Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

TESOL refers to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, a term that has replaced TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Students in the Department of Modern Languages can take a series of 30-credit modules in TESOL at INTO University of Exeter. Students from other academic disciplines can apply for TESOL modules through the University's Flexible Combined Honours Degree programme.

The Level One module (ELC1800) provides an introduction to language awareness and language teaching methodology and can be followed by a Level Two module (ELC2800) which is particularly useful for students who plan to apply for teaching assistantships during their year abroad.  There is also a final year module (ELC3800) which studies in depth aspects of both the theory and the practice of English Language Teaching.  Students who take modules ELC2800 and ELC3800 can also have the opportunity to opt to study for the widely recognised vocational qualification, Trinity CertTESOL.

The aims of the Level One module are to:

• consolidate and extend students' linguistic awareness of English, including the main features of the grammar and phonology systems and basic approaches to the description of language, particularly in relation to TESOL in the UK and abroad


• introduce students to basic concepts of language learning and teaching, including the core principles and practice of TESOL

• widen students' knowledge and understanding of resources available for teaching English to adults and young people

• provide a sound basis for continuation to further modules at a higher level with particular emphasis on skills for students' year abroad

• prepare students with a sound foundation for possible future study for the Trinity CertTESOL

You can access the TESOL Module Handbook and the TRINITYCertTESOL Handbook here.

More information can be obtained from the TESOL Programme Manager (Nicky Davies) or TESOL Coordinator (Jeanette Lewin) in the INTO Building, Room 2.02 or by email:  N.J.Davies@ex.ac.uk  or J.Lewin@ex.ac.uk .