Teachers from all over the world can take this part-time Masters degree programme, which is studied entirely online over two and a half years, offering an affordable and convenient way to study.

Developed and delivered collaboratively by the University of Southampton and the British Council, it offers postgraduate level study in key areas of current theory and practice in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching, developing advanced knowledge and skills in English language curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. 

“For me the chief benefit of an online degree is convenience; one can work at one's own pace, on weekends and evenings. This program fitted perfectly well for my tight lifestyle.” - Celina A. Villegas

Why choose this course?

  • Online distance learning is extremely cost-effective for institutions – teachers can continue their teaching activities as they study, so there is no need to hire substitutes.
  • This course makes use of the latest developments in technological design and is delivered by an experienced team of e-tutors, recruited by the British Council with the highest standards of academic quality. 
  • Students engage in online discussion and use interactive multimedia course materials, including lectures and podcasts, by internationally renowned staff from the University of Southampton.
  • Students have access to the University library and its stock of e-books and journals online.
  • Students gain the skills and knowledge they need to take on leadership roles in ELT.
  • Institutions receive support and guidance from the British Council throughout the application process.

The programme structure involves two years of taught assessed modules and a final semester spent undertaking research and writing a dissertation. 

Typical entry requirements

  • A good first degree in language or other relevant discipline
  • two years’ relevant experience related to English language teaching
  • international students must meet the English Requirement of Southampton University (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
  • a university application with transcripts and personal statement must be provided.

Course content

Course content

Learning and teaching

Students can expect a weekly commitment of 10 to 12 hours of online study, chatroom seminars and online forums, supported by 10 hours of private study. The course concludes with a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation.

Modules of the MA programme:

  • Language Analysis for Teaching: Covers all language analysis for the teaching and learning of English.
  • Principles of Communicative Language Teaching: Explores the context, methods and approaches of communicative language teaching.
  • A Critical Appraisal of Language Teaching Methodologies: A comparison and evaluation of different teaching and learning approaches and methods.
  • E-learning for English Language Teaching: To understand and develop Insight and skills in all aspects of e-learning, tutoring and moderation.
  • English as a World Language: Exploring the place and role of English as a world language.
  •  Discourse Analysis: The study of various approaches to analyzing written and spoken language use.
  • Second Language Learning: Exploring second language acquisition (SLA) and use.
  •  Research skills for Dissertation: Introduction to a range of research approaches relevant to dissertation study.
  •  Dissertation: Supervised 15,000 a 20,000 word dissertation research.

How much does it cost?

£8,400 to be paid in three annual instalments of £2,800.

How to apply

Courses start in September and January each year and applications close eight weeks before the start of the course.