MA TESOL
The MA TESOL programme will provide you with the opportunity to develop both a scholarly and practical understanding of the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
September 2026
Full time
18 months
Suzhou
This programme leads to a University of Liverpool degree which is recognised by Ministry of Education, China.
Knowledge and skills
- By the time you graduate from the MA TESOL, you will have:an advanced understanding of key issues, theories and practices in the field of English language teaching and the connections between theory and practice
- a sound knowledge of language in context and the ability to explore the implications of language analysis for teaching purposes
- an understanding of current methodology as it is embodied in classroom practice
- the ability to engage with theories underlying current views on language learning, including the importance of individual differences amongst learners in their abilities and learning preferences
- skills to conduct academic research
- the ability to integrate technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your language teaching
We will help you to develop latest research and practice including the use of the advanced technology in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). More importantly, you can earn a UK degree in an English-medium instruction (EMI) context in China. Our graduates are currently teaching English at universities, public and international schools in and outside China. Join our programme, we can help you achieve your dream!
Dr Bin Zou
Programme director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
The university offers a broad range of activities aiming to enrich master students’ theoretical and experiential learning and professional development. Trainings, workshops and seminars, covering varieties of themes and topics, both generic and subject-specific, are often offered at both university and school/department levels. You may also be provided with opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or intern at XJTLU. Depending on the programme, field trips and company visits may be organized, and invited talks may be given by the industrial experts and professionals. Such activities will not only support you in your programme study, but also develop your personal and professional skills and enhance your overall employability.
I find that when I prepare for classes, I can always draw on what I have learned from the programme and apply those things.
Yunyi Zhou
Alumna, MA TESOL,China
Choosing to pursue TESOL at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has been an exceptionally rewarding decision. The university's rich teaching resources and abundant opportunities, together with the teachers' selfless support and professional academic mentorship, have not only broadened my theoretical understanding of TESOL but also enabled me to connect theory meaningfully with practice. I am sincerely grateful for this journey. The teachers' patience, their genuine respect for students, and their openness to discussion and exchange have created a highly engaging learning environment. My one and a half years of studying TESOL at XJTLU have been inspiring and will remain one of the most valuable and memorable chapters of my life.
Zi Yuan
Alumna, MA TESOL
As an international student, the decision to study MA TESOL at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has led to excellent career opportunities. Certainly, the extraordinary kindness, diligent teamwork and sincere friendship within our wonderful cohort truly enhanced the educational experience. Most of all, the exceptional faculty consistently provided the finest academic instruction and fair assessments via challenging modules designed to prepare each student for a bright and successful future in TESOL.
Travis Shula
Alumnus, MA TESOL
Careers
MA TESOL graduates are well prepared to launch or advance careers in English language teaching and related fields. Our graduates serve as EFL teachers in public primary and middle schools, international schools, universities, and colleges both in China and abroad. They also hold positions in training centres, publishing houses, educational materials development, and corporate management or administrative roles with Fortune Global 500 companies.
Recent teaching appointments span all academic levels, including Suzhou Industrial Park Foreign Language School, Dulwich International School Suzhou, Zhenze High School of Jiangsu Province, Kunshan Lujia Senior High School, Hangzhou Yuhang No.1 High School, Shanghai Shangde Experimental School, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, South China Normal University, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), among others.
The programme also provides a strong foundation for further study, with graduates pursing doctoral degrees at over ten renowned institutions worldwide, including Nanjing University, the National University of Singapore, the University of Bath, and Florida State University.
Overview
The MA TESOL programme equips students with a solid foundation in state-of-the-art research, theories, methods, technologies and practices in English language teaching.
The programme is suitable for (current/future) language teachers, teacher trainers, educational materials writers and test designers who wish to further develop their range of professional skills and knowledge.
You will study in a dynamic, international environment with students from around the world and learn from highly experienced academic staff.
Why should I study TESOL at XJTLU?