M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip. in English Language Teaching

The M.Phil. in English Language Teaching (ELT) incorporates academic, research and practical elements within its structure. It supports an integrated approach to English language teaching that balances theory with practice. The course will give practicing teachers the opportunity to explore current issues in ELT, and to deepen their understanding of the theoretical and practical concerns that underlie their teaching in TESOL and other settings.

For students who are new to teaching, the electives modules in English Language Teaching Practice can provide exposure to lesson planning and teaching approaches through the use of classroom observation, controlled micro-teaching practice, and other means.

The M.Phil. in English Language Teaching programme benefits in particular from CLCS's involvement in the development and implementation of two Council of Europe tools that are important in the current debate about language learning, teaching and assessment world-wide: the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the European Language Portfolio. These tools are relevant in English language teaching environments, including TESOL environments.

Applicants should have a good honours degree (at least an upper second or equivalent; GPA of at least 3.2). Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must meet the College's requirements for English-language proficiency, i.e. the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. For this course, no individual IELTS band can be below 6 (or the minimum equivalents in other approved English language proficiency tests listed on the College website). Students whose first language is not English are encouraged to attend our pre-sessional Summer programme to prepare them for postgraduate study in Ireland.

All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must present one of the following qualifications in the English language:

• TOEFL: 88 internet-based, 570 paper-based, 230 computer-based
• University of Cambridge: Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2), Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE Academic: a minimum score of 63 to be eligible (with no section score below 59)