The Department of English, Culture and Communication is a research-led department that prepares graduates for careers as English-language professionals in the fields of media and communications, finance, and international business.

Our graduates have skills that are highly sought-after in domestic and international job markets, and the innovative interdisciplinary design of each of our programmes ensures that students are well-prepared for the range of opportunities and challenges they will meet in their future careers.

Graduates may pursue TESOL as a new career or enhance their current prospects in the field of English language teaching. In China, a postgraduate qualification in TESOL is increasingly sought-after by educational institutions. Alternatively, the programme will facilitate the professional development of those candidates who are considering a career in publishing or materials development and management positions.

The programme will also equip those interested in pursuing an academic career in the field of English language teaching and applied linguistics by preparing them to conduct research at MPhil, MRes, EdD and PhD level.

The MA TESOL programme will help you:

• gain an advanced critical understanding of key issues, theories and practices in the field of English language teaching
• acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of language in context
• explore the implications of language analysis for teaching purposes
• develop an understanding of current methodology as it is embodied in classroom practice
• engage with theories underlying current views on language learning, including the importance of individual differences amongst learners in their abilities and learning preferences
• appreciate and view critically the connections between theory and practice in the field of English language teaching
• foster the ability to conduct academic research

Minimum Entry Requirements

UK

Upper second class (2:1) honours

China

• 1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
• 2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above

Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.

North America

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme

Other Regions

Equivalent academic qualifications

Academic Background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field such as English, linguistics, or education and literature. No teaching experience is required, but some relevant teaching experience at secondary or tertiary level would be an advantage.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS: 7.0 (minimum of 6.0 in all sections)
• TOEFL iBT: 100 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.

Core Modules

• Linguistics for language teachers
• Methods in English language teaching
• Principles of course and material design
• Second language acquisition
• Language testing and assessment
• Speaking and listening
• Research methods

Elective modules

• Discourse analysis
• Lexis and vocabulary teaching
• English for specific purposes

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester. Part-time programmes will normally require 100 to 150 hours per semester.