✓ Learn to teach English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a variety of educational settings

✓ Suitable for students with no prior experience, plus a fast-track option for those with experience

✓ Teach EAL in Australia, internationally or online

✓ Teachers up-skill your teaching qualifications with an EAL Teaching specialisation to teach in schools*

✓ Research-driven learning

*Eligibility for teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is required to take the EAL Teaching specialisation. Contact the VIT to determine eligibility if you do not already hold current registration.

Gain the skills required to start an exciting career teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) with our internationally recognised Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course. There is a high demand for English teachers, as it's one of the world's most widely spoken languages. Exploring teaching English in a global context, you’ll develop specialised skills to suit varied teaching environments, both in Australia and overseas.

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Who is the course for?

The Master of TESOL is suitable for students of all backgrounds, with no prior experience in the field required. The course provides options for those who want to teach English as an Additional Language (EAL) in a range of educational environments around the world, ranging from mainstream schools* to language centres for adult and child migrants. Existing teachers (with eligibility for VIT registration) may upskill their teaching qualifications with an EAL specialisation.

Please note: the Master of TESOL does not provide an initial teacher qualification to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching as a school teacher in Australia. For information on becoming a teacher, please visit the Become a Teacher page.

Why choose the Master of TESOL with us?

In the Master of TESOL, you’ll be taught by a number of internationally recognised education experts. As students of the Faculty of Education researchers, you’ll experience research-led learning, focusing on concepts and findings. As well as strong leaders and educators, the course has also been built for practical application in the real world. Our teacher placements are an integral part of the course which allow students to experience real-life teaching in primary, secondary or adult education environments.

The reputation of the University of Melbourne is strong and globally recognised, particularly for education in Australia being at the cutting edge of teaching and research.

Support while you learn

We take pride in the excellent support we offer our Master of TESOL students from enrolment, throughout their studies, and beyond. Our students are successful because of the support and guidance they get when leading a class for the first time. You will receive ongoing support both on campus and while on placement. If you are an Indigenous student, we offer a range of support services here at the University of Melbourne via Murrup Barak. Find out more.

In the Master of TESOL you’ll gain a rich understanding of the critical issues in TESOL research, methodology and assessment. You will learn to apply current TESOL methods to enhance classroom practice and learning with creativity and initiative. You'll also master management techniques to make sure your TESOL programs are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Study Structure

The Master of TESOL course is comprised of both supported teacher placement and face-to face learning. Entry points to the course are in both semester 1 and 2, designed to suit most schedules. For flexibility around professional or family commitments, we also offer the Master of TESOL on a part time (domestic students only) or full time basis.

Standard program:

• This is the standard offering for those without a teaching qualification or experience
• 200 points of coursework
• Year 1: 4 x compulsory subjects and 4 x electives chosen from the Master of Education. Students must complete the 4 compulsory subjects first in semester 1, before their chosen electives. All 4 compulsory subjects and 4 electives must be completed before you enrol into any additional languages electives for Year 2.
• Year 2:
  • Capstone professional project option, 6 x additional languages electives and 1 x capstone professional project subject; or
  • Research pathway option, 4 x additional languages electives and 2 research pathway subjects.

Fast-track program:

• Up to 100 credit points of advanced standing will be given to applicants who have either: A four-year education degree, or equivalent; or an undergraduate degree in any discipline and at least 100 credit points, or equivalent, of graduate study in education.
• Year 2: Either the Capstone professional project option or the Research pathway option, as detailed for the Standard program. Alternatively, see details of the EAL Teaching specialisation option further below.

Please note: Applicants who have completed the University of Melbourne Graduate Certificate in TESOL may be eligible to apply for entry to the Master of TESOL with 100 points of advanced standing, plus receive 50 points of credit for the ‘EAL Teaching’ specialisation subjects.

Also available: Graduate Certificate in TESOL

How will I study?

The delivery mode of our course is face-to-face classes on the Parkville campus, plus supported teacher placement in primary, secondary or adult educational settings. The classes on campus are held in the evenings and on the weekends.

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teaching specialisation requires 22 days of supervised placement at a school or similar setting during school hours (this option is available in the fast-track option, and requires eligibility for Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration. Please contact the VIT to determine eligibility if you do not already hold current registration.

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Our Master of TESOL graduates complete the course as highly-employable, versatile candidates for teaching jobs around the world, in Australia or online. The course is employment focussed, meaning we will guide you in the right direction to get the career outcomes you’re seeking. You'll finish the course with the specialist ability to develop curriculum towards teaching English as an additional language.

Industry connections

Through your education studies, teaching placements and research projects, you will develop strong professional and personal connections with community and industry that will open doors to an outstanding future.

Highly employable 

Finish your course confident of gaining employment, thanks to the excellent reputation of the Faculty of Education. We have been consistently ranked as #1 in Australia and in the world's top 15 for Education, meaning a degree from us is a globally recognised achievement.

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have a three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

IELTS (academic English Only): Overall 7.0 (with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 94 + ; Writing 27; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 65 + written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 185 + no less than 185 in Writing and 169 in each other skill