Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Linguistics

In both the private and public sectors, there is demand for professionals with strong language skills who can work in culturally diverse environments. If you are interested in the way in which we communicate and how it can influence people, studying linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) will help you unravel how language is inextricably linked to who we are.

Linguistics is devoted to the scientific study of natural language and concerned with how languages evolve, are structured and what they have in common. It also studies how languages are acquired and used. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a practical branch of applied linguistics and our focus is on helping you put the skills you learn to practical use in the world of work. Our TESOL experts will help you understand language learning and teaching approaches, as well as the English language itself. You will develop a new understanding of different types of communication and other cultures.

As part of your degree you will have the opportunity to take the internationally recognised Trinity Cert TESOL teaching qualification, one of only two globally recognised TESOL qualifications. Combining this qualification with the skills you’ll develop throughout your degree will prepare you for the world of work, equipping you to follow in the footsteps of our graduates, many of whom who work around the world.

Our department is home to a wealth of research expertise and that expertise is transferred directly into the classroom. You could be learning from academics who are actively involved in having a real-world impact, from forensic linguistics, to accent mapping, to the language used to describe endometriosis pain. With this expertise here for you to draw on, your learning is not only relevant, but it's also cutting edge, and our strong local, national and global links will help you to enhance your study and future employment opportunities.

After your second year you can choose to progress to your final year or take an optional year out going on placement or studying abroad. Both are great options to get more experience. We’ll help you arrange everything and give you all the support you’ll need.*

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

As part of your programme, you will have the opportunity to take the internationally recognised Trinity Cert TESOL. This professional qualification is one of only two certificates recognised by leading TESOL employers across the globe. Undertaking the qualification ensures you complete the degree with classroom ‘teaching practice’ experience and will set you apart from the competition when applying for jobs.

Enhance your employability through internships and volunteering - our award-winning ‘Rise at Manchester Met’ programme encourages you to learn career-ready skills beyond the focus of your course and potentially gain extra academic credits towards your degree.

You will have access to the Language Resource Centre, providing a range of language learning software and study spaces to practise and interact with languages students from across the programme

You will be taught by leading researchers in the field, with real-world linguistic experience, including the identification of notorious criminals in forensic linguistics and research on Greater Manchester’s regional accents as part of the ‘Manchester Voices’ project.

Our TESOL academic staff have extensive experience teaching across various regions in the world, including Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Experience the world – you will have the opportunity to spend your third year studying overseas or on placement.