Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
International/EU: £17,725 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Explore the teaching of the English language globally.
- Gain a deep understanding of the underpinning theories and practices.
- Develop a reflective and critical approach to your teaching practice.
- Enhance your skills in course design and material development.
- Acquire research skills to conduct systematic inquiry into the field.
Join a vibrant community of MA TESOL students, English language teachers accredited by the British Council, experienced educators and leading researchers. Whether you're at the start of your career or an experienced teacher aiming to advance, this course supports your growth. It's designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge for senior roles or a PhD, preparing you for a successful career in TESOL.
Student view
How you learn
At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive.
On this course you’ll explore language learning and teaching theories. You’ll reflect on your own experiences while practising your planning, teaching and assessment skills – as well as conducting ethical research in TESOL. The module assignments offer you flexibility to focus on specific TESOL areas – such as English for Academic Purposes, Young Learners or Assessment – while your dissertation allows you to specialise in a research setting of your choice.
You learn through:
- interactive workshops
- guided observations and personalised feedback
- collaborative activities such as lesson planning, microteaching and group work
- guided reading
- taking part in lectures
- coursework and presentations
- personal tutorials
- collaboration with a research supervisor
Key themes
You’ll explore pedagogical issues related to second-language learning while developing your skills in English Language Teaching (ELT). You'll be supported to develop as an independent, critically-minded scholar in the TESOL field.
Assessments are designed to offer you formative feedback at key points in each module, through verbal and written methods. Summative feedback builds on your learning, especially from research methods in TESOL to the final research project.
Course support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- Access to three student support advisers to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Regular classes for improving your academic writing and speaking, targeting the language and skills needed for your assignments
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Industry-specific employability activities such as learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Throughout the course you’ll be able to practise your practical teaching and planning skills – such as setting up needs analysis, lesson planning, microteaching, materials development, coursebook analysis, assessing language skills and learning, and conducting systematic inquiry into language learning and teaching.
Networking opportunities
You’ll gain access to an exclusive alumni LinkedIn group, where you can connect with MA TESOL teaching staff and alumni, unlocking opportunities beyond your time at Sheffield Hallam University. You’ll also have access to support activities, resources, employer events, and opportunities provided by our Careers & Employability Team – helping you to maximise your work experience opportunities during your degree.
Future careers
This course supports and furthers your career in:
- English language teaching
- management
- teacher education
- research
- EdD and PhD
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- universities
- private language centres
- international language schools
- further education institutions
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You’ll study at City Campus, in the heart of Sheffield, through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Alongside this, you’ll have access to various learning environments and both digital and online resources to support your learning.
In recent years, we’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
An honours degree or equivalent.
If English is not your first language we also require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
If you do not have such academic qualifications we may consider your application individually, based on your personal, professional and work experience, and other formal qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Exploring Language In Use: Theory To Classroom Application
Methods And Innovations In Language Teaching
Research Methods In Tesol
Research Project
Elective modules
Innovating Curricula
Language Learning And Language Learners
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Education (PDF, 255.8KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Student success story
"MA TESOL offers the perfect blend of theoretical learning and hands-on, practical work. The tutors are knowledgeable and supportive and there are lots of opportunities to put what you’ve learnt into practice."
Wendy Weng, MA TESOL
