Pursue advanced study in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and develop your understanding of intercultural communication on our TESOL and Intercultural Communication MA.

This Master's programme is ideal if you want to deepen your understanding of intercultural dynamics in language education. You might be an:

aspiring or experienced English language teacher
educator or professional working across a variety of educational settings

This course integrates TESOL practices with effective intercultural communication. There is a flexible structure with core and optional modules. These modules explore how cultural identities and global contexts shape language learning. You can tailor your studies to support personal career goals by choosing a dissertation or practical project.

What sets this course apart is its emphasis on preparing you to navigate diverse classrooms and foster inclusive, culturally responsive teaching.

Graduates are well-positioned to take up careers in:

English language teaching in multicultural settings
international education and exchange programmes
intercultural communication consultancy
curriculum and materials design for diverse learners
teacher training and development with a global focus
international student support
international student recruitment
research on language teaching in multicultural settings

We offer three distinct MA programmes in TESOL. Each programme is tailored to different professional interests and goals.

TESOL MA provides a strong foundation in English language teaching theory and practice
TESOL and Digital Technology MA focuses on integrating digital tools into language education. This is ideal if you are interested in online or tech-enhanced teaching
TESOL and Intercultural Communication MA explores the cultural dimensions of language learning, preparing you to work in diverse, global contexts

You should choose the programme that best aligns with your aspirations and preferred areas of specialisation.

How to apply

Quality and ranking

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42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading researchResearch Excellence Framework 2021
65% increase in research power since 2014Research Excellence Framework 2021
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Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.

Next: Course details

What you'll learn

You will learn how to:

effectively teach English in diverse educational contexts
design language teaching and learning materials that are culturally relevant and appropriate for:
targeted groups
specific intercultural issues
teach and communicate in global educational contexts
navigate interculturality in TESOL classrooms

TESOL Research Portfolio

A highlight of the programme is the opportunity to undertake an innovative TESOL Research Portfolio. Through classes and workshops, you will develop a robust grounding in the different approaches applicable to research in TESOL. The portfolio assessment is a supportive, structured format that culminates in either:

a dissertation, where you produce original academic research
a practical project, aimed at investigating professional practice

This allows you to align your final project with your career ambitions and academic interests. This fosters both research excellence and professional development.

You will also explore how intercultural communication shapes language education, allowing you to investigate cultural diversity, identity, and interaction in global learning contexts. This will make your final project especially relevant in today’s interconnected world.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

TESOL and Intercultural Communication MA modules

Please note: Some modules are currently listed as inactive. These modules will be active for students starting the programme in September 2026.

You'll take the following compulsory module:

Compulsory Module	Credits
TESOL Research Portfolio	60

You'll take two of the following TESOL modules:

Modules	Credits
Language Awareness	20
English Language Teaching Methods	20
Language Learning	20

You'll take one of the following optional TESOL modules:

Optional TESOL Modules	Credits
Spoken Interaction in Language Learning and Testing Contexts	20
TESOL for Young Learners	20
Discourse Analysis for Second Language Teachers: Understanding L2 interaction	20
Materials Design and Technology in TESOL	20
Teaching Languages Online	20
Teaching English for Academic Purposes	20
Teaching English as a Global Language	20

You'll take the following compulsory Intercultural Communication module:

Compulsory Module	Credits
Introduction to Intercultural Communication	20

You'll take two of the following Intercultural Communication modules:

Optional Intercultural Communication Modules	Credits
Sociolinguistics	20
Professional Communication in Intercultural Settings	20
Culture, Interculturality and Identity	20
Multimodal Communication	20
Multilingualism	20

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You will study modules through a mix of:

in-person lectures
in-person small group teaching
in-person small group workshops
online interactive lessons
online lecture videos and activities
guided independent work
independent research study tasks
fieldwork tasks
lesson planning
teaching materials development
collaborations with international partners
data analysis

We use a variety of teaching methods to:

support your learning experience
develop your learning potential
prepare you for real-world challenges

Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your practice. Weekly independent study tasks allow you to engage with and contribute to sessions and seminars.

This programme can be taken full time or part time over two years.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Case study
Computer assessment
Design or creative project
Dissertation
Essay
Observation of professional practice
Professional skills assessments
Oral examination
Oral presentation
Portfolio
Reflective log
Research proposal
Research paper

Student Support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

academic staff
personal tutors and research supervisors
our University Student Services Team
student representatives
peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

module handbooks
course materials
groups
course announcements and notifications
written feedback

Philip Robinson Library (Student Texts Collection)

Your development

If you’re an educator, researcher, or language professional, this programme will help you deepen your expertise in TESOL. You’ll also gain a clear understanding of intercultural communication.

Throughout the programme you will:

build the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to teach English in diverse, global settings
explore how cultural identities shape communication and learning
develop the ability to navigate intercultural interactions in language classrooms and beyond
gain hands-on research training to support the completion of:
a dissertation, or
a teaching-focused practical project

After completing the programme, you will be ready to:

engage in intellectual enquiry in TESOL and Intercultural Communication
critically analyse theories, methodologies, and research findings in both fields
explore key debates in language teaching and intercultural settings
synthesise information from diverse sources to develop well-founded arguments or propose original hypotheses
interpret and evaluate teaching materials and language through cultural and theoretical frameworks

Practical application and research

apply TESOL principles in real-world teaching, using intercultural principles to meet the needs of diverse learners
design culturally responsive lessons and materials for specific learner groups
plan and complete your own research or practical project that explores the intersection of language learning and intercultural communication

Communication and professional skills

present complex ideas clearly through writing, speaking, and visual methods
collaborate and communicate effectively in diverse teams and intercultural environments
manage your time, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines with confidence
demonstrate initiative by setting personal learning goals and pursuing professional development
adapt to change in fast-moving academic and professional contexts
use electronic databases, virtual learning environments, and online communication tools

Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes

Previous: Overview Next: Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in:

• English language and/or literature

• English Education

• TESOL

• English teaching methodology

• English linguistics

• English translation and interpretation

• Business English

Qualifications from outside the UK

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English Language requirements

Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Pre-Master’s and English Language courses

Need an alternative route to study this course? Our International Study Centre offers Pre-Master’s degrees and English language courses to prepare you for study.

Explore these courses

Previous: Course details Next: Careers

Your future

In today’s global world, the ability to teach English while navigating intercultural communication is more important than ever. This programme prepares you for a range of professional roles where language education and intercultural competence intersect.

Graduates are well-positioned to pursue careers in the UK and internationally, including:

English language teaching in private and public schools
teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in colleges and universities
international education programme coordination
study abroad coordination
curriculum and materials design with a focus on intercultural communication
language policy consultancy for multilingual and multicultural contexts
teacher training and professional development
English language instruction in international business and corporate settings
intercultural communication consultancy and support roles in education

Further study

This programme also provides excellent preparation for further academic study. You will develop advanced research skills and critical thinking abilities. These are ideal for doctoral-level research (e.g. PhD) in:

TESOL
Applied Linguistics, or
Intercultural Communication

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Previous: Entry requirements Next: Facilities

Facilities

As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences (ECLS), you will have access to the ECLS Resource Centre, based in King George VI Building. It has a computer cluster and a range of educational and teaching materials and texts.

Additionally, you can access ilab: learn. This is a laboratory for developing and using state-of-the-art digital technology for education.

English as a second language

If you are using English as a second or other language, you can attend a tailored academic writing course for TESOL students. This course is part of the Newcastle International Study Centre's In-Sessional English support programme. This programme includes modules on:

• writing for TESOL\ • intensive dissertation writing\ • 1-to-1 writing tutorials

We work with the Newcastle International Study Centre to give our international students the support that they need to thrive on our course.

Wellbeing

We also work very closely with the University's Student Wellbeing Services to ensure you get the support you need. Our School has its very own Student Wellbeing Advisor. They are an invaluable initial point of contact if you experience wellbeing-related issues.

Interested in learning languages?

You can take free language classes with the  University-Wide Language Programme . You can study a variety of languages, including French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic.

The University's Language Resource Centre provides many free services to help your language learning and cross-cultural communication.

Library

Newcastle University Library is an award-winning service with:

four buildings on campus
one off-campus facility
0.8 million print books
over 0.7 million e-books
over 54,000 e-journal titles

The library also has study spaces, postgraduate study rooms, computer clusters, media room and café.

Previous: Careers Next: Fees & funding

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Qualification: MA Full time
Home students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £11,400
International students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £25,900

Qualification: MA Part time
Home students Part time: 24 months	Tuition fees (per year) £5,700

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

matriculation
registration
tuition (or supervision)
library access
examination
re-examination
graduation

Find out more about:

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

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Previous: Facilities Next: How to apply

How to apply

Before you start

Start Dates

The course starts in September.

Closing Dates

There is no application closing date for this course.

However, we encourage you to apply as early as possible, particularly if you are an international applicant. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements (e.g., visa and accommodation).

Deposit

All International students

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.

International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

Programme codes

Qualification: MA Full time
Full time: 12 months	Programme Code: 4207F

Qualification: MA Part time
Part time: 24 months	Programme Code: 4207P

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

\ Apply Online

Previous: Fees & funding Next: Get in touch

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Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

[School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences](http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ecls/)Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6377\ Email: TESOL@ncl.ac.uk

General enquiries

For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Application enquiries

If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.

If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.

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