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Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (TESOL)

Master's Degree Programme
(Postgraduate)

Provides the sound theoretical foundation and practical skills needed for a career in language teaching or other related work in educational contexts in Singapore or overseas.

Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (TESOL)


Overview

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  • 26 June 2024 (Wednesday), 7 PM - 8 PM
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The Graduate Diploma and Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are advanced academic graduate programmes that provide the sound theoretical foundation and practical skills needed for a career in language teaching or other related work in educational contexts in Singapore or overseas.

The programmes cater to the needs of those currently working as language teachers, those who plan to work as language teachers in the future, and those who simply have a passion for language learning/teaching and would like to pursue further education in this field.

Unique Features of the Programme

  • Curriculum suitable for language teachers of different backgrounds (from the public school system and tertiary institutions to the private sector such as international schools, language/enrichment centres)
  • Emphasis on developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in teaching methodology and curriculum development suitable for the various TESOL contexts in Singapore as well as overseas
  • Experienced and highly-qualified local and international faculty
  • Flexibility of blended learning, with face-to-face seminars, online recorded lectures and other e-learning tools

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

In addition, applicants will need to meet these minimum requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in English Studies, Linguistics, Education or related field from a recognised institution. Applicants with other qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Language requirements for applicants whose Bachelor's degree is not in English Studies or Linguistics:
    • An excellent score in the English Proficiency Assessment to be conducted by Singapore University of Social Sciences
  • Additional language requirements for applicants whose native language or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English:
    • TOEFL PBT > 580, with (preferably) a TWE of 5, or
    • TOEFL iBT >85, with a minimum of 22 in writing, or
    • IELTS > 6.5, with no sub-score below 6, or
    • PTE Academic score of 58, or
    • C1 Advanced score of 180.

IELTS/TOEFL score must be obtained within the last 2 years at point of application.

This programme is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, as well as international students.

Financial Assistance

Concession

To encourage further education and upgrading by alumni, SUSS offers the following course fee concessions to SUSS alumni.

  • Course Fee Concession - Eligible SUSS graduates can enjoy 20% course fee concession and an additional 30% course fee concession for the first two courses.

  • ACE Scheme - SUSS graduates from January 2022 semester onwards will enjoy two free modular courses (up to 10 credit units) to be taken within 3 years after graduation.

Sponsorships

SUSS offers a number of Sponsorships in recognition of excellent academic achievements, leadership qualities and special talents and contributions to new and continuing students. Please click here for more detail.

Programme Structure

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) programme (30 credit units or cu) consists of six courses. The MA in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) programme (60 cu) consists of 30 cu of core courses and 30 cu of elective courses. All courses are 5 cu unless stated otherwise.

ProgStruc MATSL

Pathways

  • Regular pathway (MATSL) is open to Singapore citizens, permanent residents or residents in Singapore only. Typically, students on the regular MATSL pathway take a maximum 15 cu of courses per semester and complete the programme in 2 years. The regular MATSL pathway has two intakes a year (January and July semesters).
  • Accelerated pathway (MATSL-A) is open to international students as well as Singapore citizens, permanent residents or residents in Singapore. Students on the accelerated pathway take 30 cu of courses per semester and complete the programme in 1 year. The accelerated MATSL pathway has two intakes a year (January and July semesters).

Courses can also be taken individually as Graduate Modular Courses, via Centre for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE). For more information on Graduate Modular Courses, please click here.

The Graduate Diploma and Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) programmes are suitable for:

  • Candidates who wish to pursue graduate training and a fulfilling career in English language teaching, including those considering a mid-career switch to English language teaching, either in Singapore or overseas
  • All teachers of different backgrounds (from the public school system and tertiary institutions to the private sector such as international schools, language/enrichment centres)
  • Both experienced and novice language instructors or administrators and professionals working in various education-related contexts

Graduates can look forward to a fulfilling career in language teaching and language curriculum/programme management in public schools, private schools, tertiary institutions, etc.

  1. Aren't Applied Linguistics and TESOL two different subjects?
    Applied Linguistics and TESOL/language teaching are closely interrelated, with each informing the other in terms of theories and practice. By tradition, Applied Linguistics has a more disciplinary content focus. Our Graduate Diploma and MA in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) programmes make a value-add to a study in Applied Linguistics by incorporating a more practical and skill-based focus (TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers to Other Languages).

    For more information on our courses, please take a look at the course summaries in our website.

  2. How many intakes are there in a year for the MA in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) – MATSL – programme?
    • Two intakes a year (January and July semesters).

  3. How is the accelerated MATSL different from the regular MATSL?
    • The accelerated MATSL allows students to take 30 credit units (cu) of courses per semester and complete the programme within a shorter duration of 1 year. Typically, those on the regular MATSL pathway take a maximum 15 cu (i.e. 3 courses) per semester and complete the programme in 2 years.
    • Admission requirements, course fees and modes of teaching and assessments are the same for the accelerated and regular MATSL.
    • It is compulsory for all international students to take the accelerated pathway. Singapore citizens, permanent residents or residents in Singapore (e.g. Employment Pass holders) are given an option to join the MATSL programme on the regular or accelerated pathway (if they are able to make the time and commitment needed for their studies during the 1-year period).

  4. Can I switch the pathways (regular to accelerated, and vice versa) midway during my candidature?
    It is compulsory for all international students to take and remain on the accelerated pathway.

    Singapore citizens, permanent residents or residents in Singapore (e.g. Employment Pass holders) are allowed to switch the pathways midway during their candidature.

  5. What are the minimum and maximum durations of the accelerated and regular MATSL?
    • Duration of the accelerated MATSL is 1 year.
    • For regular MATSL, the minimum duration is 2 years and maximum duration is 4 years.

  6. When are the lessons scheduled?
    In general, lessons are scheduled on weekday evenings from 7pm to 10pm.

  7. Will Singapore University of Social Sciences' Graduate Diploma and MA programmes certify candidates to teach?
    Our programmes do not certify our candidates as teachers. However, they do provide the knowledge and skills needed to teach, should the candidates choose to do so.

  8. What happens if I do not complete the graduate programmes (e.g. Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master) within the candidature period? Can I apply to take the remaining courses via CET pathway?
    Students who have not completed their graduate programmes within the stipulated candidature period will not be eligible for the award of the qualification for such graduate programmes. Such students however may apply to take, via the CET pathway, the remaining courses which they did not complete under their graduate programmes as part of their personal learning and development . Such application will be subjected to the CET admission requirement. However, as such students have exceeded the candidature period for their graduate programmes, they will not be awarded the qualification for such graduate programmes even after taking and completing the remaining courses via the CET pathway (“Condition”).

    PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS COURSE, IS ONE OF THE COURSES UNDER A GRADUATE PROGRAMME. THEREFORE, APPLICANTS FOR THIS COURSE ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION. BY SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS COURSE, THE APPLICANT AGREES TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING CONDITION.

The TESOL aspect of this programme was intriguing. I felt it was a good opportunity to learn a variety of ideas to teach English to students who seldom speak the language outside the classroom. The courses encouraged me to re-think what literacy means. I used to associate the term often to prescriptive grammar teaching. However, the assignments I did for the courses prompted me not to restrict my perspective of literacy to the realm of conventional grammar and vocabulary teaching and learning. My students now find my lessons fun as we examine the texts used in class to debate social issues. These debates enable them to write better narrative pieces as they have a plethora of real-life characters and situation to inspire their writing.

Dashni Ravindran, BSc (Math),
MA Applied Linguistics (TESOL) (Class of 2017), Teacher

The MATSL programme gave me a comprehensive training in English language teaching. It not only equipped me with a strong foundation in linguistics and language acquisition, but also developed my pedagogical knowledge in the areas of curriculum planning and teaching methodology. The applied nature of the programme helped to develop my skills in synthesising theoretical and pedagogical knowledge to ensure favourable outcomes in the classroom. As a stay-at-home-mother re-entering the workforce after two decades, this programme has been instrumental in providing me with employment opportunities. It has also prepared me well for my current role as a Writing Coach, where I provide individualised coaching on academic writing to undergraduates across all faculties of the University.

Sharon Lee, B Bus (Banking & Insurance), BA (Hons) English Language & Literature,
MA Applied Linguistics (TESOL) (Class of 2018), Writing Coach (SUSS)

I have benefited greatly from the MA in Applied Linguistics (TESOL) programme. Professionally, it helped me reflect deeply on my practice as an English language teacher. The insights I gained from the experienced lecturers and their up-to-date research-based English language teaching ideas challenged some of the views I had held, and prompted me to explore more effective teaching methodologies. The rigour of the programme also spurred me to work at excellence when honing my English language teaching skills. I especially like how the lecturers, while upholding high standards, remained supportive, approachable and encouraging. I believe English language teachers of any level would find this programme relevant and enriching.

Yong Mei Fong, BSc (Hons) (Microbiology),
MA Applied Linguistics (TESOL) (Class of 2018), Teacher

I find this programme accessible for language teachers as well as working professionals who hope to gain theoretical and practical knowledge to open more doors to teaching opportunities in both ESL/EFL contexts. The wide range of courses have given me a holistic understanding of teaching methodologies, assessment, and how sociolinguistic background impacts students in second language acquisition. The interactions with my experienced professors and fellow course participants have also helped me to reflect on my own teaching practices. I would strongly recommend this enriching programme to professionals who are keen to teach English in a variety of settings.

Desmond Chan, BA (Communication Studies),
MA Applied Linguistics (TESOL) (Class of 2018), Teacher

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