Undergraduate

Education Studies (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

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Develop the skills to teach English confidently and creatively in a global context with our BA TESOL degree.
You'll earn the highly sought-after Trinity Certificate in TESOL alongside your degree - a qualification recognised nationally and internationally by the British Council.
In your second year, placements abroad offer the chance to broaden your perspective and gain international experience.
A focal point of our campus, the Brynmor Jones Library offers a range of study spaces and group learning rooms.
Study your way, this course gives the chance to complete a core programme in Education Studies or specialise in one of three pathways.
students looking at community calendar
Global Strategy Office
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The Brynmor Jones Library at dusk
Brynmor Jones Library Reading Room

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Prepare for a global career in teaching with our BA TESOL degree at the University of Hull.

This dynamic programme prepares you to become a confident and creative TESOL teacher, combining academic study with practical classroom experience. You’ll explore language learning theory, teaching methods, and teacher language awareness, while developing your skills in real teaching contexts.

With placements each year - including opportunities to teach abroad and work with migrant and refugee communities - you’ll gain invaluable experience in primary, secondary, adult education, and community TESOL settings. Plus, you’ll earn the prestigious Trinity Certificate in TESOL, boosting your credentials for a global career in TESOL.

  • 94.9% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • 1st in the UK

    for teaching on my course 1

  • Learn hands on

    with a work-based placement

  • Gain an extra qualification

    in TESOL 3

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Develop the skills to teach English confidently and creatively in a global context with our BA TESOL degree. This forward-thinking programme equips you with a solid foundation in English language teaching, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. You'll gain expertise in language learning theories, teaching methodologies, and classroom practices while earning the highly sought-after Trinity Certificate in TESOL alongside your degree - a qualification recognised nationally and internationally by the British Council.

Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from supported placements each year, with opportunities to work in primary, secondary, and adult education settings, community TESOL classes, and with refugee and migrant communities. In your second year, placements abroad offer the chance to broaden your perspective and gain international experience.

Images show some of the activities that TESOL pathway students have been involved in recent years through their studies and the Talking Hull project. Through the TESOL pathway and Talking Hull, students have opportunities to enhance their formal studies by working with local asylum seeker and refugee communities on placements, through voluntary opportunities and on extra-curricular events such as the unique Festival of Community and Language. For more details on this, contact M.NIckson@hull.ac.uk

Delivered by expert academics and supported by Hull's strong community networks, this course bridges the gap between theory and practice. You'll graduate with the skills, knowledge, and qualification needed to pursue diverse career paths in teaching English, including Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English as a Foreign Language (EFL), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and English as an Additional Language (EAL), whether in schools, adult education, or global teaching opportunities.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time is divided across the year varies and depends on the module you are studying.

How you'll be assessed depends on the course you study, and the modules you choose. You may be assessed through a mix of examinations, coursework, presentations and group projects.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, you need 120 credits per year – so you’ll study up to six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as your extended research project, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core20 credits

Introduction to Education

This module sets the scene for the programme, starting with your own background and experience and exploring what education means, how it differs from schooling and key concepts and approaches. It will also help you to develop the academic skills necessary for your degree programme.

Core20 credits

Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education

This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting their findings to your peers.

Core20 credits

Group Challenge (Humanities)

Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artifacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.

Compulsory20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Compulsory20 credits

Academic Writing Skills

Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which also aims to familiarise you with submission and assessment procedures in the context of Higher Education. This is a clear building block onto your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.

Compulsory20 credits

In the foundation year, you are introduced to subjects relating to education. Modules comprise aspects of psychological, sociological and historical aspects of learning; study skills; and an introduction to the environments for learning, which will investigate learning in a variety of settings.

6 Modules

Education, Power and Knowledge

Education is at the forefront of social change for social justice.  This module offers you the opportunity to make a difference, through Education, from the beginning of your studies.  As agents of educational change, you will undertake a collaborative project which focuses on the issues you are passionate about alongside fellow students and academics. You will examine how mainstream education has been shaped through agendas of power that reproduce social inequalities.  This module then introduces you to existing alternative approaches to education and to the direct action of educators and learners which come from those approaches. Alternative approaches to education can act as driver of change to challenge poverty, inequality, and sustainable community development at local, national, and global contexts.

Compulsory20 credits

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

This engaging module provides foundation knowledge and skills that will enable you to develop understanding and analysis of social inequalities and the nature of discrimination in contemporary society. There will be opportunities to explore key equality legislation and policy. The module will explore the ethical and political rationale for developing equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices as part of an agenda for social justice and social change.  

Compulsory20 credits

Learning Across the Lifespan

This module explores a diverse range of theories of human development and learning. Using real world examples, you will be encouraged to apply a combination of theories to understand, consider and reflect upon appropriate courses of action to address issues found across a range: of relevant settings and contexts.

Compulsory20 credits

Ethical Dilemmas and the Moral Maze

Dealing with real-world, ethical, or moral dilemmas is both challenging and pertinent to all areas of lived experience and professional, practice.  The module will introduce you to a range of theoretical models and provide opportunities to explore these in relation to real world ethical dilemmas drawn from professional practice contexts.  

Compulsory20 credits

Social Justice and Social Change

Social Justice and Social Change offers an exciting opportunity for you to make a difference from the outset of your studies. You will work collaboratively to co-produce the big social justice questions.  Why are so many children still living in poverty in the UK? Why does inequality still exist?  Why do so many young people leave school without being able to read and write?  What will good work look like in 2030. How is social media affecting ideas about education? What is your vision for the type of society you want to live in?  With these big questions in mind, you will become familiar with innovative, creative projects and initiatives that work with children, young people, and communities, locally, regionally, nationally and globally.  The module provides field work visits and placement alongside teaching and learning.

Compulsory40 credits
5 Modules

Managing Self in Contemporary Practice Contexts

This module will provide opportunities to understand how organisations work in contemporary society and will consider different approaches to leadership. The module will encourage you to explore your own approach to leading and managing in the 21st century and introduce you to a range of graduate futures across all organisation types including for example schools, charities, health services or your own enterprise business. The module will encourage you to think about leadership in new ways as well as understanding the challenges facing organisations in developing ethical and socially just practices and services. You will acquire a range of skills and develop your knowledge to help you make a difference through activities such as knowing where to source funding and write a funding bid to evidence good practice.

Compulsory20 credits

Introduction to English Language Teaching

This module looks at how language is governed by the context in which it occurs, and how far this affects the way that it is learned. You will seek to answer the following core questions: 

Why are there so many different ways of saying the same thing?

How can we best describe language use? 

What is the connection between language use and language learning? 

Compulsory20 credits

Language and Communication in Context

This module aims to heighten students’ language awareness particularly from the perspective of emerging language teacher, whilst enabling students to develop an understanding of the relationship between language form, function and meaning and show how these are dependent on genre and context. You will explore how the nature of language use has profound implications for how it should be taught. This feeds onto the second major element of the module; Language Learning. Here you will examine how languages are learned, why some learners are more successful than others and what research can tell us about how best to go about teaching them. 

Compulsory20 credits

Communities of Practice

This is a participatory, experiential, and collaborative module in which you will be introduced to a series of provocations identified by practitioners working at a grass root level in range of TESOL/EFL/EAL settings. The module works alongside the professional practice placement and will enable you to undertake in-depth investigation into issues you are encountering in placement.

Compulsory20 credits

Professional Practice Placement

You will have the opportunity to learn about different approaches to teaching english to speakers of other languages and in practices that make a difference in a range of different settings drawing on the TESOL team's extensive networks in and across community settings or through an extended placement abroad. Through your placement experience you will become increasingly confident in your ability to make a difference and drive your, own professional development.

Compulsory40 credits
5 Modules

Voice and Influence

This dynamic module will extend your knowledge and understanding of the role and purpose of voice and influence in your practice with children, young people, families, adults and communities. It is crucial that people have a voice and the opportunity to influence decisions that affect them and the matters that are of importance to them. The module will examine models of voice and influence from forums and campaigns to the role of the media. It will also explore issues of advocacy and   ways to support children, young people, adults and communities in representing their views, needs and wishes to decision makers.

Compulsory20 credits

Extended Research Project

This module builds on your learning and development throughout the three years of your degree and offers an exciting opportunity to delve deeply into and explore a contemporary issue which you feel passionate about that is relevant to your programme of study. You will have the opportunity to design, develop and conduct your own research project. Through the process of this research and writing up your extended research project you will develop specialist knowledge and skills relevant to your graduate future, whether that be employment or postgraduate study. 

Compulsory60 credits

Further Principles and Practice of English Language Teaching

This module gives you the opportunity to learn about the diverse and dynamic field of English Language teaching, with the development of key skills and insight relevant to a range of English language teaching and educational related employments and further study. In conjunction with the level 5 ‘Introduction to English Language teaching’ module, these combined modules importantly provide you with the opportunity to additionally achieve the Trinity Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – an internationally recognised professional English Language teaching qualification.  

Compulsory40 credits
3 Modules

Playlist

Dr Patricia Shaw

Course Overview 2 mins

Rewilding Reading

Research Highlight 9 mins

Teaching facilities

University Life 1 min

Accommodation at Hull

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Take a look at our facilities

Education Lecture Room

Study the theory in our lecture rooms – before you put your learning into practice in the classroom.

Forest School Training Centre

You could access our Forest School Training Centre with outdoor classroom, gardens, wooded area and wildflower meadows.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well more than a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, over 400 open-access PCs and one amazing view.

Group Lecture Room

Collaborate in group lecture rooms working as part of our vibrant community of students and staff who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities for others.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Forest School Training Centre

Look around

Look around

Education Lecture Room
Forest School Training Centre
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Wilberforce TV Teaching Room
Global Strategy Office

Future prospects

Graduates of this programme can pursue diverse and rewarding careers in English language teaching and community-focused roles.

These include becoming an English Language Teacher, EFL/ESOL Teacher in the UK or abroad, Academic Manager in a language school, or EFL Director of Studies. Others may work as Refugee Project Workers, Social Inclusion Coordinators, or Community Support Coordinators.

The course also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study, for example our MA Social Justice and Community Engagement or MA SENDI degrees, opening doors to advanced roles in education and beyond.

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

1. 94.9% employability (Education Studies) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

2. 1st in the UK for teaching on my course National Student Survey (NSS) 2024, HEIs only.

3. Students studying the TESOL pathway will receive the externally awarded Trinity Certificate in TESOL (Cert. TESOL) – Level 5 Ofqual QCA Certificate in TESOL qualification, supplementing their bachelors degree with an internationally recognised initial teacher education qualification.

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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