Master of Arts (TESOL)

With internationalisation revolutionising education globally, the ability to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms is no longer only needed by English as a Second Language teachers but is becoming essential for all teachers, at all levels of education in Australia and globally. The Master of Arts in 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 is designed to provide prospective teachers with expert knowledge and skills for the initial experience of language teaching. The program also can provide experienced educators with an opportunity to extend their qualifications and gain advanced professional development. The Master of Arts in TESOL involves the completion of twelve (12) subjects which develop expert theoretical knowledge of second language teaching and learning, and provide opportunities for teacher trainees to apply these theories in a language classroom. Students engage in synchronous and asynchronous online/multimodal sessions. These sessions explore principles of teaching and learning English as a second/additional language or dialect and link theories with their classroom applications. Students develop a personalised philosophy and practical approach to classroom teaching. The program examines many areas of language teacher education such as how languages work and function in a society and how they are learnt. Students also learn how to be effective teachers in traditional and online classrooms, how to design language assessment and language programs.

The Practicum of approximately 30-hours, enables students to learn from and observe other language teachers in action, and teach for a minimum of 6 hours under their supervision. Pending their performance in the program, we can assist students located on the Gold Coast in completing the Practicum at Bond University College, an English Language Centre on the Bond University 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 may organise their Practicum in schools (if they are registered teachers) or in other ELT Centres. Many teachers complete the Practicum at the place of their current employment. Students work with a lecturer and peers in weekly interactive and collaborative sessions which provide a unique opportunity for becoming part of a dynamic learning community. Students also engage in self-paced learning through pre-recorded and post-recorded resources and gamified learning activities. Students can commence their studies in the Master of Arts in TESOL in the January, May or September semester. All domestic students students can study either part-time or full-time. International students who study in Australia must enrol in the full-time study option. It is estimated that students need to spend approximately 10 hours per week of study 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.