Master of Arts (TESOL)

By the end of the Program, students of the Master of Arts (TESOL), are able to:

1. Develop and demonstrate knowledge of the most current and relevant theories of language, linguistics, language acquisition and pedagogies for teaching English as a Second or Additional Language, in diverse contexts including online teaching, evidenced through completing authentic and relevant assessment tasks;
2. Apply the knowledge of the pedagogical principles in practical classroom contexts during the Teaching Practicum, evidenced through delivering interesting, well-planned and effective ES/AL lessons;
3. Gain the knowledge necessary for being able to independently develop a wide range of teaching skills such as classroom strategies, language curricula, assessment instruments or digital resources, through developing authentic projects throughout the program;
4. Develop a personalised professional teaching philosophy, preparing you for working in increasingly globalised, digitalised and intercultural educational contexts, at the time of rapid change, evidenced throughout the participation in the Master of Arts (TESOL) in TESOL activities throughout the program.

With internationalisation revolutionising education globally, the ability to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms is no longer needed only by teachers of English as a Second Language. Being able to work with diverse student cohorts has become essential for all teachers, at all levels of education. The Master of Arts (TESOL) develops knowledge and skills necessary for teaching English as a Second or Additional Language and for working in diverse classrooms in varied educational contexts, in Australia and internationally. The Program equips prospective and experienced teachers with knowledge and skills necessary for working in an increasingly globalised world. Prospective teachers develop abilities for starting a new career. For the current teachers, the TESOL program provides an opportunity for professional development and for extending their specialised qualifications.

The Master of Arts (TESOL) (Online) has two components: theoretical and practical. The Program involves the completion of 12 subjects which (1) develop theoretical knowledge of second language teaching and learning and (2) provide opportunities for teacher trainees to apply these theories in a language classroom. (1) The first component allows the students to engage in synchronous and asynchronous online activities, focusing on the principles of teaching and learning a second/additional language, linking theories with their classroom applications and developing a personalised philosophy and practical approach to classroom teaching. Students explore many applied linguistics fields relevant for teaching and gain knowledge on themes such as how languages work, how language functions in a society or how language learning progresses. They learn a wide range of practical skills such as how to be effective teachers in traditional and online classrooms, how to plan effective and exciting lessons, or how to design valid assessment instruments, language curricula or exciting digital resources for learning. (2) The second, practical component. Students at Bond have the unique opportunity to undertake a Teaching Practicum (minimum 35hrs), during which they work with language students, under the supervision of an experienced teacher, in a real language learning and teaching institution. The Practicum is organised at Bond University College, an ELT Centre located on the Bond University Gold Coast campus. If students are unable to complete their Practicum at Bond University College, it is their responsibility to secure the placement in another ELT centre. Depending on prior qualifications and individual arrangements, students organise their Practicum in schools or other ELT Centres, with many teachers completing it at the place of their current employment.

Students have an opportunity to work with a lecturer and peers in a virtual classroom, in the weekly interactive and collaborative online tutorials. These sessions, although not compulsory, provide a unique opportunity for being part of a dynamic learning community. Students also engage in self-paced learning through pre-recorded and post-recorded resources and gamified learning activities.

Domestic and international students can commence their studies in the Master of Arts (TESOL) in the January, May or September semester and they can study either part-time or full-time. The full-time study consists of four subject enrolments. It is estimated that, on average, you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week, per subject, in order to successfully complete it. Students who are in employment are, therefore, advised to undertake their studies part-time, particularly in their first semester of study.

This program is available to international (offshore) students, however not available for international student visa holders (onshore) residing in Australia.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• Research Methods (HUMR71-100)
• Approaches to Language Teaching (LING71-101)
• Practice of Language Teaching (LING71-102)
• Grammar for Language Teachers (LING71-110)
• Nature of Language (LING71-103)
• Second Language Learners (LING71-104)
• Language in Society (LING71-105)
• Language Assessment (LING71-109)
• Curriculum Design (LING71-107)
• Megatrends and Education (LING71-111)
• Language Policy in a Global Context (LING71-112)

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Arts (TESOL), students must complete 120 credit points, as follows:

• Option 1 (Major option): Students complete 8 10cp subjects and a 40cp Major Research Project over two semesters
• Option 2 (Minor option): Students complete 11 subjects and a 10cp Project in TESOL. (or 12 10cp subjects)

Bond University does things differently. Your lecturers will know you and your tutors will invest time in you, so that your learning will get the attention it deserves. It's this individual approach that the university believes sets them apart. It's also why, for 13 years running, Bond University has received the highest possible ranking for student experience in Australia from the independent Good Universities Guide.

Learn more about Bond University.

QS Ranking 2024:

29

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

30

• Completion of a Masters degree in any discipline area; or
• Completion of a Bachelor degree in the discipline areas of either Education, Management, Commerce, Society, Culture and Communication; or
• Completion of a Bachelor degree in any discipline area not listed above, PLUS
  • a personal statement (approximately 500 words) explaining why the student wishes to study the program and evidence of knowledge in the field of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, and
  • a CV including details of paid or voluntary work, or other experiences (eg special interest groups) relevant to the program

As tuition is delivered in English, students will need to provide documented evidence of the required level English language proficiency as part of your enrolment.

Credits for Prior Study

Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students.

Students at Bond have the unique opportunity to undertake a Teaching Practicum (minimum 35hrs), during which they work with language students, under the supervision of an experienced teacher, in a real language learning and teaching institution.

Students require either a PC, Mac desktop or laptop computer with PDF reader installed. Microsoft office is desirable but not essential.

Access to a webcam, speakers and microphone are essential. A headset device (mic & headphones) is recommended but not essential. Please note that many computers may have these built in already, please check with your supplier before purchasing additional items.

Mobile devices like Android and Apple devices have Applications (apps) for you to download for online study; these have limited operation and may not be suitable for some tutorials.