Study Master of Education (TESOL) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMTL

Fees
AUD$ 31,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
AUD$ 33,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
082450F

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree in any discipline or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education, or a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum (equivalent to 18 units), are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.

Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education with a major (6 courses) in English language and/or linguistics and 2 years of relevant experience in an educational setting, or a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum (equivalent to 18 units) as well as a major in English language and/or linguistics and 2 years of teaching experience, are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL (36 units) Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study.

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The last intake for this program is July 2023. If you intend to commence your study in 2024 visit Postgraduate Education

Degree overview

Broaden your career prospects with a specialisation in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Benefit from flexible learning options, including online study and intensive on-campus workshops.
Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including doctoral studies.
UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia¹ and World top 100 in Education².
Our curriculum is informed by our above world-class research in education³.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2022 QS Subject Rankings
²2023 THE Subject Rankings
³Results for Specialist Studies in Education – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.

Snapshot

This master degree is designed for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and who would like to work in a setting where they teach English to speakers of other languages.

The unique curriculum allows you to explore a range of educational issues, further develop research skills and collaborate, network and interact with like-minded professionals. You will also learn about recent developments in theories, research, debates and practices regarding the teaching of English as an additional language.

Graduates of this degree are qualified to teach the English language in a variety of settings, from preschool to adult and tertiary settings.

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. Please see the entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM132
1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM140
1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM141

Please note that this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.

What you'll learn

You will graduate from this master’s degree with an advanced understanding of educational theory and TESOL methodologies; you will also develop advanced research skills.

The curriculum is separated into two different streams - the Education Project pathway and the Education Thesis pathway. Each pathway explores research methods, with the Thesis pathway preparing students for further learning, such as doctoral studies.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
EDUCATION PROJECT PATHWAY
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Theorists and Theories of Learning and Development	EDUC 5220	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Learning Communities and Cultures	EDUC 5219	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Learning English as an Additional Language	EDUC 5180	4.5	Note(s): 1,5	Rule(s): 2
Language and Culture in TESOL	EDUC 5111	4.5	Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
TESOL Approaches and Strategies	EDUC 5199	4.5	Note(s): 2,5	Rule(s): 2
Teaching and Language Assessment in TESOL	EDUC 5110	4.5	Note(s): 1
International Comparative Studies in Education	EDUC 5218	4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Evidence-Informed Practice in Education	EDUC 5217	4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Curriculum Development in TESOL	EDUC 5154	4.5	Note(s): 1,5	Rule(s): 2
Language Learning in TESOL: Learner Identity and Difference	EDUC 5109	4.5	Note(s): 1
Research Methods and Issues in Education	EDUC 5033	9	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Curriculum and Evaluation in TESOL	EDUC 5112	4.5	Note(s): 1
Critical Reflection on TESOL Practice	EDUC 5215	4.5	Note(s): 2,5	Rule(s): 2
Project in Education	EDUC 5030	9	Note(s): 2
EDUCATION THESIS PATHWAY
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Theorists and Theories of Learning and Development	EDUC 5220	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Learning Communities and Cultures	EDUC 5219	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Learning English as an Additional Language	EDUC 5180	4.5	Note(s): 1,5	Rule(s): 1,2
Language and Culture in TESOL	EDUC 5111	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Curriculum and Evaluation in TESOL	EDUC 5112	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 2
Teaching and Language Assessment in TESOL	EDUC 5110	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 2
Research Methods and Issues in Education	EDUC 5033	9	Note(s): 3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Curriculum Development in TESOL	EDUC 5154	4.5	Note(s): 1,5	Rule(s): 1,2
Language Learning in TESOL: Learner Identity and Difference	EDUC 5109	4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 2
Design for Education Thesis	EDUC 5216	9	Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Education Thesis A	EDUC 5205	9	Note(s): 3
Education Thesis B	EDUC 5206	9	Note(s): 3

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education, or a four year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum (equivalent to 18 units) are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.

2. Applicants who have completed a four-year Bachelor degree in Education with a major (6 courses) in English language and/or linguistics and 2 years of relevant experience in an educational setting, or a four-year Bachelor degree with studies in educational methodology and curriculum (equivalent to 18 units) as well as a major in English language and/or linguistics and 2 years of teaching experience, are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL (36 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study.

Notes

1. These courses are core courses.

2. These courses make up the Education Project pathway.

3. These courses make up the Education Thesis pathway.

4. Students can select either the Education Project pathway or the Education Thesis pathway. Students must have achieved a GPA of 5.0 for the first 18 units of the program before being permitted to enrol in the Education Thesis pathway.

5. Students admitted to this program with a completed bachelor degree, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Certificate IV in TESOL and at least 2 years teaching experience, upon successful completion of these four courses, are eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Education (TESOL).

6. Students entering the Education Project Pathway and the Education Thesis Pathway with advanced standing will receive study plans as they will need to complete specific courses to graduate with their specified pathway.

7. The Program Director will provide advice to students who enter the program after Study Period 1 or if students have received credit, entered with an articulation agreement, have advanced standing, enter as part of a special cohort, or have any special circumstances.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

case studies
projects
critical literature reviews
presentations

There may also be essays or assignments.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Master of Education (TESOL)

We are South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees. The curriculum for this master’s degree is informed by our above world-class research¹.

In addition, you will benefit from the skills, expertise and knowledge of our experienced lecturers who are active in research related to multi-literacies and global Englishes. As Australia’s university of enterprise:

we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 33,000 students
we hold the 29th spot in the QS World University Rankings for institutions under 50 years old²

It’s a very good time to choose UniSA for your postgraduate study.

¹Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia
²2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50

Study at UniSA

Hear from Wen Wen Jia as she shares her experiences studying a Master of Education (TESOL) at UniSA.

Career outcomes

Your career

Teachers have a passion for learning and a dedication to the social, emotional, physical and psychological development of their students. Well-developed interpersonal skills, patience, as well as impeccable organisational and communication skills, are key attributes of successful educators. Graduates of this master’s degree are qualified to teach the English language in a variety of settings, from preschool to adult and tertiary settings.

Careers to consider may include:

English language educator: teach English language to non-English speakers in a variety of settings
curriculum developer: research relevant and current topics that are beneficial to student learning, and assist teachers by informing them of the most recent techniques and educational approaches
educational leader: review current learning and develop strategies to enhance teaching outcomes

Please note that this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I am the Program Director for the Master of Education, Master of Education (TESOL) and the Graduate Diploma in Education Studies (Digital Learning). I am also a Lecturer in English Language and Literacy. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching, Bachelor of Arts(Hons) and Master of Arts in linguistics at Deakin University (Melbourne), and my PhD in linguistics at the University of Sydney.

Dr David Caldwell

Program Director

Enquire

Dr David Caldwell

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

The TESOL specialisation at the University of South Australia is one of the best degrees of its kind in an English speaking country. I had a great experience learning in a cooperative classroom atmosphere, meeting smart and friendly people, studying in sophisticated facilities, and being mentored by very experienced staff with the latest teaching methods.

Nurul Fadillah

Master of Education (TESOL)

Nurul Fadillah

Master of Education (TESOL)

What I enjoyed the most about my degree was that every workshop was a significant and relevant opportunity to learn. My lecturers provided me with the necessary tools I needed for continuous improvement and were highly knowledgeable.

Daphne Estrada

Master of Education (TESOL)

2018 August Photo Shoot_Daphne Vilca_Peru_Image 3.jpg

Daphne Estrada

Master of Education (TESOL)

University of South Australia student, Nurul Fadillah, talks about her experience studying the TESOL specialisation as part of the Master of Education, and how she has found the transition from her hometown in Indonesia to life in Adelaide.