TESOL PROGRAMMES

We welcome applications from experienced teachers of English as a second, foreign or additional language as well as new teachers with no experience, as we have two streams of the MA.

The programmes are open to international students as well as students from Ireland.

Applicants should meet the following entry requirements:

• Hold an honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum second class honours or international equivalence.
• Have an overall band score of 7.0 in IELTS ( (with no band less than 6.5) or equivalent (*see below for list of equivalent test scores) if applicant’s first language is not English.

Applicants who do not meet the language requirements for direct entry can apply for our Pre-Sessional EAP Programme at a 50% discount.

Students on the MA or GradDip in TESOL programme will explore the theoretical underpinnings of English language teaching and will link them directly to their experience in the classroom. Each week, research will be brought to the practical setting of the classroom context as students develop their knowledge and reflect on good practice. This goal will be achieved through the use of small groups, discussions, teaching observations, presentations, workshops and blended learning.

List of modules covered by the MA or GradDip in TESOL programme:

Stream 1 (experienced teachers):

• (opens in a new window)The English Language for TESOL
• (opens in a new window)The English Teaching Context
• (opens in a new window)TESOL: Principles and Practices
• (opens in a new window)SLA & TESOL Pedagogy
• (opens in a new window)The TESOL Research Process
• (opens in a new window)Teaching Practice, Observation & Feedback
• (opens in a new window)Minor Thesis (MA only)

Stream 2 (new teachers):

• • Introduction to TESOL Pedagogy
  • TESOL Pedagogy & Practice
  • (opens in a new window)The English Language for TESOL
  • (opens in a new window)The English Teaching Context
  • (opens in a new window)The TESOL Research Process
  • (opens in a new window)Teaching Practice, Observation & Feedback
  • (opens in a new window)Minor Thesis (MA only)

 Please note, modules are subject to availability.

The aims of the MA/GradDip in TESOL programme are for students to:

• Acquire a deeper understanding of the English language and the classroom implications of teaching applied language skills.
• Demonstrate an evidence based understanding of teaching, learning and assessment in TESOL.
• Develop leadership competencies in teaching, curriculum design, assessment, management, teacher development and materials design.
• Apply a critical reflection to a range of language teaching, learning and assessment approaches and adopt theory into practice.
• Develop confidence and competence in engaging in and networking with the professional community via conference presentations and workshops.
• Integrate a range of language teaching, learning and assessment technologies to enhance their students' learning experience.
• Develop advanced research skills in an area of expertise (language teaching or assessment).
• Develop a practical approach to research planning and writing skills.

Our MA/GradDip in TESOL programme is unique. We work around typical language school timetables, which means you will have the opportunity to continue teaching while undertaking the TESOL programme. You will see a difference in how you approach your teaching and in the value you give to your students. You will become a part of the wider ELT community, allowing you to benefit from networking and career development opportunities. You will be able to contribute to the growing professionalism across the field and be part of the growth of ELT in Ireland and beyond.

The TESOL team are classroom-based language practitioners who underpin their work with the most cutting-edge pedagogical research and advances in technology. Our small group teaching offers a personal, interactive experience.

We combine theory with practice, offering students the chance to observe live language classes in the Centre. The  Language Centre is a hub of communicative and applied language teaching which means you have access to a range of teaching styles. Your experience is enhanced through our programme of guest speakers and we encourage you to engage with current debates in ELT. Successful completion of our MA programme will help you become a more accomplished ELT professional, with a solid theoretical knowledge and the transferable skills necessary to enhance your career.

2025/26 Fees per year

Fees are subject to change. More detailed tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website: http://www.ucd.ie/students/fees/ 

The UCD Language Centre is offering 8 competitive Scholarships for students who will study on the MA in TESOL full-time in the academic year 2025/2026. You can find out more here.

 UCD funding and Scholarships

UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full- time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see here.

Students who wish to undertake postgraduate training in TESOL but prefer not to complete the thesis requirement associated with the MA are welcome to apply for the GradDip TESOL.

The GradDip in TESOL invites students to follow the same course of modules as the MA.

For more information about the application and admission process for the MA or the GradDip in TESOL programmes, please visit the UCD Graduate Studies site (opens in a new window)here.

You can also access UCD's Services Portal and apply for the programme directly (opens in a new window)here.

MA TESOL Poster PDF Sept 24 ‌‌‌‌‌

MA TESOL Brochure Sept 24