MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages alumni profiles

Zhanetta chose the University of Nottingham because of its excellent academic reputation and well-structured MA TESOL programme. Having arrived from Ukraine with prior experience in teaching English, she was seeking a course that would validate her practical skills and strengthen theoretical foundation in language education. She was particularly drawn to the diverse learning environment and the opportunity to engage with international peers and leading experts in the field.

Below Zhanetta answers questions about the course and her experience studying at the University of Nottingham.

How do you hope this course will help with your future career?

This course is an important step in my academic journey. I plan to pursue a PhD in the field of language education, and the MA TESOL programme provides the research grounding and analytical skills necessary for that. It enabled me to enhance my comprehension of educational theories and methodologies, which will not only inform my future studies but also enhance my teaching practice in meaningful ways.

Is there a particular module you enjoyed the most and why?

All the modules were thoughtfully structured and complemented each other so well that it was difficult to choose just one. Each contributed uniquely to my professional development by extending both theoretical frameworks and practical application.

Understanding Language Learning and the Language Learner helped me acquire deeper insight into learners’ needs and motivations. Language Teaching: Methodology and Curriculum provided a solid foundation for effective course design, while Assessment in Language Education highlighted the importance of fair and purposeful evaluation.

I found Managing Language Teaching and Developing Teachers especially valuable, as it motivated me to view teaching from a leadership and teacher development perspective, particularly relevant to future academic goals.

Overall, these modules enabled a comprehensive observation of what it means to teach English as a foreign language today.

What was the best part of the course?

One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was the opportunity to interact with a diverse cohort of fellow students and engage in meaningful discussions. Sharing experiences, ideas and challenges with teachers from different cultural and educational backgrounds facilitated my perspective and enriched the learning experience beyond the classroom.

I also appreciated the support and accessibility of the academic staff, who created an encouraging and intellectually stimulating environment. The emphasis on critical thinking and independent research encouraged me to grow not only as a teacher but also as a reflective teaching practitioner. These personal and professional collaborations were truly one of the highlights of my journey on the course.

How were you supported on the course?

I felt well supported throughout the course, both academically and personally. The teaching staff were approachable, responsive and always willing to provide guidance, whether it was related to assignments, research ideas or career plans.
 
The university also offered a wide range of online resources, workshops and academic writing support, which were especially valuable as I returned to formal education. Additionally, being part of a cohort where mutual encouragement fostered my learning experience was particularly beneficial.

Why do you think students should choose this course?

The MA TESOL course at the University of Nottingham combines theory, practice and research, making it suitable for both experienced and aspiring teachers. Its academic rigour and practical relevance stand out. It also prepares students for careers in teaching, research and educational leadership through well-structured modules, supportive staff and a reflective learning environment.

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

Engage fully with the course and reflect on your teaching practice. Stay open to new ideas and learn from both lecturers and peers. Stay organised, start assignments early and seek support when needed. The university provides excellent resources, and the teaching staff are there to guide you towards success. 

Hamed was looking for a credible university and Nottingham stood out to him as organised, with an informative website offering everything he needed to know. He felt the MA TESOL perfectly complemented the CELTA and DELTA qualifications he already had to open up new career paths. He plans to integrate the learning from the course with AI, but has yet to decide if it will be in the form of further education or a future project. 

Below Hamed answers questions about the course and his experience studying at the University of Nottingham.

Why did you choose the University of Nottingham?

When I was looking for a credible university, Nottingham stood out to me with its organised and informative website, which offered everything I needed to know. I was also amazed by the passion and dedication of the tutors. It was incredible to see how much they cared about my entire experience at UoN, supporting me in both my educational and personal journey.

Is there a particular module you enjoyed the most and why?

I enjoyed all the modules, had great tutors and felt comfortable expressing myself, asking questions and challenging what I had learnt. My favourite module was Language Teaching: Methodology and Curriculum, firstly because I had studied it a lot before and secondly, I felt it was a beautiful story that goes through what happens and why in English language teaching, with each part of the story complementing the others, making it so memorable that no effort is required to remember them!

What was the best part of the course?

Getting support from everyone was the best part of my course. No matter what academic questions I had, there was always someone ready to listen and address my concerns. My tutors would send me materials and links even without me asking for it when they heard that I was interested in talking about a topic.

How were you supported on the course?

I had the support of my personal tutor, who is, in my opinion, the best thing that could have happened to me. She was very professional and caring, connecting me to related departments whenever I had a concern. This included connecting me to the well-being team, the libraries team, and other professors as needed. My personal tutor was all I needed, and I am infinitely thankful to her.

Why do you think students should choose this course?

For a person who has a passion for learning, this is the perfect course. The language(s) we speak shape our identity, and learning about language is both fun and exciting. This course is not just about language teaching, but it covers all aspects of it, including management, materials design, teaching younger learners and more.

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

Take it easy and enjoy your time while studying in the UK. Don't get fixated on just studying, as it will be too demanding, especially if you are here alone. Join some societies, sports clubs, and go out with your friends alongside studying. While the course demands a lot of study time, you need to prioritise your well-being as well.

Pai-Chiao chose to study at the University of Nottingham because of its strong academic reputation and high ranking. She was particularly attracted to the university’s commitment to research excellence and the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field. She was  awarded a postgraduate excellence scholarship, which allowed her to pursue her studies without undue financial burden so overall, the combination of academic excellence, a supportive environment, and financial support made the University of Nottingham the ideal choice for her. 

Below Pai-Chiao answers questions about the course and her experience studying at the University of Nottingham.

How has the course helped in your career?

I was lucky to have secured a job before graduation, and I believe that the TESOL programme already endows students with sufficient theoretical knowledge regarding language teaching. For those who want to pursue their academic career further, PhD is definitely a sensible option. I also think TESOL students benefit from more hands-on classroom practice along with a strong theoretical support from the school since language teaching per se is about hands-on learning. 

Is there a particular module you enjoyed the most and why?

I particularly enjoyed Managing Language Teaching and Developing Teachers. This module provided me with knowledge that is beyond language teaching theories and had a strong focus on language teachers. As an English teacher myself, it was a wonderful experience gaining a deeper understanding about how language teaching organisation operates, how language teachers can develop professionally, and how to have effective leadership.

I strongly recommend this module to people who aspire to be not only a professional language teacher but also a competent leader at a language school. You acquire a more holistic understanding about language education. 

What was the best part of the course?

The best part of the course is that I made so many good friends who share the same wavelength. Their support and loving energy was unwavering, and we made so many good memories together. My postgraduate year is my last year being a student, and I am confident to say that it was the best student year ever. 

My time at the University of Nottingham has been an experience of a lifetime. I am happy that I chose to study TESOL at this university and made so many good friends along the way. I will forever cherish these memories. 

How were you supported on the course?

Apart from academic tutors for each module assignment, we were assigned a personal tutor. I would have regular meetings with my personal tutor, sharing about how I had been doing in life. The school also offered courses for students to prepare for their academic study, and I found those extremely helpful. 

Why do you think students should choose this course?

It offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education that prepares you for a successful career in English teaching. The course provides a solid theoretical foundation in language acquisition and pedagogy, which is crucial in facilitating the professionalism in the field. 

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

If you have passion for English language teaching, if you have several years of teaching experience, and if you want to further your theoretical knowledge about English language education, then you will benefit a lot from this TESOL course.

Ziqing chose to study at the University of Nottingham due to its strong reputation in China and because the faculty and course aligned with her career goals. She says the course has significantly enhanced her skills and knowledge making her more competitive for higher level roles so feels it has opened new career paths and deepened her expertise. 

Below Ziqing answers questions about the course and her experience studying at the University of Nottingham.

How has the course helped in your career?

The course has significantly enhanced my skills and knowledge, making me more competitive for higher-level roles. It has opened new career paths and deepened my expertise.

Is there a particular module you enjoyed the most and why?

I particularly enjoyed  Language Teaching: Methodology and Curriculum because it provided practical insights and hands-on experience that were directly applicable to my career interests.

What was the best part of the course?

Interacting with a diverse cohort and engaging in meaningful discussions with peers and staff. This collaborative environment enriched my learning experience.

How were you supported on the course?

I received excellent support through regular feedback from tutors, access to additional resources, and a supportive academic community. 

Why do you think students should choose this course?

Students should choose this course for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and the opportunity to develop skills that are highly valued in the industry.

Do you have any advice for someone considering this course?

Actively engage with the course materials and participate in discussions as this will maximise your learning experience and professional growth and help you to be a good teacher.