Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages - MA

Program Overview

The MA TESOL program at Ulster University equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to teach English as a second language in diverse settings. It combines theoretical and practical learning, including an overseas teaching placement, to enhance teaching abilities and prepare graduates for careers in ESL teaching and related fields. The program emphasizes adaptability, creativity, and research skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to support learners from various cultural backgrounds and learning needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Master of Arts (MA) program aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English as a second language (ESL) in various settings and to diverse learners.

Objectives:

• Enhance teaching and communication skills.
• Gain expertise and confidence to teach English in various settings.
• Adapt teaching styles and approaches to effectively support a range of learners.
• Develop research skills for further knowledge acquisition.

Program Description:

The MA TESOL at Ulster is a unique program offering both full-time and part-time options. It features:

• Overseas teaching placement: Students can opt for an eight-week ERASMUS-funded placement in Gyor, Hungary, gaining experience teaching English in a state primary or secondary school.
• Theoretical and practical learning: Combines the study of language teaching with hands-on experience through tasks, case studies, presentations, and dissertations.
• Enhanced creativity and adaptability: Prepares students to modify their teaching style to support learners with diverse cultural backgrounds and learning needs.
• Employability focus: Integrates career preparation into the program design.

Outline:

Full-time:

• Typically 4 days per week in Semester 1.
• 3 days per week (6 weeks) plus 8 weeks teaching practice in Semester 2.
• Independent study for the dissertation in Semester 3 (summer).

Part-time:

• Year 1: Typically 2 days per week in Semester 1, 4 weeks of teaching practice in Semester 2.
• Year 2: Typically 2 days per week in Semester 1 and 4 weeks of teaching practice in Semester 2.
• Independent study for the dissertation during semesters 3 (summer) and 1 and 2 of year 3.

Modules:

• English Language Teaching Methodology: Practical tools and strategies for creative language teaching.
• Teaching Practice: Authentic experience teaching English to non-native speakers in various contexts.
• Language, Learning and Acquisition: Theories and application to teaching practice and research.
• Knowledge About Language: Grammar and pronunciation teaching, including digital technology applications.
• Research Methods for TESOL: Developing academic writing and research design skills.
• Dissertation: Independent research project culminating in a 18,000-word submission.

Assessment:

• Variety of real-world tasks related to the TESOL field, including:
• Teaching practice portfolio
• Case study of a language learner
• Analysis of teacher talk
• Research poster
• Short tests
• Presentations
• Dissertation

Teaching:

• Blended approach of face-to-face and online teaching.
• A range of teaching methods: problem-based learning, seminar discussion, lecture input, teaching practice, reflective practice, activity/task-based learning, small group tutorials, one-to-one tutorials.

Careers:

• Graduates have found work as ESL teachers in:
• Private language schools
• Further education colleges
• Universities
• Schools in the UK, Ireland, and globally
• Other career options include:
• EAL-related fields
• Doctoral studies
• Online English language teaching
• Development of online language teaching resources
• Charity work in developing countries

Other:

• Opportunity to work with experienced academics in the field.
• Strong industry connections with overseas and local schools and organizations.