Master'sUnited Kingdom · Education

MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

King's College London

✓ Last verified Oct 4, 2026

Entry requirements

Grades: Percentage — Minimum 80Required
English(Any one of these tests): IELTS — Minimum 7Required
TOEFL — Minimum 100Required
PTE — Minimum 69Required
CAE — Minimum 185Required
Prior degree: Relevant subject such as a foreign language, English, Linguistics/Applied Linguistics/Language and Communication, Psychology or a social sciencePreferred

Accepted English tests: English language band B (postgraduate list correct as of September 2026 for 2027/28 entry, https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements): IELTS Academic or IELTS Online 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each skill; TOEFL iBT (incl. Home Edition, code 0394) taken before 21 January 2026: 100 overall with minimum 25 in writing and 23 in each other skill, taken from 21 January 2026: 5 overall with minimum 4.5 in each skill; PTE Academic (incl. UKVI, not PTE Academic Online) 69 overall with minimum 62 in each communicative skill; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 185 overall with minimum 176 in all skills; Oxford Test of English Advanced 150 overall with 140 in each component; Trinity ISE III merit in each skill; King's Pre-Sessional English pass with Band 7. Tests valid if taken within two years of the programme start (1st of the start month); all scores from one test (no TOEFL MyBest, no IELTS One Skill). Not usually required for nationals of UKVI majority English speaking countries who have permanently resided there, or for applicants who completed an undergraduate degree (at least three years), a taught postgraduate degree (at least one year) or a PhD in a UKVI majority English speaking country within five years of the course start date.
How grades are compared: China: Bachelor degree from a prestigious institution (classified by UK ENIC or within the Project 211/Double First Class list) with an average score of 80%, or from a recognised institution with an average score of 85%, evidenced by degree certificate and final transcripts with official English translations (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/teaching-english-to-speakers-of-other-languages-tesol-ma/entry-requirements, country selector: China)
Expectations about your university: Two published tiers: prestigious institution (classified by UK ENIC or within the Project 211/Double First Class list) or recognised institution. Applicants from prestigious universities with high grades are stronger candidates.
Other requirements: UK standard: 2:1 (final mark at least 60%) usually in a relevant subject. Lower classification or unrelated degree may be considered with significant relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification. No previous language teaching experience required, but informal tutoring, volunteer teaching and/or observation of teaching are taken into account. Applicants who qualify may be invited to an online interview before an offer is made. Personal statement max 500 words: reasons for choosing the subject, how the MA contributes to career plans, any teaching experience. Apply online via King's Apply, non-refundable application fee GBP 130. One academic reference required (professional reference accepted if qualifications completed over five years ago). Official transcripts and degree certificate with official translations. CV optional. The programme operates a partial gathered-field process: some applicants meeting the requirements may not get a decision until after February, where possible by May. 1 year full-time, School of Education, Communication & Society, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.