MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) | Unicert College

For teachers of English

Award

Key Facts

Overview

An academic programme  focused on teaching English to speakers of other languages. The necessary step for your academic and professional development in the field of education.

The programme MA in TESOL is a  programme designed by UNICERT College and awarded by Staffordshire University. It focuses on the specific characteristics of the Greek educational system and a variety of teaching settings.

Why choose MA in TESOL?

Who can apply for MA in TESOL?

Candidates for this postgraduate programme are evaluated based on their formal qualifications and their general experience. In this way, we pave the way for graduates, but also for market executives with proven experience, to develop their knowledge and career at TESOL.

Applicants must have:

  • BA in English Language/Literature or
  • BA in Education and a work permit to teach English in Greece (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for any degree not taught in the medium of English) or
  • DELTA diploma/DipTESOL or equivalent Diploma and a work permit to teach English in Greece or
  • CELTA Diploma or a C2 Proficiency Qualification and a work permit to teach English in Greece and at least 3 years’ experience of teaching English

What are the programme’s features?

The MA in TESOL programme is a well balanced combination of academic knowledge and practical skills.  This combination supports ESOL teachers in meeting the requirements of the modern Greek educational system, and the rapid changes observed internationally in the education field.  The carefully designed curriculum covers areas such as special needs and inclusion; learning technology; educational research and neuroscience & learning. There are also opportunities to choose optional modules in the following areas: adult learners; pre-school learners; teaching through literature and theatre and even administration of a foreign language educational unit. The practical emphasis in each aspect, enhance the skills and self-confidence of teachers or prospective teachers.

The detailed timetable is delivered before the beginning of each semester.

Core Modules
Module TitleCredits
Modern research-based approaches, integrating Soft Skills in TESOL20
Syllabus design, Inclusive practices and Use of Technology in TESOL40
Assessment of Learning in TESOL and Practicum20
Methods of Research and Dissertation 60
Optional Modules (choose two)
Module TitleCredits
Literature and Drama in TESOL20
Teaching English to Very Young Learners20
Teaching English to Adults20
Organisation and Management of a Foreign Language School20
Potential AwardsCredits
Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL60
Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL120
Master of Arts in TESOL 180

Agapi Dendaki

Agapi Dendaki has studied English and Greek Literature at the University of Athens, and holds an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Athens, as well as an M.Ed. in Counselling in Education from the University of LaVerne.  She has been an EFL teacher for the past 35 years, most of which in the public sector. She has also designed, organized and taught many training programmes and seminars of Special Education for educators and other professionals under the auspices of Greek Universities and private educational institutions. For the past twelve years she has collaborated with the University of Athens mentoring undergraduate students in teaching EFL and running a workshop on Differentiated Instruction in EFL. She has co-authored teaching materials for EFL settings and for graduate students (University of Piraeus).

Her professional and research interests focus on differentiated instruction, learning difficulties, teaching technologies and classroom management, while her articles and research studies have been published in professional journals.

Dimitrios Maroulis

Master & Doctorate in Education & Learning from the Open University, UK – is an EFL teacher and school owner (for the last 28 years) and a strong believer in lifelong learning. He has just completed his second Master degree, MSc in Applied Neuroscience with King’s College London, and his Post Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience from the same university. His research interests are language learning strategies, mindfulness, cognitive and non-cognitive skills in EFL and educational neuroscience.

He has attended a number of seminars and short courses from various providers among them:  the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and UC San Diego. He has been a frequent presenter at TESOL, Greece (member since 1994) and ELT News Forum. He is also member of the Education Leadership Association and IATEFL. He also belongs to the Cambridge Assessment English presenters’ team, writing and presenting for Cambridge Assessment Exams.

He is the author of: “Language Learning Strategies in EFL”, Faculty of Education & Language Studies, OU, UK; “Reading Guide for B1 & B2: Strategies for the development of Reading Skills”, “Excellent: language learning assessment tool”, both from Lefki Selida. He has also written two books of poetry (‘Spelling Life” & “The Exodus of Alonso Kihana”) from Gavriilidis books.

Georgia Diomi

Dr Georgia Diomi is a graduate of the Department of English Language and Literature of the University of Athens. She holds a Master’s degree (MA) with merit in English Literature from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Athens.  She has presented papers on Victorian and late-Victorian literature in numerous symposiums, such as the Annual Symposium of English Studies and the European Symposium of Literature and Culture. She has been a lecturer at a postgraduate level (MA TESOL) in several universities. Her main research interests are: Victorian and Edwardian literature and culture, fin- de-siècle science, philosophy, post-colonial studies, and women’s writing.

George Kormpas

Georgios Kormpas is currently the Director of the Teaching, Learning and Development Center at Al Yamamah University in Saudi Arabia.  He has trained English Language Teachers in several countries, including the USA, Greece, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and others.  He has also been a plenary or keynote speaker at different TESOL events in several countries namely the USA, Greece, Egypt, Hong Kong, China, Kuwait, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey, and others.  Georgios is pursuing a Ph.D. researching Technology Enhanced Learning at Lancaster University. He is the Past chair of the ANPC (Affiliate Network Professional Council), a professional council of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) International, an association based in the US with affiliate teacher associations in more than 120 countries around the world.  Georgios currently serves as a member of the Nominating Committee of TESOL International, a committee that is responsible for nominating Directors and the President Elect to the Board of TESOL.  He is also serving as the Vice Chair of the International Association for Blended Learning (IABL) and the President of TESOL Gulf.  Finally, he is a contributor to the 6 Principles Book for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners (Academic and Specific Purposes) and has several forthcoming publications with Routledge and Springer.

Ioanna Gkioni

Gianna Gkioni has studied English language and literature at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths College, University of London and she has a master’s degree in Theatre Directing from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Since 2010, she has been an active theatre practitioner and a very enthusiastic Drama teacher. She is currently employed at Ellinogermaniki Agogi school. At Ellinogermaniki Agogi her main duties consist of teaching Drama to elementary students and working as a theatre director of the high school English Drama Club.

In addition, she is currently doing a PhD research at the University of Peloponnese, School of Fine Arts and in the past, she has worked as a teaching assistant at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pedagogics. She is a professional theatre translator and director, and her latest work consists of translating and directing the play “Things I know to be true” by Andrew Bovell which was staged at Alkmini Theatre in Athens.

Tyna Constantopoulou

Tyna Constantopoulou is an EFL teacher, teacher trainer, and researcher. She holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature received from the National and Kapodistrian University in Athens, and a M.Ed. in Special Education received with honours from Frederick University in Cyprus. She has attended numerous seminars, conferences, and training courses offered by different institutions and organisations including IATEFL, and TESOL.

Tyna Constantopoulou has a 15-year classroom experience and has taught all CEFR levels. Since 2017, she has been giving talks, delivering trainings, and presenting at conferences around the world raising awareness on early intervention and the diverse student needs. Tyna Constantopoulou has recently received the Gold Award in Innovation and Research in Education (2020 – CWSIR) and the Bronze Award in Supporting Learners with Special Educational Needs in EFL (2020 – ELT News).

Irini – Renika Papakammenou

Irini – Renika Papakammenou holds a BA in English literature with English language from the university of North Wales, Bangor and an MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Stirling. She has done a PhD in Linguistics with specialization in Language Testing and Assessment at the University of Cyprus. She has received an award for her PhD thesis as the best postgraduate thesis of the year. She has also published scientific papers on language testing and assessment and alternative assessment techniques in international books and journals. She has presented in numerous local and international conferences, and she has delivered training courses. She is a member of language teaching and assessment societies and research groups. Her research interests include language testing and assessment, curricula, material design (for face-to-face and online classrooms), classroom practices and teacher education and development.

Irini Papakammenou has been involved in EFL teaching and learning for the past 20 years. During her 20-year career she has contributed to the field in a number of different capacities such as English Language Teacher, Exam Preparation Teacher (all exams including IELTS and TOEFL), Teacher Trainer, Oral Examiner, Speaker and Researcher. She is the owner of a private institute of foreign languages, she owns a distance learning platform and leads distance learning EFL examination programs. She has created innovative classroom and online materials which have been presented in international conferences and have been published. Irini has recently received the Global Teacher Award 2020.

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you will:

  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment, called UC Class. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We will also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You will have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it is important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

If you are offered a place at UNICERT College, your offer will be subject to Staffordshire University’s rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

As your course is awarded by Staffordshire University, you will be subject to policies and regulations of each institution.  Staffordshire Universities key policies and regulations can be found at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies.

The MA in TESOL programme is a well balanced combination of academic knowledge and practical skills.  This combination supports ESOL teachers in meeting the requirements of the modern Greek educational system, and the rapid changes observed internationally in the education field.  The carefully designed curriculum covers areas such as special needs and inclusion; learning technology; educational research and neuroscience & learning. There are also opportunities to choose optional modules in the following areas: adult learners; pre-school learners; teaching through literature and theatre and even administration of a foreign language educational unit. The practical emphasis in each aspect, enhance the skills and self-confidence of teachers or prospective teachers.

The detailed timetable is delivered before the beginning of each semester.

Core Modules
Module TitleCredits
Modern research-based approaches, integrating Soft Skills in TESOL20
Syllabus design, Inclusive practices and Use of Technology in TESOL40
Assessment of Learning in TESOL and Practicum20
Methods of Research and Dissertation 60
Optional Modules (choose two)
Module TitleCredits
Literature and Drama in TESOL20
Teaching English to Very Young Learners20
Teaching English to Adults20
Organisation and Management of a Foreign Language School20
Potential AwardsCredits
Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL60
Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL120
Master of Arts in TESOL 180

Agapi Dendaki

Agapi Dendaki has studied English and Greek Literature at the University of Athens, and holds an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Athens, as well as an M.Ed. in Counselling in Education from the University of LaVerne.  She has been an EFL teacher for the past 35 years, most of which in the public sector. She has also designed, organized and taught many training programmes and seminars of Special Education for educators and other professionals under the auspices of Greek Universities and private educational institutions. For the past twelve years she has collaborated with the University of Athens mentoring undergraduate students in teaching EFL and running a workshop on Differentiated Instruction in EFL. She has co-authored teaching materials for EFL settings and for graduate students (University of Piraeus).

Her professional and research interests focus on differentiated instruction, learning difficulties, teaching technologies and classroom management, while her articles and research studies have been published in professional journals.

Dimitrios Maroulis

Master & Doctorate in Education & Learning from the Open University, UK – is an EFL teacher and school owner (for the last 28 years) and a strong believer in lifelong learning. He has just completed his second Master degree, MSc in Applied Neuroscience with King’s College London, and his Post Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience from the same university. His research interests are language learning strategies, mindfulness, cognitive and non-cognitive skills in EFL and educational neuroscience.

He has attended a number of seminars and short courses from various providers among them:  the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and UC San Diego. He has been a frequent presenter at TESOL, Greece (member since 1994) and ELT News Forum. He is also member of the Education Leadership Association and IATEFL. He also belongs to the Cambridge Assessment English presenters’ team, writing and presenting for Cambridge Assessment Exams.

He is the author of: “Language Learning Strategies in EFL”, Faculty of Education & Language Studies, OU, UK; “Reading Guide for B1 & B2: Strategies for the development of Reading Skills”, “Excellent: language learning assessment tool”, both from Lefki Selida. He has also written two books of poetry (‘Spelling Life” & “The Exodus of Alonso Kihana”) from Gavriilidis books.

Georgia Diomi

Dr Georgia Diomi is a graduate of the Department of English Language and Literature of the University of Athens. She holds a Master’s degree (MA) with merit in English Literature from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD in English Literature from the University of Athens.  She has presented papers on Victorian and late-Victorian literature in numerous symposiums, such as the Annual Symposium of English Studies and the European Symposium of Literature and Culture. She has been a lecturer at a postgraduate level (MA TESOL) in several universities. Her main research interests are: Victorian and Edwardian literature and culture, fin- de-siècle science, philosophy, post-colonial studies, and women’s writing.

George Kormpas

Georgios Kormpas is currently the Director of the Teaching, Learning and Development Center at Al Yamamah University in Saudi Arabia.  He has trained English Language Teachers in several countries, including the USA, Greece, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and others.  He has also been a plenary or keynote speaker at different TESOL events in several countries namely the USA, Greece, Egypt, Hong Kong, China, Kuwait, Pakistan, Mexico, Turkey, and others.  Georgios is pursuing a Ph.D. researching Technology Enhanced Learning at Lancaster University. He is the Past chair of the ANPC (Affiliate Network Professional Council), a professional council of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) International, an association based in the US with affiliate teacher associations in more than 120 countries around the world.  Georgios currently serves as a member of the Nominating Committee of TESOL International, a committee that is responsible for nominating Directors and the President Elect to the Board of TESOL.  He is also serving as the Vice Chair of the International Association for Blended Learning (IABL) and the President of TESOL Gulf.  Finally, he is a contributor to the 6 Principles Book for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners (Academic and Specific Purposes) and has several forthcoming publications with Routledge and Springer.

Ioanna Gkioni

Gianna Gkioni has studied English language and literature at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths College, University of London and she has a master’s degree in Theatre Directing from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Since 2010, she has been an active theatre practitioner and a very enthusiastic Drama teacher. She is currently employed at Ellinogermaniki Agogi school. At Ellinogermaniki Agogi her main duties consist of teaching Drama to elementary students and working as a theatre director of the high school English Drama Club.

In addition, she is currently doing a PhD research at the University of Peloponnese, School of Fine Arts and in the past, she has worked as a teaching assistant at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pedagogics. She is a professional theatre translator and director, and her latest work consists of translating and directing the play “Things I know to be true” by Andrew Bovell which was staged at Alkmini Theatre in Athens.

Tyna Constantopoulou

Tyna Constantopoulou is an EFL teacher, teacher trainer, and researcher. She holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature received from the National and Kapodistrian University in Athens, and a M.Ed. in Special Education received with honours from Frederick University in Cyprus. She has attended numerous seminars, conferences, and training courses offered by different institutions and organisations including IATEFL, and TESOL.

Tyna Constantopoulou has a 15-year classroom experience and has taught all CEFR levels. Since 2017, she has been giving talks, delivering trainings, and presenting at conferences around the world raising awareness on early intervention and the diverse student needs. Tyna Constantopoulou has recently received the Gold Award in Innovation and Research in Education (2020 – CWSIR) and the Bronze Award in Supporting Learners with Special Educational Needs in EFL (2020 – ELT News).

Irini – Renika Papakammenou

Irini – Renika Papakammenou holds a BA in English literature with English language from the university of North Wales, Bangor and an MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Stirling. She has done a PhD in Linguistics with specialization in Language Testing and Assessment at the University of Cyprus. She has received an award for her PhD thesis as the best postgraduate thesis of the year. She has also published scientific papers on language testing and assessment and alternative assessment techniques in international books and journals. She has presented in numerous local and international conferences, and she has delivered training courses. She is a member of language teaching and assessment societies and research groups. Her research interests include language testing and assessment, curricula, material design (for face-to-face and online classrooms), classroom practices and teacher education and development.

Irini Papakammenou has been involved in EFL teaching and learning for the past 20 years. During her 20-year career she has contributed to the field in a number of different capacities such as English Language Teacher, Exam Preparation Teacher (all exams including IELTS and TOEFL), Teacher Trainer, Oral Examiner, Speaker and Researcher. She is the owner of a private institute of foreign languages, she owns a distance learning platform and leads distance learning EFL examination programs. She has created innovative classroom and online materials which have been presented in international conferences and have been published. Irini has recently received the Global Teacher Award 2020.

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So, not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you will:

  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment, called UC Class. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We will also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You will have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it is important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

If you are offered a place at UNICERT College, your offer will be subject to Staffordshire University’s rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

As your course is awarded by Staffordshire University, you will be subject to policies and regulations of each institution.  Staffordshire Universities key policies and regulations can be found at http://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal/policies.

What do I need to apply?

  1. Application Form
  2. Copies of Degrees/qualifications
  3. Copy of ID/Passport
  4. Reference Letters
  5. Current CV

Also, depending on your qualifications:

  1. Proof of work permit to teach English in Greece
  2. Proof of at least three years of employment in English language teaching

 

FAQs

Because education constantly develops and transforms itself and so does the labour market and society at large. A Bachelor provides you with the necessary qualifications that allow you to enter education as a professional, but it soon proves essentially and practically insufficient. Sciences and research studies offer new knowledge and data, which you must be able to keep up with and adapt your professional life too. Demand for more formal qualifications is constantly on the rise, therefore remaining in the field of education and securing a successful career in it requires higher studies. A validated MA in TESOL opens the road for you to become not merely a good educator, but also a member of a professional community, to which you can contribute with your own original work and research.

For two major reasons:

Firstly, because the programme includes a unique combination of topics and projects that responds to the new trends of education and will make you an up-to-date teacher in the field of foreign language education.

Secondly, because you will obtain a competitive Master's Degree from a British University: Staffordshire University, without moving from Greece and without leaving or interrupting your professional and personal activities.

  • Because you will obtain a MA TESOL from Staffordshire University, a distinguished British University, known for the quality standards of the education it offers and the emphasis it places on the connection between the Content of Studies with real life and the labour market.
  • Because the course was designed in Greece by an academic team of active educators, who have an excellent knowledge of the Foreign Language education in Greece both in the public and the private sector. The supervising academic team of Staffordshire University guarantees the course as being especially innovative and of high quality.
  • Because the content of the programme flexibly covers current issues directly linked to the demand of foreign language education, as it develops and is constantly transformed in the light of new, evidence-based knowledge and approaches.
  • Because the flexibility of the programme makes it useful for the new educator, the experienced educator, the educator with specific interests and career paths, even for the business-oriented educator who is also or aspires to be an entrepreneur.
  • Because the teaching staff consists of active educators with many years of teaching experience in the field of foreign language education, with sound academic background, and with specialisations that cover the whole range of the course syllabus
  • Because it offers a unique opportunity to that category of active educators who do not possess a BA, but have been successfully tried in action, to acquire a prestigious qualification, to reinforce their resume and to develop a wide range of skills that will help them cope in a competitive professional arena.
  • Because the course is offered part-time and delivered in distance learning mode as well, so every educator from any part of Greece can complete it in two years without undue time pressure or any need for mobility.
  • Because, when you finish this course, you will be a completely different educator and professional from what you are today!

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