Keele University

What you'll study

The programme combines core modules in applied linguistics, second language acquisition and research methods with applied modules that focus on classroom practice, materials development and assessment. You will study topics such as language description and grammar for teachers, approaches to teaching the four language skills, lesson planning and syllabus design, assessment and testing in language learning, and contemporary issues in TESOL including technology-enhanced learning and multilingual classroom contexts.

Study typically culminates in an independent research project or dissertation that allows you to investigate a topic in depth (for example, classroom interaction, course design, assessment validity or teacher cognition). Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, practical workshops and small-group tutorials; assessment methods include essays, observed teaching or micro-teaching tasks, portfolio work and the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as English, linguistics, modern languages, education or a related social science. Applicants with a lower second-class degree (2:2) may be considered with relevant professional experience in language teaching or education. International applicants are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency; acceptable evidence typically includes an academic English test score at postgraduate level (for example, a score equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0), or other recognised qualifications. Applicants without formal qualifications but with substantial ELT experience may be considered on an individual basis and are encouraged to provide a full CV and references.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in English language teaching and beyond. Common destinations include classroom teaching in state and private schools, colleges and language centres both in the UK and internationally; roles in teacher training and continuing professional development; curriculum and materials development for publishers or language providers; and assessment and testing roles for educational organisations. The programme also prepares students for doctoral study in applied linguistics, language education or related fields, and can support moves into education management, international education administration, or educational publishing and online learning design.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a supportive, research-led environment with small-group teaching and regular feedback from academic staff actively working in applied linguistics and language education. The campus provides opportunities to engage in practical teaching work and peer observation, and students benefit from access to university resources including library collections, corpora and language learning facilities. The interdisciplinary ethos at Keele encourages connections across linguistics, education and digital learning, helping you to develop both the theoretical grounding and the practical skills employers in ELT value.