Introduction
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipWhat You'll Study
- Semester 1
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Compulsory Courses
Candidates undertake the following:
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- TESOL Methodology: Teaching English as A Second or Other Language (LN5511)
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30 Credit Points
- English Structure and Academic Writing (LN5543)
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This course opens up new ways for students to think about language by introducing them to the fundamentals of English linguistics. Students will learn how to identify and analyse the major "building blocks" of language in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Examples for illustration and discussion will be drawn from varieties of English spoken in the British Isles and worldwide, with lectures and tutorials geared to providing students with an active vocabulary with which to discuss language, and essential tools with which to analyse its structure and function.
- Qualitative TESOL Research (LN5537)
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15 Credit Points
This course will explore ways of collecting qualitative data in the TESOL context, including classroom observations, questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. There will also be some focus on analysing the structure of academic articles.
Optional Courses
Plus ONE of the following:
- Peer Teaching in TESOL (LN5516)
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15 Credit Points
Through a process of observation, delivery and reflection, learners will develop the ability to plan and teach coherent and structured lessons which meet stated aims and objectives. This will consolidate content covered in the TESOL methodology course.
- Quantitative TESOL Research (LN5533)
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15 Credit Points
This course is a core course for the Dissertation route and an optional course for the TESOL Focussed Teaching Portfolio route. The course will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of quantitative research in TESOL.
- Semester 2
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Optional Courses
Select ONE of the following:
- TESOL Focussed Teaching Portfolio (LN5906)
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60 Credit Points
This course leads to the production of a portfolio of reflective and informed pieces analysing both the student's own and others' teaching practice in line with what has been learned throughout the programme. Students will gain hands-on teaching practice under the supervision of highly qualified personnel; the experience will then be analysed and related to relevant theory and methodology. Students will gain a sense of what planning and executing a programme of TESOL teaching will involve. This portfolio is a unique feature of the Aberdeen MSc in TESOL and gives a strongly practical flavour to the degree as a whole.
- Dissertation for MSc in TESOL (LN5908)
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60 Credit Points
If you want to carry out in-depth research on a single topic within the field of TESOL, this is the course for you. You will be given regular support and supervision from experts in their fields on how your research should be carried out.
- Semester 3
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Compulsory Courses
- Second Language Acquisition (LN5036)
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15 Credit Points
This course on the processes that are involved in the learning of second language vocabulary, morphosyntax, collocations, formulaic language, language functions and phonology. In addition to critical analysis of theory and research, students will have an opportunity to engage in designing EFL (English as a Foreign/Second Language) classroom activities that address areas of difficulty for English language learners from different linguistic backgrounds.
- Theories of Learning (LN5023)
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15 Credit Points
This course will focus on key concepts, hypotheses and models related TESOL-oriented theories of learning, including behaviourist, cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives. The structure of this course will facilitate development of and reflection on teaching beliefs and teaching philosophy. Strengths and weaknesses of common learning theories will be identified and their applicability to the English language teaching context will be examined.
Optional Courses
Select TWO of the following:
- LN5032 Curriculum and Materials Development (15 credit points)
- Creativity and Innovation in Language Teaching & Learning (LN5031)
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15 Credit Points
In this course, students will learn about the relevance of creativity in both language teaching and learning. Students will be asked to think more deeply about what creativity means, how it relates to teaching and learning strategies and outcomes, and how they, as teachers, can better enact creativity in their classroom practices. Further, with an ever-growing emphasis on enriching creativity and thinking skills in ESL/EFL education, the course will also consider how language teaching has changed, and indeed continues to change, and the possible reasons and implications for innovations in the field that are happening around the world.
- Psychology of Well - Being in Language Teaching (LN5030)
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15 Credit Points
The course aims to help students develop a theoretical and practical understanding of psychological, physiological and environmental factors that influence the well-being of language teachers and learners. Course is an elective course for the MSc in TESOL.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £11,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year | £11,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) | £7,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) | £7,000 |
| EU / International students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £23,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year | £23,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £15,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £15,000 |
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.