Learn in a department ranked in the QS top 100 for English language and literature. Explore contemporary approaches to language learning as well as insights into second language acquisition on an MA that opens the door to career opportunities around the world. Undertake the option of work experience with real language learners and the option of adding the Cambridge CELTA. Develop a deeper understanding of language and practical classroom techniques for language teaching on this MA.
From recent developments in language teaching to a comprehensive understanding of second language acquisition, this MA immerses you in all aspects of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). The course is unique because it provides an opportunity to gain work experience with real language learners and the option to undertake the internationally recognised Cambridge CELTA at a reduced cost.
We’ll introduce you to the latest approaches to TESOL research and reveal how these methods are being applied in the classroom.
Building a deeper understanding of every facet of language learning, you’ll undertake classroom observations of best practice and gain experience of developing and refining language learning materials and assessment strategies.
The skills you develop will demonstrate your suitability for TESOL teaching positions and a variety of educational roles in the UK and overseas. Your command of language could open the door to a career in publishing or journalism too.
You’ll learn from a friendly and supportive team of active researchers who have international teaching experience. Our students consistently praise the support they receive. Social visits to local places of interest will be arranged to help you to get to know your peers and the programme team.
Read about some of the recent successes of our students and teaching staff.
Read about the experience of recent students.
If you’re an English, Linguistics or Education graduate, with limited or no prior professional teaching experience, this MA can prepare you to teach English in educational settings across the globe.
If you have professional teaching experience of 12 months or more, you’ll not usually be eligible for this MA but can apply for our MA Applied Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll study three compulsory modules and one optional module in semester one.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PRACTICAL CLASSROOM TECHNIQUES (ENGL668) | 15 |
| SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (ENGL661) | 15 |
| LEXIS AND VOCABULARY TEACHING (ENGL670) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS (ENGL664) | 15 |
| CORPUS LINGUISTICS FOR LANGUAGE RESEARCH AND TEACHING (ENGL685) | 15 |
| SPEAKING AND LISTENING (ENGL645) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll study two compulsory modules and two optional modules in semester two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CLASSROOM OBSERVATION (ENGL666) | 15 |
| RESEARCH SKILLS (ENGL642) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The dissertation project is completed over the summer.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (TESOL) (ENGL678) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. You will also complete extensive individual work under supervision. The modules will increasingly challenge you, as you progress through the course, to engage with current debates, think critically and study independently.
The teaching approach is interactive. To help model best practice in teaching English to speakers of other languages, the programme will maximise your participation in taught sessions through discovery learning and group activities.
You will be assessed through a variety of essays and written assignments, including portfolios of coursework. You will also produce a research proposal and complete a substantial research project.
Most modules also include unassessed coursework tasks. These range from the analysis of language and the evaluation or production of teaching materials to the preparation and delivery of a micro-teaching activity.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Department of English, based in the School of the Arts, is committed to small group teaching and encouraging a more rewarding learning experience, with ideas shared and explored amongst peers and tutors. You’ll have access to extensive library facilities, special collections and Liverpool’s renowned museums, libraries and galleries.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The programme provides a platform to develop your career in teaching, educational administration and other areas. You’ll be well placed to pursue opportunities both in the UK and internationally.
The key transferable skills you’ll develop, especially in spoken and written communication, are highly sought after in publishing, journalism and marketing, for example. Clarity of expression, independent study and effective time management will also prepare you for further academic study and research.
Our alumni have gone on to teach English in elementary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary education settings, around the globe.
You’ll graduate well placed to secure a teaching post in state or private education in the UK and overseas. A Masters degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages is a pre-requisite for securing a long-term teaching post in many countries worldwide.
This MA is also a key qualification if you want to prepare for a career in teacher training, higher education, or roles shaping educational policy and practice.
Potential career paths include:
A significant number of MA graduates in the Department of English continue their studies to PhD level.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in English, Linguistics or Education. Other degree subjects may be considered on an individual basis. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 29 April 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions