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

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
MMTL

SATAC Code
4CM132 (Internal/External)
4CM140 (Internal/External)
4CM141 (Internal/External)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
$AU 26,900 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2023

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. 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

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication

With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.

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

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
you will be redirected to the SATAC website to continue your application

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

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

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 student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. 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

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Dr David Caldwell

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

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

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

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

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

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.