Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Linguistics
BA QX31
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Mr Conrad Hechter Heyns

Director - Centre for Academic Language and Literacies

Goldsmiths, University of London

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LG110-4-AU-CO  Sounds  Compulsory  15  15 
02  LG104-4-AU-CO  Introduction to the Study of Language  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LG667-4-SP-CO  Theory and Practice in English Language Teaching  Compulsory  15  15 
04  LG111-4-SP-CO  Words and Sentences  Compulsory  15  15 
05  LG114-4-SP-CO  Foundations of Sociolinguistics  Compulsory  15  15 
06  LG665-4-AU-CO  Introduction to TEFL Methodology  Compulsory  15  15 
07    (LG115-4-AU and LG119-4-SP) or Language option(s) from list  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
08  LA099-4-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LG666-5-FY-CO  Initial Teaching Practice  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LG213-5-SP-CO  Research methods for language and linguistics  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LG329-5-AU-CO  Language Teaching in Different Contexts  Compulsory  15  15 
04  LG219-5-SP-CO  Multilingualism  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Linguistics option(s) or Language option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06    Linguistics option from list  Optional  15  15 
07  LA099-5-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01    LG831-6-FY or LG832-6-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
02  LG490-6-AU-CO  Literature and Language Teaching  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LG378-6-SP-CO  Cognitive Linguistics for Second Language Learning and Teaching  Compulsory  15  15 
04    TEFL or Linguistics option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
05    Linguistics option(s) or Language option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
06  LA099-6-FY-CO  Careers and Employability Skills for Languages and Linguistics  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • Introduce students to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning and language teaching.
  • Familiarise students with (and encourage them to critically evaluate) contemporary materials and methods in Teaching English as a Foreign Language/TEFL, and give them practice in producing TEFL materials.
  • Develop students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, and research methods used in contemporary work in TEFL and English Language; equip students with a set of techniques for the description of aspects of the linguistic structure of English; and make them aware of relevant methodological, theoretical, descriptive and pedagogical issues.
  • Equip students with a wide range of transferable cognitive, practical and key skills, and a foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning.


  • Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, language learning, and language teaching and how researchers in another country approach the study of language.

    A2: A selection of work in language learning, TEFL, and the pedagogical description of English.

    A3: Key concepts, issues, ideas, theories, styles of argumentation, evaluation criteria, methods and materials used in contemporary work in TEFL and English Language, and associated methodological, theoretical, descriptive and pedagogical issues

    Learning methods

    A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work

    Assessment methods

    Knowledge and understanding are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Abstract and synthesise information from a range of sources (lectures/seminars/classes, journals, books, internet etc.) identifying those ideas or findings which are most significant

    B2: Make observations and generalisations about data or behaviour or other materials, using appropriate analytic techniques

    B3: Critically evaluate contrasting theories, accounts, explanations, approaches, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between theory and data and be aware of possible cross-cultural differences in the way that theories, accounts and explanations are evaluated.

    Learning methods

    A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work

    Assessment methods

    Cognitive skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Gather and process information from a range of different sources

    C2: Plan, undertake and present an independent piece of work which involves reviewing existing work on a given topic, making use of standard referencing conventions

    C3: Utilise specialised techniques for the collection, analysis, presentation or evaluation of materials, data or behaviour

    Learning methods

    A range of teaching and learning methods are employed which typically include: lectures, seminars and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; printed/web course materials; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff on work

    Assessment methods

    Practical skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.

    D: Key skills

    D1: Communicate ideas, information and arguments in a manner which is relevant, focused, effective, and clear, using an appropriate register, style and format, and with an international audience in mind

    D2: Use appropriate computational tools and software to obtain, store or process information electronically and (where required) produce materials in electronic form

    D3: Analyse complex data, materials or behaviour, using appropriate specialised techniques, formulating and testing research hypotheses, identifying problems and evaluating solutions

    D4: Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management, responding constructively to feedback and learning new material and techniques.

    Learning methods

    Communication skills are taught through lectures, seminars, classes, advice in the Departmental Handbook, and feedback from teachers on assessed work.

    Generic IT skills are taught on induction courses run by the University and the Department, with more specialised IT skills (where appropriate) being taught on some LG courses.

    Analytic and study skills (D4, D6) are taught through lectures, seminars, and classes; tutorials for project work; library and internet materials; printed/web course materials; advice in the Departmental Handbook; independent learning or research; office/email consultation with staff; written or oral feedback from staff.

    Assessment methods

    Key skills are assessed by a range of methods which typically include some combination of the following: written unseen exams; coursework assignments; exercises; a literature review; an individual or team research project; and an oral presentation.


    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.