Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - MA

"I have a masters in the field of Computer Aided Design, which I used to work in the industry. After some time however, I did not feel inspired by my work so I decided to expand my English language skills by completing an MA TESOL. I chose to study at the University of Sunderland as the UK was the closest English-speaking country to me and I felt that qualifications from British universities are highly valued within the global teaching job market. I found that the fees were reasonable relative to other universities in the North East and the masters course matched my needs.

There were many positive aspects of the MA TESOL course for me: I communicated on a daily basis with people from different countries who had varying levels of experience, I was taught by highly qualified teachers who shared their knowledge and teaching methods (for example, showing us a master course in real time, with real learners), and we were provided with additional classes for improving English language skills.

I would definitely recommend this course to all English teachers from my home country who still don’t apply new methods of teaching. I am glad to have had this personal experience and it helped me to change my profession. I would suggest that students attend all extra classes available at the University, for example academic English language skills, and seminars and lectures which are delivered by talented professors and philologists.

In my first year after graduation, I successfully passed an interview for the biggest and most popular online English teaching school across all Russian speaking countries. Now I teach seven wonderful long-term adult learners (elementary/pre-intermediate level) who started learning English with me more than six months ago and who always compliment my teaching methods.

My experience of studying at a foreign university was incredible. I met a lot of nice people and I was shown new ways of studying and teaching methods, which were different from universities in my home country – I experienced British university student life from inside. I will always remember this period in my life with warm feelings.”

"I was working as an English teacher and knew I would need to study a masters degree to upgrade my teaching career. An agent suggested I take the course at the University of Sunderland. I had done some research and even got in touch with some alumni and they also recommended the course to me.

I had originally undertaken a graduate diploma in TESOL at another university; I wanted to learn more about the methodology of language teaching but the course was heavily theoretical. My educational background was neither linguistic nor educational so I struggled. However, the learning experience at the University of Sunderland was quite different. The combination of theories and practical teaching in the curriculum showed me the importance of theories in real-life teaching practice. That’s why, when I’m looking for solutions to teaching problems, I do the research and learn how I could adapt them.

The tuition fee is reasonable and the cost of living in Sunderland is much lower than other places. As well as this, the University facilities and the design of the course have helped prepare me well for the language teaching profession. There was a wide range of services I benefited from at the University. The library service was really useful as you could make an appointment and get help with a range of topics, from study skills revision to advice relating to your future career. There was also the recreational centre where I joined hiking trips occasionally, which were free of charge to students. The free campus bus was beyond my expectations, as I took it not only for university but also for trips to the supermarket and other activities.

I would advise other students to not be afraid to ask for help, especially from the library staff and professors as they are super helpful and friendly.

I am still in the early stages of my teaching career but my aim is to get a job at a university as a linguistics lecturer. My time at Sunderland was enjoyable and less stressful than I had expected. The professors and university staff were lovely and always willing to assist me.”

"I was a teacher of English at a high school and got a full scholarship from my city council to study the MA TESOL course at Sunderland.

The thing I liked the most was the atmosphere of learning. The tutors are very helpful and enthusiastic, and the theory and practice of teaching was the best part of the course. Life at Sunderland is peaceful which is suitable for studying and the living cost is low.

I use the experience I have about the culture and life of the UK as well as the real-life language to teach my students, which makes my teaching periods more effective and persuasive. I am now the vice-principal of Phan Chau Trinh upper secondary school but I am still in charge of a team specialising in English because teaching is, and will always be, my passion.

I would recommend the University of Sunderland to other students. It is a good environment to study in with enthusiastic tutors and nice friends. It was interesting to experience a different corner of England - if you like peace and friendliness, then come to Sunderland.”