Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Graduates of the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) will have:

• Advanced knowledge of the theories, principles and methods for teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) in Australia and internationally

Graduates of the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) will be able to:

• use relevant and appropriate TESOL theories to inform professional decision-making around individual teaching practices and reflect on their application in both specific and broader industry contexts
• critically assess and interpret current TESOL practices and develop innovative approaches for a range of settings that embrace and respect multiple ways of learning
• collaboratively apply principles of professional, ethical and culturally-sensitive and responsive practices
• effectively present ideas, concepts, theories and practices through appropriate mediums for diverse learners utilising culturally safe and sensitive communication
• Interpret and explain evidence-based ideas, concepts and teaching strategies that inform professional decisions to both TESOL and non-TESOL audiences

The Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) provides academic and pedagogical foundations for professionals who are or will be involved in work that focuses on the learning and teaching of English as a second or foreign language. The degree provides a qualification in the teaching of English in a variety of contexts with a strong focus on teaching in the Asia-Pacific region.

The program content is internationalised and intercultural, focusing on the development of a knowledge base and analytical skills that will enable graduates to operate in a range of roles involving the need to understand how second and foreign languages are learned.

Please note that this program does not lead to teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Language awareness for second language teachers
• Understanding the Language Learner
• Second Language Teaching in Practice (Internship)
• Sociolinguistics for Second Language Teachers

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

Pathway 1:

1 year (80 credit points) a recognised bachelor's degree in a related discipline (teaching or teaching English) AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant professional experience (paid teaching role) OR a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

To be eligible for the award of Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, you must acquire 80 credit points as prescribed below:

• 80 credit points Core Courses for the Core Module (Compulsory Courses)

Pathway 2:

1.5 years (120 credit points) a recognized bachelor's degree (or higher) in any discipline

To be eligible for the award of Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, you must acquire 120 credit points as prescribed below:

• 40 credit points of Core Courses for the Foundation Module (Compulsory Courses)
• 80 credit points of Core Courses for the Core Module (Compulsory Courses)

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS Ranking 2024:

18

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

20

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, applicants must have one of:

1 year program (80 credit points):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline (teaching or teaching English) with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant professional experience (paid English language teaching role);
• OR a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale.  

1.5 year program (120 credit point) pathway:

A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale.  

Note: Degrees from overseas institutions must be assessed as equivalent to a recognised Australian qualification.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.