The MLitt in English Language Teaching provides an overview and critical understanding of the theory and practice of teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 English Language Teaching MLitt page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £17,600
Applications are accepted until shortly before teaching starts in September. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MLitt in English Language Teaching is designed to be useful to both experienced English language teachers as well as those considering a career in English language teaching.
In the first semester, the foundations of applied linguistics, language acquisition theory and English language teaching in current global contexts are studied and then developed through teaching-specific modules and applied to classroom observations and practice during the second semester.
You will take seven taught modules over the first two semesters of the programme. Classes are delivered through a mixture of lectures and seminars.
You will spend the summer months focusing on researching and writing a final dissertation of no more than 15,000 words.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching team. Supervisors will provide guidance throughout the research process, helping you to formulate a suitable research hypothesis and offering advice on relevant literature and how to plan your time effectively.
The completed dissertation of no more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in August.
If you choose not to complete the dissertation required for the award of an MLitt, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
English Language Teaching
University of St Andrews
Kinnessburn
Kennedy Gardens
St Andrews
KY16 9DJ
Scotland, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2255
Email: elt@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).
St Andrews has two postgraduate prospectuses - one for taught courses and one for research programmes. Both prospectuses are available for you to view and download.