Overview
Take your Master's in TESOL in one of the best Linguistics Departments in the world. We are placed 3rd in the QS World Rankings 2024.
This course is designed for language teachers who, in addition to broadening their knowledge-base on second language learning and up-to-date teaching methodology, want to gain expertise in second language test construction and evaluation in classroom contexts and at wider national and international levels.
The course is entirely web based and allows you to focus both your coursework and dissertation on issues and problems pertinent to your own educational and assessment contexts. We aim to equip you with up-to-date knowledge and skills that will enable you to work in a variety of language teaching and assessment contexts.
The course starts with an online orientation at the beginning of the academic year. During the course, you will work together with fellow students from different parts of the world in a supportive online learning environment. Throughout all of the modules and the dissertation component you will have access to our team of teaching staff for individual academic supervision, guidance and feedback.
Careers
This course will be useful both for those already working in the field of language education and research, and those who wish to move into this field.
It will prepare you for careers that include:
- Language teacher / assessor
- Director of language / assessment programmes
- Developer of language teaching / testing materials
MA TESOL distance learning postgraduate courses at Lancaster
Our distance learning postgraduate courses are aimed at those wishing to enhance their careers by learning flexibly – from home, work, or wherever and whenever is convenient. Our MA in TESOL programmes offer the opportunity to specialise in an additional area of study, Language Testing and Corpus Linguistics.
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What our students think
Read about our students' own experiences.
Louise Brereton 2021-2023
Having gained experience in teaching ESOL, I wanted to get a better understanding of the theory and more recent thinking in the field. The MA TESOL (distance) meant I could fit studying around my work and home life, which was ideal. The modules covered a wide range of relevant topics with interesting and varied weekly tasks, and we were encouraged to collaborate (virtually) with others on the course. The regular feedback from lecturers/tutors was really useful, especially during the assignments and final research project, so I felt supported even though we never met in person. Overall, a challenging but extremely worthwhile experience – would definitely recommend!
Ruwanthi Jayasuriya, 2017-19
The MA TESOL has turned my life around. What I have learned during the course has allowed me to flourish as a freelancer. I feel I have truly grown into a much better teacher and see things completely differently now. I'm happy I did an MA but even happier I did it with Lancaster!
Paul Kelly, 2018-20
The Lancaster TESOL MA (distance) course is undoubtedly challenging, but I think it must be one of the best professional development projects that an ELT professional could undertake.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study. At least one year of language teaching / assessment experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements
We accredit the Diploma in English Language Teaching (DELTA) qualification or equivalent (e.g. Level 7 Diploma in TESOL) as prior learning. It counts 20 credits and exempts students from LING531, Trends and Issues in Language Teaching Methodology. Applicants whose prior learning is accredited receive a 10% reduction in fees. Students need to request accreditation at the point of application to the programme. Credit will be awarded for learning that has taken place within the last five years immediately prior to the start of the course. Credit may also be awarded in cases where a TESOL qualification has been awarded more than five years ago but where the applicant can provide evidence that their learning has continued in a professional or similar context since then.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in listening and speaking. We also consider other English language qualifications.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Pre-master’s programmes
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
core modules accordion
In this module we will consider how different theories of learning in general and language learning in particular can inform language pedagogy and classroom practices. We will also explore how different types of learners approach the task of language learning since without understanding how our students as individuals function in a language classroom, language teaching cannot be effective. The major aim of the module is to provide you with the knowledge necessary for being a reflective teacher who is able to analyse and evaluate the learning and teaching process based on a state-of-the art understanding of what second language learning entails.
This module aims to develop your ability to interpret, evaluate and apply methods for investigating instructed second language learning, This includes ways to collect, transcribe, describe, code, analyse and discuss data, preparing you to carry out empirical investigations for your dissertation. In this module you will learn how to: identify research problems and questions; decide on appropriate and feasible methods of answering research questions; choose, design, and/or adapt data elicitation measures, and pilot-test them effectively; ensure that research is valid and reliable; address ethical concerns involved in conducting research with human participants; collect, transcribe, describe, code, and analyse data; understand mixed-methods classroom research, triangulating different perspectives; use a variety of tools for data collection and analysis; analyse and critique research designs in the published literature.
This module will enhance your knowledge and understanding of various second language teaching methods, trends in their development and issues associated with their use. As we progress through the module, you will have multiple opportunities to apply new knowledge to your specific educational contexts, reflect on your teaching practice and critically evaluate it.
Core
core modules accordion
This modules builds on the content covered in LING535 Second Language Classroom Research module and takes place in the summer term. During this module you will be working on a research project designed by you and tailored to your specific professional context. You will be working independently, but will also be receiving support and guidance from your supervisor.
This module explores aspects of language and of second language learning that language tests seek to measure. We aim to help you develop your understanding of the nature of the constructs that underlie language tests, to situate language testing within the broader context of applied linguistics, and to become familiar with current research in second language acquisition
This module familiarises you with the ways in which language tests are constructed and evaluated. It includes an overview of basic concepts and principles in language testing. We aim to help you construct language tests, with a focus on the four macro-language skills, and evaluate test items critically, through the application and interpretation of descriptive statistics
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Fees and funding
2 year programme
| Year 1 (60 credits) | Year 2 (120 Credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £3,900 | £7,800 |
| International | £3,900 | £7,800 |
Cost per 20 credit Module (2025-26)
- Home £1,300
- International £1,300
Additional fees and funding information accordion
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Linguistics and TESOL
- Applied Linguistics and TESOL MA
- Corpus Linguistics (Distance) MA
- Corpus Linguistics (Distance) PgCert
- Discourse Studies MA
- Forensic Linguistics and Speech Science MSc
- Intercultural Business Communication MA
- Language and Linguistics MA
- Language Testing (Distance) MA
- Language Testing (Distance) PgCert
- Linguistics PhD
- Linguistics (by thesis and coursework) PhD
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) (Distance) PgCert
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) with Corpus Linguistics (Distance) MA
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
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