Overview
By 2035, the global English language learning market is expected to be worth over £94 billion, compared to £33 billion in 2024 (Meticulous Research, May 2025). This growth is driving the need for trained TESOL professionals across the sector.
In addition to TESOL teachers, there is a need for research-focused experts. Our PhD TESOL Research prepares you to meet that challenge and stand out from the crowd. You'll be equipped to shape the future of English language learning.
You’ll learn:
- how to design a research project and choose between different research strategies;
- how to evaluate statistics and data and use them as effective evidence;
- the role of theory in TESOL research projects and how to critically review published articles;
- how to understand the wider educational field and contribute to knowledge and professional practice.
Why study TESOL Research at Stirling?
Stirling is ranked in the top 15 universities in the UK for Education (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and 100% of our research impact and environment in Education is classed as world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). You’ll produce an original thesis of over 60,000 words with the support of our expert academics, and you'll also have the chance to gain valuable work experience by spending time at one of our international partner institutions. You can gain new TESOL experiences by applying for placements with partners such as:
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg in Germany
- Next-Level Solutions in France
- Iwate University in Japan
Take your place at the forefront of education with our PhD TESOL Research at the University of Stirling.
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 95 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 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, University of Stirling International Study Centre 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
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
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 need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
|
UK and Republic of Ireland students |
International (including EU) students |
|
|---|---|---|
| Full course fee | £19,000 | £53,200 |
| Full-time annual fee (charged years 1-3) | £6,333 | £17,733 |
|
UK and Republic of Ireland students |
International (including EU) students |
|
|---|---|---|
| Full course fee | £19,400 | £54,300 |
| Full-time annual fee (charged years 1-3) | £6,467 | £18,100 |
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 £30,301 from Student Finance England.
- Welsh students can apply for a loan of up to £29,130 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.
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
With a PhD TESOL Research qualification, you’ll be recognised as an expert in the TESOL field. Your PhD can open up a range of professional and academic career possibilities.
Job roles suitable for a TESOL expert with a PhD could include:
- University lecturer
- Curriculum developer
- Educational consultant
- Educational researcher
- Policy advocate
Salaries for university lecturers in the UK typically start at around £35,000 - £50,000. At senior lecturer level, salaries range from £40,000 - £60,000 (Prospects).
If you are already working in a professional TESOL or education role, your PhD can enhance your progression by marking you out as an expert in the field. Your time as a PhD student at Stirling will help you to develop your research skills. You'll be able to show a thorough understanding of how to evidence these skills when seeking a new post or applying for a promotion.
