Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - online with optional specialism (MSc, PGDip, PGCert)

These courses provide the opportunity to integrate the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages. They are designed to be useful to experienced teachers and those considering a career in English language teaching.

As this is an online course, you will have the flexibility to select modules of interest and of benefit to your future career, as well as interact online with students in St Andrews and around the world.

Students who have an interest in a particular field of TESOL can also choose one of five specialisms to focus on and graduate with a TESOL degree in that specialism.

Entry requirements

Typically, you should have one of the following:

• A 2.1 Honours degree or 3.3 to 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in any discipline. Applications are welcomed from all education systems. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
• Significant professional or other relevant experience alongside evidence of prior alternative learning (such as professional qualifications or certifications).

For more information about our academic entrance requirements in relation to the education system you studied in, please email iellipostgrad@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Recognition of prior learning

Some students may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on their previous studies, such as DELTA. The International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute considers applications for RPL on a case-by-case basis in line with the University's recognition of prior learning policy. To confirm the exact amount of credit you could be awarded, please forward your relevant transcript to rplearning@st-andrews.ac.uk.

English language requirements

You will need to be proficient in the English language. Information about English language entry requirements for these programmes is available on the postgraduate English language requirements page.

Applicants who have not met the English language entry requirements at the point of application may be made offers that are conditional on these requirements being met before enrolment. Offer-holders may then use the University’s Academic English pre-sessional courses to meet the English language requirements.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application deadline

Sunday 1 September 2025

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships.

Application requirements

• CV that includes your personal details and a history of your education and employment (paid or voluntary) to date
• personal statement
• one original signed reference (this may be professional or academic)
• academic transcripts and degree certificates
• evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language). If you have not yet taken an English language test, you can submit it at a later date. Any offer of a place would then be conditional on attaining evidence of your English language competence

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

Your future

TESOL graduates are equipped with a range of skills and experiences which allow them to take on a variety of roles. The majority of TESOL students work within education, either as teachers or lecturers, researchers, or policymakers. Other graduates work in publishing, journalism and management.

See testimonials from TESOL students.

Lecturers within the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute have a wealth of teaching and leadership experience in TESOL, in a range of locations globally. They are active in using their international networks and experience to support and advise students on future career development.

Current teaching staff have taught, or held educational leadership roles, in Australia, Bulgaria, China, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Martinique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.