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Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Postgraduate coursework

Equip yourself with the teaching skills and critical knowledge to lead non-native speakers to English mastery with this internationally recognised course.

#2 in Australia for education and educational research*

#11 in the world for education and educational research*

Develop specialised skills for professional practice

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

As global interconnectivity continues to expand, so too does the need for English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers, whose vital impact can be seen across all levels of society, whether it’s in bettering business, diversifying education, or improving community wellbeing.

Study a Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and get equipped with the teaching skills and critical knowledge to lead non-native speakers to English mastery.

Your teaching qualifications could also help you secure higher-level roles both in Australia and abroad. Deakin’s Master of TESOL is internationally recognised and taught by experts with global experience in the field.

Want to expand your career options and personal impact, both domestically and internationally?

This course takes an interactive, problem-based approach to teaching, allowing you to develop practical skills that translate directly to the classroom. It also focuses on research-led learning, ensuring course content is evidence based, and the skills you learn reflect the modern challenges of the field. Key study areas include:

  • principles and approaches to TESOL, including curriculum design and evaluation
  • the structure of the English language and how to analyse features of written and spoken text
  • linguistic and pedagogical aspects of language learning
  • how languages are learned and in what contexts
  • contemporary issues relating to language curriculum development.

In addition, you will explore the structural and cultural barriers new speakers face when learning English and learn how to help your students navigate them.

For students who are interested in furthering their knowledge, the course offers a research component that may comprise a pathway to a PhD.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
E704
CRICOS code?
103877A Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Course structure

To complete the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, students must attain 8 credit points.

The course comprises a total of 8 credit points including:

  • 6 credit points of core units
  • 2 credit point chosen from the course electives
  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

6

Core units

2

Elective units

8

Total units

Core units

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
  • Pedagogy for TESOL and EAL Learners
  • Pedagogic Grammar
  • Learning Global English in Diverse Social Contexts
  • CLIL Pedagogy
  • Research Design Development and Method
  • Independent Research Project for Professional Practice
  • Electives

    Select 2 credit points from:

  • Language Curriculum and Assessment
  • Learning An Additional Language
  • Reflective Practice in EAL and Languages Classrooms
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Additional course information

    Alternative exit - additional information

    The Graduate Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (E604) may be a useful exit point for those not wishing to complete a full Masters of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is an eight-point course consisting of the four units of the Graduate Certificate (E504) plus four core units from the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Students with an existing registration for primary or secondary teaching in Australia can gain professional recognition for TESOL as a specialist teaching method area, and will receive RPL for the four units from E504 based on teaching experience.

    Course duration

    Delays in completing the research project could mean that the course will take longer to complete than the stated duration.

    International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.

    Mandatory student checks

    Working with Children Check

    Any unit which contains work-integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. Refer to the relevant unit guide.

    Successful applicants who undertake the unit ETL706 are required to hold a valid Australian Teacher registration with an Australian State or Territory teacher regulatory authority or a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to undertaking professional experience placements in education settings, as part of this course. Learn more about Working with Children Checks.

    Interstate applicants must check the requirements and meet all conditions for undertaking professional experience in schools for their state or territory before undertaking professional experience placements as part of this course.

    Inherent requirements

    It is expected that all students will be able to abide by, and ensure their behaviour is in accordance with the Victorian Institute of Teaching Code of Conduct.

    Immunisations

    Immunisation and/or vaccination requirements will be communicated by the Professional Experience Office in line with the Department of Education and Training's directions at the time of placement.

    For further information contact the School of Education, Professional Experience Office.

    Workload

    You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period for each credit point undertaking required teaching, learning and assessment activities.

    Participation requirements

    Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    Opportunities for work-integrated learning are provided through the professional placement unit [ETL706] which is available as a course elective to students who are eligible for teacher registration in Australia.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor honours degree or higher in a related discipline
    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline and at least two years' of relevant work experience

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $4,627 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

    Learn more about fees.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.  

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.  Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Download the course flyer
    To learn more about what the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer. (PDF, 228.4KB)
    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Pathways

    Students wishing to pursue a PhD pathway can continue into the Graduate Certificate of Education Research.

    Alternative exits

    • Graduate Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (E604)

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    With a deeper understanding of the linguistic, cultural and pedagogical aspects of language learning, you will graduate as a self-motivated, well-equipped and culturally aware language teacher.

    As a graduate of this course you will be equipped to pursue roles such as EAL teacher, head of EAL learning, or EAL curriculum designer and adviser, across a range of public and private learning institutions.

    Note: this degree does not qualify students to work within school settings as a registered teacher in Australia. Students who wish to gain teacher accreditation should consider the Master of Teacher (Primary or Secondary) and the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary).

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

    Professional recognition

    This course will be recognised as professional development towards TESOL as a specialist teaching area.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Critically analyse specialist knowledge of theoretical principles, concepts and methodologies which underpin contemporary approaches to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and apply this knowledge to plan, teach, assess and reflect for effective design and innovative learning programs across a range of language-related, professional learning and educational contexts.
    Communication Employ a range of oral and written communication skills and standards required of professional educators and learning professionals to be able to transmit complex knowledge in one or more languages to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and in professional and scholarly contexts.
    Digital literacy Use expert knowledge of, and technical proficiency in, digital technologies that can be specifically used to creatively support teaching and learning practices in TESOL.
    Critical thinking Identify, synthesise and critically evaluate relevant theories that inform second language acquisition, TESOL principles and practices.
    Problem solving Demonstrate expert and specialist knowledge of relevant learning theories to identify, analyse and evaluate authentic problems of practice, and generate informed and innovative solutions.
    Self-management Apply the knowledge and skills required of professional educators and learning professionals to demonstrate autonomy, leadership and expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility in education contexts, research and for further learning.
    Teamwork Work effectively and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team to create solutions to authentic problems of practice.
    Global citizenship Apply self-knowledge and research to identify and address issues relating to the ethical and responsive teaching of languages in diverse communities, in a global context and with students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.

    Approved at Faculty Board August 2020

    *Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.