Course Overview

This course is specially structured to bridge the gap between theory and practice and help you reflect on the important balance between them. You will develop knowledge in key areas of research and gain further confidence in your own practice through appreciating individual and cultural styles of learning and communication. By advancing your knowledge of current literature and carrying out your own research for course assignments, you will be able to engage critically and constructively in debates relating to many aspects of language teaching.

Our MA uniquely offers you:

a focus on the multilingual and multicultural contexts of language learning and teaching

the opportunity to learn with students from all over the world and share experiences with locally based teachers to gain insight into a range of language teaching contexts in the UK

the chance to choose between your dissertation pathways - an empirical research investigation of an aspect of language teaching and learning or an independent library-based project on a relevant topic of your choice.

An important feature of this MA is its flexibility. You can follow your professional interests and choose to study aspects of teaching English and graduate with an MA TESOL, or you can focus on the teaching of languages other than English and graduate with an MA in Language Teaching.

Graduates of all programs can also pursue career paths in the local and national government, the charity sector, public relations and the media, marketing, lexicography and translation, and tourism/hospitality. Possible professions include:

language teacher (TESOL)

• secondary/further/higher education lecturer

• publisher

• translator

• speech and language therapist

• community development worker

• youth worker

• special educational needs teacher.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

Usually at least a second-class honors degree (2:2) or above, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject and/or relevant professional training and language teaching experience. An interview may be required.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.