Overview
This PhD course is entirely dedicated to TESOL Research. This doctorate will be of interest to those who have a background in languages, linguistics, applied linguistics, or a related field, as well as to language teaching practitioners who have a keen interest in research.
This course will develop your research skills and set you on the path to becoming an autonomous researcher. The PhD is a significant qualification which will mark you out as an expert researcher in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages. You’ll achieve new skills in understanding complex matters, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, increase your confidence as a researcher and expand your knowledge of the field while also enjoying the PhD experience.
We’ll support you throughout your time on the PhD TESOL Research. Before embarking on your thesis investigation, the course will foster your research skills development through seven taught modules on TESOL which focus on research methods and educational theories. Our PhD in TESOL Research will provide you with an opportunity to go beyond what would be required from a Masters of Research (MRes) and an Educational Doctorate (EdD) in that you’ll produce a substantial 60,000 + word thesis.
The academic environment at the University of Stirling will not only give you freedom and challenges, but it will also provide you with numerous chances for intellectual debate with fellow experts. Your PhD journey will shape your future like no other qualification – academically, professionally and personally.
By graduation, you’ll be a well-rounded professional researcher who:
- has knowledge of the wider educational field,
- is proficient in the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods,
- has the skills needed to research any area within TESOL, and
- is able to make a contribution to scholarly knowledge and professional practice.
Top reasons to study with us
Study abroad
As a student on our PhD TESOL Research course you have the fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience teaching English to speakers of English as a foreign language in 33 European countries.
The University of Stirling has also developed close working partnerships with two universities around the world to make finding a placement as seamless as possible and give you tailored teaching and learning opportunities. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a placement with:
Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany
Undertake class observation, small group work supervision and teaching assistance in a local high school. During the school holiday, you will have a chance to work with materials development or with writing support at the university.
Next-Level Solutions, France
Your placement will be based at After School an English language learning centre in the area of Chatou in the city of Paris. You will undertake class observation, teaching assistance and teach in the language centre and also in local elementary, junior and senior schools.
Iwate University, Japan
Your placement will be based at Iwate University in the city of Morioka, which is the capital of Iwate.
You will undertake class observation, assist in workshops with local teachers, and teach undergraduate students about teaching English to young learners.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, Educational research at the University of Stirling was ranked top 20 in the UK for impact and research environment, with 100% of our research impact and environment in Education classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Our expert teaching team are on hand to introduce you to cutting-edge empirical and theoretical research in a multi-disciplinary and professional environment.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
You should usually have a minimum of a Masters degree in TESOL, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Languages or similar subject from a university in the United Kingdom or elsewhere (provided that the degree levels are comparable to those in the UK).
We also welcome enquiries from you if you don’t have this formal qualification but have relevant research experience through your professional practice. In this case, you’ll be asked to undertake a task to demonstrate your research skills.
Irrespective of your academic background, you’re expected to have excellent language and numeracy skills and a willingness to engage with the research field in TESOL.
International entry requirements
Application procedure
As part of the application process, you’re asked to answer each of the following questions in 500 to 1,000 words:
- Why are you interested in the course?
- What problems or foci are you particularly interested in researching?
- What kind of research methods might you employ?
The first question should be addressed in your personal statement. Although you do not have to submit a research proposal to apply for this PhD course, we would appreciate it if you could answer the second and third questions in the field dedicated to your research proposal. This way, we will be able to check whether there are two suitable supervisors for you at the University.
Please use our PhD TESOL Research Application Further Questions form to answer the second and third questions and upload it to your online application.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 67 overall with a minimum of 62 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 94 overall with 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 20 in listening and 22 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Modules
Course Details
Teaching
The taught modules in this ground-breaking PhD in TESOL Research course are delivered on a face-to-face and blended basis. The delivery style such as lectures, workshops and student presentations are carefully selected to suit the module content and your needs.
TESOL students are invited to join the Faculty’s Educational Practice/Theory Research Group and the TESOL Researcher Development Group. TESOL doctoral students are also invited to our English Language Teaching and Research (ELTR) events, which are delivered by leading researchers and professionals.
The University of Stirling achieved five stars for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Assessment
Assessments for the taught modules will vary depending on their respective learning outcomes and may include presentation, annotated bibliography, essay, and research proposal. For each 20-credit module, you’ll be asked to produce a piece of work which is equivalent to a 3,000-word essay. Your final assignment will be the production of original research to be reported in a 60,000+ word thesis.
Students who have passed three of the 20-credit modules (including two core) but do not proceed to the other taught modules will exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL Research.
Students who have passed six of the 20-credit modules (including the four core) but do not proceed to TESOL Research Practice (TESPR03) will exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL Research.
Candidates who have passed all seven taught modules but do not proceed to the Thesis (TESPR04) will exit with an MRes in TESOL Research.
Course director
Dr Marty Chamberlain, Course Director
Key staff
The TESOL unit includes a number of internationally renowned academics such as Professors Adrian Blackledge, Angela Creese, and Dr Marty Chamberlain.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
|
UK students |
International (including EU) students |
|
|---|---|---|
| Full course fee | £18,600 | £52,200 |
| Full-time annual fee (charged years 1-3) | £6,200 | £17,400 |
|
UK students |
International (including EU) students |
|
|---|---|---|
| Full course fee | £19,000 | £53,200 |
| Full-time annual fee (charged years 1-3) | £6,333 | £17,733 |
This fee is charged as an annual course fee. If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fees policy.
Doctoral loans
If you're domiciled in England or Wales you may be eligible to apply for a doctoral loan from your regional body:
- English students can apply for a loan of up to £28,673 from Student Finance England.
- Welsh students can apply for a loan of up to £28,395 from Student Finance Wales.
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
There are thousands of qualified teachers of English to speakers of other languages worldwide but only a small proportion of these practitioners are able to conduct high-quality systematic research in TESOL. Your PhD in TESOL research will equip you with much needed research skills, allowing you to produce research which is at the forefront of education. The PhD degree will open up numerous possibilities for furthering your professional and academic career.
Employability skills
We’re committed to enhancing your employability. Once you register for the PhD in TESOL Research, you’ll have access to the first-class services offered by the University, which you can use even after your graduation.
Within TESOL, we additionally provide you with a tailored workshop series entitled My career in TESOL. This is aimed at developing your awareness of continuous professional development, your knowledge of job market requirements and your confidence in applying for jobs.
Your time as a PhD student at Stirling will not only help you to develop your research skills, but it will also provide you with a thorough understanding of how to evidence these skills when seeking a new post or applying for a promotion.
Companies we work with
The PhD is taught by experienced researchers who have extensive connections in the field of TESOL, including publishers and governmental organisations such as the British Council. You’ll have a chance to network with a range of other key players in the field who are invited to deliver workshops and seminars in our ELTR (English Language Teaching and Research) event series.
