School Direct (Tuition Fee) is a route into teaching at both primary and secondary levels. Trainees join other student teachers on the established Languages PGCE programme at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), whilst undertaking their teaching experience at their host school or alliance.
This programme enables students to engage critically with a number of approaches and issues relating to languages education, such as the teaching of grammar, the incorporation of literature into lessons, target language use and the monitoring and assessment of pupils' learning. It incorporates a range of approaches to effective, inclusive learning, and develops a student’s professionalism and critical awareness to a high level. Wherever possible, we provide opportunities for trainees to gain experience at Key Stage 5 (post-16 age range).
Students undertake two Master’s-level (level 7) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at the IOE.
The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.
Completion of the Professional Practice module and the two level 7 (Master’s level) modules (60 credits) will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Completion of the Professional Practice module and one or two level 6 (undergraduate/Bachelor’s level) modules, will lead to the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE).
Four pathways are available: European languages, European language with EAL (English as an Additional Language) enhancement, Mandarin Chinese with a European Language, and Mandarin Chinese with EAL enhancement.
EAL is primarily intended for those students who can offer only one language.
Core modules
Optional modules
Placement
You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with subject specialist mentors who support you through your school placements.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placement at the host school or alliance. Assessment is by the observation of practical teaching, assignments and a portfolio (which links into continuing professional development in the induction year).
Further information on modules and programme structure is available on the department website: School Direct (Tuition Fee): Modern Foreign Languages
Bursaries of up to £25,000 are available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the Languages programme. To find out what funding may be available to you, please visit the Department for Education website.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as languages teachers and heads of department in schools, while others have jobs using the skills they have developed on the programme. Graduates in this area can also be found working as senior leaders in schools.
Employability
Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme is a springboard into a rewarding career, not just as a skilled teacher, but as an educational leader.
The Languages PGCE programme places a strong emphasis on cultural knowledge, use of literature in the languages classroom, pupils' use of target language and broader aspects of language learning. This includes issues related to bilingual learners and English as an additional language and other areas such as information and communications technology and digital, video and multimedia production.
The IOE has well-established partnerships with cultural and educational institutions across London, as well as European and Chinese universities and teacher training institutions. Our partnership with over 200 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond enables each of our students to become a skilled and confident teacher in their chosen subject specialism.
The PGCE is informed by research, including research carried out by PGCE tutors into target language use, the teaching of literature and the storyline approach. The programme includes a number of innovative projects, such as the British Film Institute Film Project and our own Literature Project, which supports the development of materials for classroom practice.
Accreditation:
This route leads to the award of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
This programme is studied entirely in China. It is jointly delivered by the University of Leeds and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and allows experienced Chinese TESOL professionals to gain a deeper understanding of how languages are learned and the strategies used to teach them.
You will explore current insights, issues and problems withinTESOL, and assesses the theoretical frameworks for the language learning,teaching and testing processes. You will have the opportunity to appraise the proceduresand outcomes of different approaches to pedagogy and evaluation in TESOL, andthe ability to explore how such issues and frameworks relate to your ownprofessional environment.
You’ll study four core modules exploring current theories of language acquisition, the complex context in which any language learning takes place, different approaches to and strategies for TESOL, and current theories around language assessment.
You’ll be taught at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies by tutors from both universities and be registered as a full-time student at Leeds, giving you access to all of our online library resources as well as those available at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
Research and professional insight
The Language Education team in the School of Education is nationally and internationally recognised for its range of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics.
The Language Education team in the School of Education is one of the largest such teams in the UK. Members have experience of teaching, teacher education and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics in many contexts in the UK and around the world, and are nationally and internationally recognised as researchers.
This programme is not suitable for those without professional TESOL experience.
This programme is jointly delivered and has been designed by academic staff from both the University of Leeds and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
All teaching and learning is influenced by the context in which it occurs. The programme begins by considering the components of an educational context, from visible features of the classroom to the less visible but influential educational norms that affect teacher and learner roles and behaviours.
You then explore current theoretical models of language acquisition, and consider the ways in which people learn, or acquire a second language. The course continues by deepening your understanding of learning and teaching integrated skills in TESOL, focusing explicitly on oral and written language processing and their implications for different teaching and learning activities. You’ll use this knowledge to design, adapt and evaluate language learning tasks, and to think carefully about methods of assessment that will be appropriate for your working context
At every stage of the course, you’ll develop your research skills and think about the relationship between research and TESOL practice. You’ll demonstrate this awareness when you complete your critical study: an intensive, small-scale, research project related to your own interests in TESOL education.
In March of the year after you successfully complete the programme, you’ll receive a MA TESOL degree from the University of Leeds at a graduation ceremony in Guangzhou.
Compulsory modules
This course is all taught face-to-face at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies with two modules each taught by tutors from each university. You’ll experience a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, discussions, small group tasks and presentations, and extra study support will be available online through the University of Leeds’ Virtual Learning Environment. Independent study is also an important part of this programme.
All modules are assessed by written assignments of up to 6000 words, and you’ll be encouraged to write on topics that are directly relevant to your own professional context. Your critical study is around 12,000 words. All your assignments will be submitted online through the University of Leeds’ Virtual Learning Environment.
You’ll gain a range of knowledge and skills from this programme that could make a big difference your career prospects.
Many of our graduates go back to their previous work contexts, where they often become candidates for promotion thanks to their greater expertise. Others find new jobs in different institutions or other parts of the country. Some have even progressed to PhD level study at institutions in China, Hong Kong and the UK.
The Language, Literacies and Dyslexia programme, is aimed at teachers, language teachers, speech and language therapists and other professionals working with children, young people and students in further and higher education at pre-16 and FE/HE education levels who have difficulties with learning literacy skills.
This distance learning masters level programme is essential for practitioners seeking to become specialist practitioners, employable to assess and teach learners with dyslexia and literacy difficulties of school age or in further/higher educationin monolingual as well as bi/multilingual contexts. Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) level of the course meets the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) criteria in practical assessments and allows students to apply for the BDA professional qualification.
The University of Birmingham offers three awards at master's level.
Halfway through the first year of study you will be asked whether you wish to extend your registration to work towards a further award.
Download information on all the postgraduate study programmes in the School of Education (PDF)
The programme provides a broad and critical perspective of language literacies and literacy difficulties/dyslexia through sociocultural and cognitive research, as well as education policies. It embraces school and further educational demands of literacy skills, the demands of family and social literacy practices, and peer demands of new literacies, such as digital literacies. The programme establishes the fundamental relationship between language and literacy in typical and atypical development. Students study literacy difficulties/dyslexia in contexts of monolingual, multilingual (e.g. FL/SL/AL) and multimodal (e.g. digital literacies).
Studying at a distance means you can work from anywhere, such as in your home or workplace in the UK or overseas. All your studies will be in English and it is a requirement that you practice in an educational context of monolingual, additional English (EAL/ESL/EFL) or other languages. Reference would be made to contexts that are bi/multilingual and multimodal.
Specialist professional practice in dyslexia/specific learning difficulties
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) award, meets the specialist professional practice competencies in teaching learners with dyslexia/literacy difficulties at school and FE/HE levels of provision required by the British Dyslexia Association’s ATS/APS, ATS FE/HE accreditation.
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) award, meets the specialist professional practice competencies required by the Joint Qualifications Council UK, and the British Dyslexia Association’s AMBDA accreditation, in diagnostic assessment, and intervention/ specialist teaching with learners with literacy difficulties/ specific learning difficulties at school and FE/HE levels of provision. So, the PGDip award will allow practitioners to apply for the BDA’s accreditation (AMBDA, AMBDA FE/HE) depending on their professional qualification – please visit the BDA website http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk for further information.
For students who follow the AMBDA, AMBDA FE/HE routes, some of the programme and module requirements will be different for study and assessment to develop knowledge and practice in specialist assessment and teaching for learners with literacy needs and difficulties.
The Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs (DISN) in the School of Education, has a very strong profile in professional development, regionally, nationally and internationally. The tutors who run this programme have national and international profiles in the field of research and practice in language and literacy difficulties and dyslexia. The department also runs a number of other courses in special education which may interest you.
At the beginning of each year of study, there is an online induction module to the University of Birmingham programme. This module will give all the necessary information to induct students into the programme so that a residential visit is not required.
The method of learning involves online reading, literature searches, enquiry based learning through activities and discussion with fellow students in your tutor group, and your tutors. Learning is orientated to relating your study to your professional practice.
Study activities include reading chapters and articles on research and practice, quizzes, online discussion of case studies, tutorials and lectures. Developing studying skills include online searches for research papers, policies and teaching materials, critical reading, problem-solving, and writing skills. There is personal online tutorial support through ‘reflective journaling’ and discussion with your tutor. Regular group monthly tutorials with your tutor group and tutor are held through online conferencing (simliar to Skype).
International students
We recruit students to the programme from the UK, EU, USA and other countries. Study is through English and students can study literacy difficulties with learners who are learning through EFL or EAL. The programme covers all education phases: primary / secondary, and Further Education /Higher Education. Students are supported in tutor groups with other students who work in the same phase, (where possible in the same region/country) and with a tutor with specialist qualifications in dyslexia and professional experience with learners with dyslexia in the educational phase.
The Languages PGCE explores languages teaching and learning by combining theory and practice in innovative, inspiring and effective ways. This helps students develop a critical awareness and strong classroom skills to enable them to become a principled professional and educational thinker.
This programme enables students to engage critically with a number of approaches and issues relating to languages education, such as the teaching of grammar, the incorporation of literature into lessons, target language use and the monitoring and assessment of pupils' learning. It incorporates a range of approaches to effective, inclusive learning, and develops a student’s professionalism and critical awareness to a high level. The programme prepares languages student teachers to teach the 11-16 age range.
Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at UCL IOE.
The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.
Completion of the Professional Practice module and the two level 7 (Master’s level) modules (60 credits) will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Completion of the Professional Practice module and one or two level 6 (undergraduate/Bachelor’s level) modules, will lead to the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE).
Four pathways are available: European languages, European language with EAL (English as an Additional Language) enhancement, Mandarin Chinese with a European Language, and Mandarin Chinese with EAL enhancement.
Core modules
Optional modules
Placement
You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with subject specialist mentors who support you through your two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong Languages departments.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.
Students will also record their progress in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of an ongoing portfolio charting the student's continuing professional development.
Further information on modules and programme structure is available on the department website: PGCE Languages
Bursaries are available for some subject programmes to students who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out what funding may be available to you, please visit the Department for Education funding page.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as languages teachers and heads of department in schools, while others have jobs using the skills they have developed on the programme. Graduates in this area can also be found working as senior leaders in schools.
Employability
Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme is a springboard into a rewarding career, not just as a skilled teacher, but as an educational leader.
The Languages PGCE programme is informed by research and places a strong emphasis on cultural knowledge, use of literature in the languages classroom, pupils' use of target language and broader aspects of language learning including issues related to bilingual learners and English as an additional language.
UCL Institute of Education (IOE) has well-established partnerships with cultural and educational institutions across London, as well as European and Chinese universities and teacher training institutions. Our partnership with over 200 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond enables our students to become skilled and confident teachers in their chosen subject specialism.
Accreditation:
Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
MA TESOL is designed to help experienced teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (including teachers of EFL, ESL, EAL and ESP) to further their expertise and/or begin following a specialise pathway in either intercultural studies, teacher education or educational technology.
It enables experienced TESOL practitioners to further their careers with regard to:
It also aims to help you to:
Applications from both native- and non-native-English-speaking teachers are welcome.
The course is taught by lecturers who themselves have been language teachers (TESOL and other languages) with experience of working in Britain and overseas. Formal lectures are rare and instead classes tend to mix sections of input with group-work, computer and video activities, simulations and problem-based learning.
The course can be characterised in terms of participant's critical reflection - as informed by theory and research as well as by their professional experiences. We encourage both individual and co-operative learning and research and hope to foster an ethos of lifelong learning. As our students are themselves experienced teachers, we appreciate the wealth of knowledge and practical experience that they bring to the course and we encourage the sharing of professional insights including their fellow participants. We provide training in the use of electronic databases, library resources, and computer based statistics packages. Many other key skills will be developed during the course.
The form of the assessment varies from unit to unit but usually consists of a written assignment of 3.500 words for a 15-credit course unit (double for a 30-credit course unit). You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theory as applied to your professional practice, and also demonstrate technical, academic, and professional skills . All assignments will be followed by both formative and summative feedback.
You can choose between a Mode A (traditional type) or a Mode B (portfolio type) of dissertation. Mode A dissertations can be empirical (report on a research project); conceptual (discuss or develop a conceptual understanding or framework of relevance to your professional development); or practical (development of a rationale for practical activities related to professional practice). Mode A practical dissertations and Mode B portfolio-type dissertations are very similar but in the latter the materials produced are close to being in a publishable format.
The MA TESOL course consists of compulsory course units covering approaches, methods and techniques in TESOL, language learning and technology and developing researcher competence.
Other course units cover topics such as: psychology of language learning; explorations in language; language education as intercultural practice; and the education of language teachers. You can also select from the MA Digital Technology and Communication in Educational course units if you have a specific interest in educational technology.
MA TESOL Pathways
The pathways are specialisations in a recognised area of TESOL, and result in the following named degrees:
Pathway students must complete a 15 credit core course unit in the named, specialist area; focus on their specialism and relevant research methods in the 30 credit unit EDUC70100/2 Developing Researcher Competence; and complete a 60 credit dissertation with a focus on their specialist area.
Our graduates go on to positions of seniority, undertake new areas of professional activity, such as publishing or materials development, contribute to the professional development of other teachers, and act in advisory capacities to teaching and associated agencies at both national and international level. Some also proceed to doctoral studies in TESOL, either in other contexts or joining our own thriving doctoral community.
This programme for experienced TESOL teachers, advisors and teacher trainers focuses on the teaching of English or other languages to children between 5 and 12 years old.
You’ll study core modules alongside students on our other TESOL programmes, exploring how people learn languages and the strategies teachers use to develop the key skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. A specialist module will focus on foreign language learning in children and how theories of learning and pedagogy have contributed to TESOL practice in the classroom.
In addition, you’ll choose from optional modules allowing you to build your knowledge of topics such as the potential for technology in language learning, materials development and TESOL teacher education.
Taught by leading researchers and experienced practitioners in TESOL, you’ll benefit from a wide range of resources and support. You’ll gain valuable skills to inform your teaching practice in a stimulating, friendly environment.
Research and professional insight
The Language Education team in the School of Education is nationally and internationally recognised for its range of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics.
We’re one of the largest Language Education teams in the UK. As education practitioners, we have a wide range of experience of teaching and teacher education work in many contexts in the UK and around the world, and as researchers, we have a broad range of expertise across the discipline.
In Semester One you’ll deepen your understanding of the foundations of TESOL – you’ll focus on how people learn languages, how to describe and explain language to learners and the approaches you can take to teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
You’ll then expand your knowledge in Semester Two in more specialist areas. You’ll take a further core module that focuses on the theory and practice of teaching foreign languages to children aged 5-12 – including theories of children’s language learning, activities, key skills, story and theme-based courses, designing tasks and materials and appropriate ways of assessing the progress of young learners.
In addition, you’ll choose from a range of optional modules on topics like the use of technology in language learning, teacher education and learning and teaching vocabulary.
In the final part of the year, you’ll use your newly-acquired knowledge and skills to carry out a small-scale piece of research. Your critical study can be related to your own interests within the field of education. To support your work on the project, you will take a non-assessed research methods course, while help with your academic writing is available throughout the year.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
Compulsory modules
You’ll generally have around 8-10 hours of classes per week including seminars, tutorials and lectures. However, independent study is an important aspect of this programme, either alone or in a group, since it allows you to develop key research, analysis and communication skills and develop your own ideas.
Most of our taught modules are assessed through written assignments, which you’ll choose from a range of topics. To help you prepare, you’ll be able to submit a draft to your tutor for comment beforehand, and we offer other forms of support as well. You’ll also complete a portfolio of work such as materials and activities as part of the module Teaching Languages to Young Learners.
There is a worldwide trend towards introducing English at earlier stages of national curricula, while parents often seek out private tutoring for their children at even younger ages.
The MA TESOL for Young Learners encourages participants to take a critical perspective on these developments, but also equips them with the skills and understanding to participate more fully in young learner pedagogy in their home or other international contexts.
Recent graduates of the programme for example have become teacher trainers, others have found more rewarding classroom positions, and those who do particularly well are encouraged to consider continuing to doctoral study.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
This programme for professionals already involved in, or interested in learning about TESOL teacher education, introduces you to current thinking about what language teachers need to know and how they can be helped to learn it.
You’ll explore how people learn languages and discover the strategies language teachers use to develop the key skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. You’ll build on this foundation through specialist modules, and examine the goals and processes of teacher education and how to support TESOL teachers’ learning.
You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules such as the use of technology in language learning, materials development and issues surrounding assessment.
Taught by leading researchers and experienced practitioners in TESOL, you’ll benefit from a wide range of resources and support. You’ll gain valuable skills to support and empower TESOL professionals in their own practice.
Research insight
The Language Education team in the School of Education is one of the largest such teams in the UK.
Our members have experience of teaching, teacher education and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics in many contexts in the UK and around the world, and are nationally and internationally recognised as researchers.
You’ll deepen your understanding of TESOL in semester one. You’ll focus on how people learn languages, how to describe and explain language to learners and the approaches you can take to teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
You’ll then focus on aspects of teacher education in semester two. You will consider the goals and processes of teacher education, ideas about training, development and mentoring, the role of the teacher as a researcher, and the principles underpinning the design and implementation of training programmes for TESOL teachers.
In addition, you’ll choose from a range of optional modules on topics such as the use of technology in language learning, grammar and vocabulary teaching, and issues surrounding the assessment of language learning.
You’ll use the knowledge and skills you develop to carry out a small-scale piece of research related to your own interests within teacher education. To help you develop the necessary research skills for this module, you’ll also take the module Research Methods for TESOL, but this will not be assessed as part of the course.
If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
You’ll generally have around eight to ten hours of classes per week including seminars, tutorials and lectures. However, independent study is an important aspect of this programme, either alone or in a group, as it allows you to develop key research, analysis and communication skills and develop your own ideas.
Most of our modules are assessed through written assignments, from which you’ll often be able to choose from a range of topics. To help you prepare, you’ll be able to submit a draft to your tutor for comment beforehand.
MA TESOL Teacher Education graduates have gone on to take up positions as pre and in-service English language teacher educators within universities or local educational administrations in various parts of the world.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
This programme explores how people learn new languages and how to teach the English Language most effectively.
Designed for TESOL professionals, you will consider how to analyse and describe the English language for pedagogic purposes, and examine different approaches and principles to teaching the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
You can also choose to specialise in certain aspects of TESOL: for example, teacher education, materials development, curriculum reform, the teaching of grammar and vocabulary, the use of ICT, or language assessment.
MEd TESOL follows the same syllabus as the MA TESOL programme, but asks you to apply a more practical, rather than theoretical, orientation to your final critical study. You will focus upon a professional issue within language education and apply ideas from your reading and a small-scale research study to find solutions to genuine English Language teaching problems.
The Language Education team in the School of Education is nationally and internationally recognised for its range of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and consultancy work in TESOL, ELT, EFL, ESOL, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, and Applied Linguistics.
We’re one of the largest Language Education teams in the UK. As education practitioners, we have a wide range of experience of teaching and teacher education work in many contexts in the UK and around the world.
As researchers, we have a broad range of expertise across the discipline with ongoing research projects in teacher development, language use in migrant communities, learning with digital technologies, and IELTS preparation courses.
MEd TESOL is a comprehensive programme that will allow you to develop both academically and professionally.
In semester one, you will deepen your understanding of teaching the English Language. You will focus on how people learn languages, how to describe and explain language to learners, and the approaches you can take to teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
In semester two, you will expand your knowledge of more specialist areas. You will choose from a range of optional modules to suit your own interests and professional contexts: for example, the development of TESOL materials, teaching young learners, or language learning assessment. Alternatively, you could choose modules from another area of the School’s provision: for example, you may want to study digital learning, international educational management or theories of childhood and youth.
In the final part of the year, you will use your newly-acquired knowledge and skills to carry out a small-scale piece of research. Your critical study can be related to your own interests within the field of education. As a condition of the MEd programme, your study needs to have a practical focus and respond to a real-life professional issue in TESOL education.
To support your work on the project, you will take a non-assessed research methods course. Help with your academic writing is available throughout the year.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
You will generally have around eight to ten hours of classes per week including seminars, tutorials and lectures. However, independent study is an important aspect of this programme, either alone or in a group, as it allows you to develop key research, analysis and communication skills and develop your own ideas.
We assess most of our modules through written assignments; you will be able to choose from a range of assignment topics. To help you prepare, you’ll be able to submit a draft to your tutor for comment beforehand.
Our students frequently find that new career opportunities open up for them, either in their home countries or in new international settings.
Some of our graduates have started work in teacher training, materials creation, or curriculum design. Others have started their own private language teaching business or moved from school to university teaching.
We also encourage students who do particularly well on the programme to consider doctoral level study with a view to an academic career. Students who return to their original classrooms often find they have fresh perspectives and their work becomes more rewarding and effective.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
If you would like to study for a PGCE and have less than three years of experience working with children, UCB’s PGCE Primary QTS course will provide you with the necessary skills to teach in a primary school environment.
There are two pathways available on this course. If you would like to teach 3-7 year olds, you will focus your studies on the Foundation Stage (pre-school) and Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2). If you would like to teach 5-11 year olds, you will focus on Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (years 3 to 6).
These course pathways will concentrate on themes related to primary education that address key government priorities such as curriculum management, working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and working with children who use English as an Additional Language (EAL).
On completion of this course, you will be a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and will have the knowledge, skills and training to work in a mainstream school or in a school for children with special needs.
The Faculty of Education has a longstanding national reputation for providing high-calibre initial teacher training with over 20 Secondary specialisms available. We have a well established partnership with over 800 secondary schools and colleges across the North West region and beyond.
Our PGCE Social Science is aimed at trainees wishing to teach one or more of the social sciences (sociology, psychology, politics and law) in secondary schools and/or post-16 colleges. We also offer a PGCE Psychology.
Trainees will be given the opportunity to study and teach areas of the Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Law, Health and Social Care, Citizenship and PSHE) at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Trainees may gain some experience of teaching the humanities (RE, Geography and History) subjects at Key Stage 3 and 4. Social Science subjects are exceptionally popular choices at GCSE, 'A' level, IB and BTEC levels.
This course is available via University led and School Direct routes.
We also offer an Assessment-Only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) aimed at experienced, but unqualified graduate teachers, wishing to complete a formal qualification.
-Opportunity to apply for enrichment experience overseas
-State-of-the-art teaching facilities at our Brooks Building in Manchester
-Experience in a diverse range of schools and colleges
-Choice of University led, School Direct or Assessment Only routes to Qualified Teacher Status
-Course includes 60 Masters Level credits, or one third of a Masters degree
-Access to NQT alumni support in your first year of teaching
-Close links with our Educational and Social Research Institute
You will examine the nature of academic and vocational provision within the social sciences in schools and colleges and become familiar with teaching resources, including ICT and practice a variety of classroom skills at university and in schools and colleges.
The subject strand is at the core of these courses, representing approximately 90% of the total course time, both in school and in the university. This strand deals with both methodology and with the educational theory relevant to teaching the social science subjects.
Also considered are the role of language in teaching, teaching pupils with special educational needs and pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) and teaching classes with a wide range of ability.
We aim to develop analytical, successful and enthusiastic beginning teachers who are fully aware of the excitement and challenges which lie ahead and who can work effectively in a variety of educational settings.
The Faculty of Education has a longstanding national reputation for providing high-calibre initial teacher training with over 20 Secondary specialisms available. We have a well established partnership with over 800 secondary school and colleges across the North West region and beyond.
MFL is a national shortage subject and government priority with training bursaries available and this course has an excellent reputation. There is a growing need for high calibre language teachers and as such our trainees are very employable. Where appropriate, sessions are conducted in the relevant target language. We welcome applications from native speakers.
We offer specialisms in French, German, Mandarin and Spanish. Subject to confirmation of DfE funding, we usually run Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses as part of the PGCE. These will be identified at interview for applicants who need support learning a second language and confirmed with a PGCE place offer.
Trainees take a course of supporting study, including English as an additional language (EAL) and special educational needs (SEN).
A minimum of 120 days school based practice training is combined with university based training and periods of independent study. Trainees are supported throughout by university and placement mentors.
These courses are available via University led and School Direct routes.
We also offer an Assessment-Only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) aimed at experienced, but unqualified graduate teachers, wishing to complete a formal qualification.
-State-of-the-art teaching facilities at our Brooks Building in Manchester
-Experience in a diverse range of schools and colleges
-Choice of University led, School Direct or Assessment Only routes to Qualified Teacher Status
-Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses available (subject to DfE funding and eligibility)
-Opportunity to undertake course enrichment overseas
-Course includes 60 Masters Level credits, or one third of a Masters degree
-Access to NQT alumni support in your first year of teaching
-Close links with our Educational and Social Research Institute
School placements are central to the course. Trainees on the University-led ('Core') route typically spend at least 120 days on school-based training. As an intending teacher you will begin by developing professional awareness, understanding and skills common to learning and teaching in a variety of settings. You will begin to understand the inter-relationship between the school and its community.
Placements are organised by Manchester Met and will be in at least two different schools or colleges and ranging from inner city to rural settings, mixed and single gender schools, City Academies, Comprehensives and Selective Schools, 11-16, 11-18, sixth form and further education colleges.
School Direct trainees are attached to a specified ('lead') school within an alliance of schools and will typically spend at least 135 days on school-based training, depending on the term-times of the school(s) involved. The lead school organises placements.
In addition we have exchanges with France, German and Spain to offer placements abroad during the Enrichment phase of the course. We are also working closely with the Confucius Institute to develop links with China.
Our PGCE Secondary programme combines practical teaching experience with written assignments. Trainees will complete a portfolio detailing their Record of Professional Development and a Career Entry Profile. Satisfactory attendance and professional engagement with the programme are also necessary factors in the successful completion of your chosen route.
If your career involves educating other people and you'd like to improve your professional expertise or progress into a more senior role, our MA / PGCert Education (English for Speakers of Other Languages) online degree is designed to help you.
The MA / PGCert Education (ESOL) Pathway is designed to meet the interests of both novice and experienced teachers of:
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
• those teaching international students and immigrant groups within Community, FE and HE (ESOL/ EAP/EGAP)
• those involved in teaching non-native speakers of English within the private and state school sectors and work based contexts ( • EFL/EAL/ESOL/ESP).
It provides students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation, touching on such areas as applied linguistics, language acquisition, ESL/EFL classroom methods, testing, cross-cultural considerations and English as a Global Language.
Our modules will encourage you to consider ways of understanding language learning processes, and expand your awareness of the approaches and principles, models and pedagogies, alongside policies that support or influence successful English Language Teaching (ELT) across a range of local, national and international contexts.
Visit our website where you can try this course for free! Our course taster allows you to access a selection of content from a module within this course and experience online learning first hand.
Our MA Education is not a teaching qualification but previous students have benefited from this postgraduate degree, helping them to gain more senior roles, enriching their teaching, challenging their preconceptions and boosting their confidence.
Students frequently tell us that they most enjoy hearing the diverse mix of experiences, ideas and opinions brought by others taking the course, especially when that challenges their own thinking. Online discussion forums make this possible, and with such a wide variety of people on the course, from the UK and overseas, that’s not surprising. Our tutors have many years’ experience in the education sector themselves, so they understand your profession and are sympathetic to the pressures of balancing study with a busy teaching job.
Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. The course is divided into modules which are scheduled over fixed trimesters so there will be deadlines to meet; however you can organise your study time around your work and personal commitments in order to complete each module within the set time parameters.
Online class discussions are largely focused on contextualisation of theory to practice, so it’s stimulating, engaging and highly relevant to your day-to-day, professional life.
Start September, January or May.
