Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)

The University of St Andrews offers a flexible range of postgraduate TESOL qualifications: MSc degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates. You can study TESOL or a qualification with a specialism in one particular area of TESOL, depending on your interests and career ambitions.

Our courses are offered both in St Andrews and online, and all courses begin in either September or January. Online courses are generally studied part-time, over a couple of years.

 

Group of four students from different countries chatting to each other

Postgraduate taught

All TESOL courses are available to study as a Master of Science (MSc), a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert). For information on the differences between these degrees, see the qualifications explained page. 

Students who have an interest in a particular field of TESOL can also choose one of five specialism to focus their studies on. Students who choose to study for a TESOL specialism degree follow a similar structure to the TESOL MSc degree and take modules that focus on their chosen specialism.

The five specialisms available are:

  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Teaching Young Learners
  • English Medium Instruction
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Technology for Teaching

Postgraduate research

“Studying in the department at the University of St Andrews is definitely a rewarding experience. Teachers who are always ready to help, small classes where everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinions, walks along the beach when things stress you out...those memories of studying in this lovely seaside town will always stay in my mind. As a result of my studies in St Andrews, I now have a teaching post at a transnational university in China.”

Lijun Yin
- China