Master of TESOL (MATE) - M.TESOL

CRICOS code (International applicants): 046058B

This program is offered only to continuing students. No new admissions will be accepted. Students who are interested in this study area should contact us.

Notes

This program does not qualify you for teacher registration with relevant teaching authorities. If you are interested in a program that enables you to qualify for teacher registration, please refer to the Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching.

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Program focus

This program gives professional educators the opportunity to enhance their competence and study advanced coursework in the areas of second language learning and teaching.

We are currently redeveloping our programs for 2009. This area of study will remain available, with greater flexibility.

Program objectives

The Master of TESOL will provide students who possess demonstrated academic and professional competence, the opportunity to study at an advanced level in specific areas related to language education. Consistent with the level of study and defined purpose of the masters degree award, the professional coursework masters degree aims to:

• provide an opportunity for in-depth study in the areas of applied linguistics and second language learning and teaching

• develop the student's understanding and awareness of scholarly literature and research in the area of applied linguistics and second language learning and teaching

• facilitate the development of educators who possess a body of specialist knowledge and competencies and who are capable of providing leadership in the area of applied linguistics and second language learning and teaching

• enhance each student's capacity to critically analyse relevant professional issues affecting current educational practices in the areas of applied linguistics and language teaching and policy development

• enhance each student's capacity for open, critical reflective thinking about second language teaching practice.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Master of TESOL (coursework only) applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. hold either

   1. a Bachelor degree and a postgraduate qualification in teaching

   2. a Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Educational Studies degree, or equivalent four-year qualification, or

   3. an equivalent qualification approved by the Dean on the recommendation of the Coordinator of Program

   
   

   and

2. have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement in their previous studies

3. have a level of relevant experience in professional education acceptable to the Dean

4. have a level of proficiency in a LOTE or experience in teaching ESL/EFL acceptable to the Dean.

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP program.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

To be awarded a Masters degree in the Faculty of Education, a student must have completed eight education-related units at postgraduate level, of which at least four must be at level 8. Courses awarded as 'unspecified electives' through exemptions are classified as level 5 only.

Note: Minimum enrolment numbers apply to all courses. Should enrolments not meet the minimum number required, students may be transferred to a different mode or offering and advised of this change prior to semester start.

USQ course codes consist of 3 alpha characters indicating the area of study and four numerals of which the first represents the level of difficulty of the course. Level 5 indicates first level postgraduate courses. Level 8 courses can be expected to require more extensive work with theory and conceptualisation and to place more demands on the level of response in student work.

Students using this program to prepare for doctoral studies are advised to undertake the research/evaluation pathway with project work as described in the table below.

In some countries, completion of a research stream is a requirement for recognition of the Master's qualification. Those students in particular from Canada and the Middle East, or those intending to live and work there, should check registration requirements with the relevant authority in-country around the half-way point of the Master's program. This will allow time for students to complete their program via the research pathway if the need to do so is indicated.

There are three compulsory courses, namely LIN5000, LIN8001 and LIN8002 Methodology in Teaching a Second Language previously LIN5002 as these form the basic elements essential for any potential second language teacher.

Practical Experience

There is an optional practicum consisting of 20 hours teaching and/or observing lessons at an institution. Of the 20 hours, six hours are observed and evaluated by a supervising teacher. This option provides an opportunity for those students who need this practical experience for employment purposes to undertake formally such an experience.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete this program.

Exemptions

Exemptions will be granted for relevant studies successfully completed at postgraduate level in the last five years and may be considered for studies successfully completed in the last 10 years. The maximum exemptions granted will be not more than half of the required courses for the program.

Other information

Assessment of the courses will involve one or more of the following components: written assignments, take-home examinations, reflective journal keeping, seminar presentation (where appropriate), report writing, development of work courses, questionnaires, marking schemes, etc. as appropriate to each course.

Recommended enrolment pattern

To be awarded a Masters degree in the Faculty of Education, a student must have completed eight education-related units at postgraduate level, of which at least four must be at level 8. Courses awarded as 'unspecified electives' through exemptions are classified as level 5 only.

Students using this program to prepare for doctoral studies are advised to undertake the research/evaluation pathway with project work as described in the table below.

In some countries, completion of a research stream is a requirement for recognition of the Master's qualification. Those students in particular from Canada and the Middle East, or those intending to live and work there, should check registration requirements with the relevant authority in-country around the half-way point of the Master's program. This will allow time for students to complete their program via the research pathway if the need to do so is indicated.

Note: Minimum enrolment numbers apply to all courses. Should enrolments not meet the minimum number required, students may be transferred to a different mode or offering and advised of this change prior to semester start.

Please note: It is preferred that the above three courses are completed before undertaking any other courses.

Notes

On-campus Students: Research pathway available only for Semester 1 commencement of the Program. Students considering this pathway must discuss their study plan with the Program Coordinator.