortunate to teach academic English online to students at one of UL’s partner universities in China for an entire semester.

I will also be travelling to China next year to teach academic English at Henan Polytechnic University which was offered to me through UL. This is an excellent platform on which to build my new career and can also open the doors to a career in publishing, materials development or curriculum development to name a few.

I truly believe I wouldn’t have had these chances to grow my skills and confidence without the rewarding experiences UL offered. I highly recommend this MA to anyone considering a career in English language teaching.

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Lexis Moran, MA TESOL |2025 Graduate, "I discovered the MA TESOL programme at the ��ɫ��Ƶ through careful research. Having completed my Bachelor's degree in Education in the US, I was seeking a Master's programme abroad that would effectively build on my existing knowledge and experience. UL’s MA TESOL programme stood out due to its well-structured curriculum, practical skill-building opportunities, and vibrant university community. The programme exceeded my expectations! The professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and consistently supportive throughout my studies. Beyond gaining deep theoretical insights, I acquired valuable practical skills that have significantly enhanced my career prospects. I highly recommend this programme to anyone looking for an engaging academic experience balanced with real-world applications".

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Sofiia Tuzhyk, MA TESOL | 2025 Graduate, "Coming from a background in Applied Linguistics, the MA in TESOL gave me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of language teaching and focus more specifically on teaching English. It was a rewarding and enriching experience.

What I appreciated most about the course was the balance between theory and practice. The Teaching Practice module, in particular, offered real classroom experience and constructive feedback from my supervisors, which was incredibly valuable for my development. Depending on your performance and interests, there are also opportunities to get involved in additional teaching projects that provide even more hands-on experience. By the end of the course, you’re equipped with both theoretical understanding and practical skills — well prepared to begin or advance your teaching career".