Postgraduate Course
TESOL with Korean MA
Learning Korean will give you the opportunity to teach English in Korea. Explore TESOL theory, policy and practice.
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Study Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) while also learning Korean. Whether you are currently a TESOL professional, or you wish to pursue this career in the future, this course will equip you to teach English around the globe. You will study alongside students from many parts of the world, who bring with them a diverse mix of educational backgrounds and experiences.
York campus
- Duration – 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Start date – September 2025, September 2026
- School – School of Education, Language and Psychology
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Written task If you do not meet these criteria
Tuition fees
UK 2025-26 £8,600 full time
International 2025-26 £11,800 full time
Discover TESOL
Dr Indu Meddegama introduce us to TESOL at York St John University.
Course overview
This MA course allows you to study Korean from beginner level. By the end of the course you will be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both orally and in writing. You'll be able to quickly adapt to teaching English in Korea with the skills you will learn on this course.
Our approach to teaching TESOL focuses on teaching English in a multilingual world. You will explore and critique theories of English language learning and apply these to your teaching. You will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in lesson planning and delivery.
You can also gain practical TESOL experience through our community programmes:
- YEAL (York: English as an Additional Language) is a student led voluntary outreach programme. You will be placed in a local school and work with EAL pupils to improve their English language skills.
- The Community Language School offers you the chance to help children aged 6-13 years develop their confidence and skills in using languages other than English.
This course is part of a suite of TESOL MA courses. Not sure which one to choose? Take a look at our other courses:
Course structure
How you will study
You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.
If you choose to study full time the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:
- 2 compulsory Korean module, 1 per semester
- 2 compulsory TESOL modules, 1 per semester
- 2 compulsory Languages and Linguistics modules, 1 per semester
- A compulsory Dissertation module
If you choose to study part time the course will take 2 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.
You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
This module will introduce you to key theoretical issues in second language learning, with a focus on theory development based on research evidence. We will explore comparisons with first language acquisition, and consider the importance of:
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Input, output, interaction
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Language learning process
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Learning environment and instruction
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Individual learner differences
The module will also provide you with opportunities to critically evaluate theoretical frameworks and research methods.
Credits: 15
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your critical understanding of current developments in the fields of language and applied linguistics. Topics include:
- Global Englishes
- Multilingualism and translanguaging
- Language and identity
- Language and meaning
- Language and social justice
- Language ideologies
You will evaluate and reflect on theory and debate in these areas to inform your own research and professional development needs.
Credits: 15
Optional module
If you have little or no experience, you will be placed in Korean Language Foundation 1. On this module, you will learn the Korean alphabet, basic language structure, and grammar. We will teach these through both lectures and communicative activities such as pair work or group work.
Credits: 15
Optional module
If you already have A1 level equivalent knowledge on Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), you will be placed in Korean Language in Practice 1. On this module you will develop your abilities to communicate in Korean and understand others, writing and telling creative narratives about events in the past or future. In both speech and in writing, you will describe people and places in detail and express your thoughts and opinions.
Credits: 15
Optional module
On this module you will develop your practical skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Building on earlier modules, you will encounter more complex language structures and be encouraged to work independently through grammar instruction, comprehension activities, and regular formative feedback. You will explore everyday and academic themes relevant to Korean society, enabling you to use Korean more confidently while also deepening your understanding of cultural and communicative practices in contemporary Korea.
Credits: 15
Optional module
On this project-based module, you will deepen your understanding of Korean language and culture, and reflect on the transferable skills you have built throughout your university journey. Through this project you will demonstrate your critical thinking, analytical skills, communication, and pragmatic strategies.
Credits: 30
Compulsory module
Gain practical experience in lesson planning and delivery and learn to explore how to adapt materials and methods to diverse contexts.
If you can provide evidence that you have successfully completed a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) qualification, you will be exempt from this module.
Credits: 15
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore the implications of research findings in applied linguistics. It will build a foundation for your future independent research, pedagogical work or public engagement activity. The module will give you the tools to take an enquiring approach in your future professional practice. We will consider key issues, principles and procedures for quantitative and qualitative research in language and linguistics. You will refine your skills in:
- Critical reading
- Searching for literature
- Compiling a bibliography
- Designing a research study or pedagogical / public engagement activity
- Writing a proposal
- Addressing ethical issues
Credits: 15
Optional module
On this module you will continue to develop basic communication skills across 4 key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While deepening your understanding of more advanced grammar and vocabulary, you will compose your own sentences on topics that interest you and that you are familiar with.
Credits: 15
Optional module
On this module you will learn to communicate effectively in everyday social and practical situations. Topics will include shopping, dining out, education, transportation, travelling, and visiting someone's home. You will acquire relevant vocabulary, become more familiar with the sounds of the language, and develop a solid understanding of Korean grammar in the present, past, and future tenses.
Credits: 15
Optional module
On this module you will build on your prior learning to further strengthen your skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through a balanced and practical approach, you will engage with grammar-focused lessons, comprehension tasks, and structured speaking practice. As you progress, you will continue to develop your ability to use Korean in both every day and academic contexts, while also broadening your understanding of Korean society and communication practices.
Credits: 15
Optional module
On this project-based module, you will further deepen your understanding of Korean language and culture, and reflect on the transferable skills you have acquired throughout your university journey. You will demonstrate your critical thinking, analytical skills, communication, and pragmatic strategies.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
On this module you have the freedom to conduct an independent research project related to TESOL. You can chose the focus of your research, and will be supported throughout by a tutor with expertise in your chosen area.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
You are encouraged to play an active role in your own learning. Your tutors will take the role of facilitators, encouraging you to think outside your own point of reference. You will be encouraged to share your experience and reflections through regular class discussions.
The course uses a range of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Lectures (with supporting materials posted on the Virtual Learning Environment)
- Tutor and student-led seminars, workshops and discussion groups
- Independent study and research
- Collection and analysis of data
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods on the course. These include:
- Essays
- Tests
- Self-reflection
- Data analysis
- Videos
- Peer teaching
- Critical reviews
You will receive support and feedback on assessments prior to submission. This will allow you to continually improve your academic work.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Written task If you do not meet these criteria
If you do not meet this criteria, either because your undergraduate degree is not in a related discipline or you do not have a 2:2, you are still encouraged to apply. We will ask you to submit a piece of written work that we will consider as part of your application.
You can find an example of the sort of task we would ask you to complete here:
You can enter this programme as a beginner in Korean. You can also enter if you have studied Korean before, as long as you do not already have C1 level or above of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).
If you can provide evidence that you have successfully completed a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) qualification, you will be exempt from the 30 credit Theory and Practice in Language Teaching module.
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
UK 2025- 2026 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:
- £8,600 for 1 year of full time study
- £4,300 per year for 2 years of part time study
These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
International 2025-2026 entry
The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this postgraduate course is:
- £11,800 for 1 year of full time study
- £5,900 per year for 2 years of part time study
These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
Tuition fees
UK 2025-26 £8,600 full time
International 2025-26 £11,800 full time
Alumni Scholarships
If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.
Additional costs and financial support
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Accommodation and living costs
View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Career outcomes
Where could TESOL with Korean take you?
This postgraduate degree could lead you to a career directly related to teaching English to speakers of other languages, or it could take you in a completely different direction, using the many transferrable skills you will develop.
This will give you an advantage for a career in:
- Teaching English to speakers of other languages
- Translation
- Research in industry
- Interpreting
- Social activism
Alumni stories
Visit our YSJ Snapshots blog to see what our past students from across the University have done with their York St John degrees.
Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study
Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £5,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2023).
Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.
Course highlights
Experience teaching
Through our YEAL (York: English as an Additional Language) and community language school you can apply your teaching skills while also making a difference in our community.
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Read our blog
When you join this course you will be part of the School of Education, Language and Psychology. Meet the team and read about the latest news and student achievements on our school blog.
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Mitchell TESOL with Korean MA
The course perfectly combines everything needed to be a successful TESOL practitioner. The theoretical study also prepares us well for future study, as it sets us up to be not only English teachers but also researchers if we want to go down that avenue. The staff are really helpful and approachable and you feel supported throughout your whole journey.
Liam TESOL and Korean MA
Having previously taught abroad, I found the course allowed me to understand certain elements of English language teaching and learning at a deeper level. The staff always do their best to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible and as mentioned, they are always willing to answer any questions from students. Not only did the course improve the quality of my teaching, it also allowed me gain new skills that can be applied to other aspects of studying and life. One thing that I have learnt is to keep my options open as there are several opportunities to forge a career in the field of TESOL on completing an MA.
Laura TESOL and Korean MA
The staff have been really helpful, which helps in terms of feeling like at home while in a foreign country. Being able to study Korean while also learning about TESOL and Linguistics has been more than stimulating. From placements while studying to professional development and helping students land their goals and dream opportunities, York St John and the staff working at University take a step further to ensure their students success.
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Open Evenings
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