Master of Arts in Teaching of English as Second Language (MATESL)
(R2/0114/7/0023) (09/25) (MQA/FA5371)
Programme Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching of English as Second Language (MATESL) programme under the School of Education is a noble calling, empowering students to take their places in the global community and become active participants in the teaching environments. The programme combines the precise training in methods of teaching English and practice with the analytical tools of education. The programme teaches students a wide range of skills that are valuable for careers in government schools, private schools, and international educational organizations. This programme is taught by experts by using a variety of formats (lectures, seminars, workshops,) as well as multimedia by language labs to make the program highly interactive and stimulating to the students. MATESL program has an excellent reputation worldwide and will open the door for graduates to teach in a variety of ESL settings. The programme is designed as a transformative program, which offers students the education, training, and first-hand experience essential for successful international careers.
Subject Highlights
SI. No. | MQA Subject Code | Subject Name | Credits |
1 | MAE 1113 | Theories of Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
2 | MGT 1313 | Research Methodology | 3 |
3 | MAE 1123 | Teaching and Learning Strategies | 3 |
Elective (Choose any ONE module from the following) | |||
4 | MAE 1133 | Bilingualism and Language Education | 3 |
5 | MAE 1143 | Computer-Mediated Language Instruction (CMLI) | 3 |
6 | MAE 1153 | Classroom Management in Language Education | 3 |
7 | MAE 1163 | Education Psychology | 3 |
8 | MAE 1213 | Research Project – Part A | 3 |
9 | MAE 1223 | Language Testing and Evaluation | 3 |
10 | MAE 1233 | Interactive Language Teaching and Learning | 3 |
Elective (Choose any ONE module from the following) | |||
11 | MAE 1243 | Literature and Language Teaching | 3 |
12 | MAE 1253 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
13 | MAE 1263 | General Linguistics | 3 |
14 | MAE1313 | Theories and Practices of Curriculum | 3 |
15 | MAE 1323 | Data Analysis | 3 |
16 | MAE 1333 | Research Project – Part B | 3 |
Elective (Choose any ONE module from the following) | |||
17 | MAE 1343 | Sociolinguistics | 3 |
18 | MAE 1353 | Teaching English in ESL Classroom Context | 3 |
19 | MAE 1365 | English as a Global Language | 3 |
20 | MAE 2413 | Teaching Portfolio Development | 3 |
21 | MAE 2423 | Seminar Paper Writing | 3 |
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in education field (Level 6, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in education field with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR
- A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 must undergo prerequisite courses; OR
- A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment AND must undergo prerequisite courses; OR
- Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian government as equivalent to the above requirements.
- A minimum score of Band 3 in Malaysian University English Test (MUET)
- Achieve MUET or any other English competency test equivalent to a Low B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
Career Opportunities
TESL is one of the topmost growing and largest in the world with an international possibility. The acquired knowledge and skills after completing this program will be widely sought-after to enable all the different departments in an ESL teaching organization to work together for the profit of the entire system. The graduate students in ESL program will enhance the career prospects of people not only from an ESL point of view, but also from different backgrounds like Travel and Tourism Sectors who wish to enhance their career prospects.
Our graduates work for
- Universities and other public and private schools
- International corporations,
- Nonprofits,
- Governments,
- NGOs and in private practice in the United States and abroad. They teach English to people of all ages and circumstances, administer ESOL programs, create new programs, and develop new teaching methods.
Program Aim
The MATESL program at LUC will provide graduates with a solid grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching English as a second language. The aims of this programme are,
- To enhance English as Second Language (ESL) teachers knowledge to offer a high quality and outstanding English language teaching experience for the students
- To provide ESL teachers with an understanding of the latest English language theories and practices so that they can contribute efficiently in the teaching ESL classroom.
- To develop ability in critically choosing, using and evaluating different language teaching materials, procedures and approaches.
- To encourage skills in conducting independent research in areas of second language learning and teaching, so that the candidates will be equipped with the latest ESL teaching approaches.
- To provide opportunities for higher ESL learning according to the changing needs of the present time and the new millennium.
Graduation Requirements
Graduate Particulars | Requirement |
Mode & Duration of Study | Mode: Fulltime Duration: 18 months |
Programme Structure | Taught course modules: 14 Total Credits: 42 credits |
Course Modules Completion | Successful completion and passing of all taught courses listed in the approved programme structure |
Continuous (Formative) Assessment | Completion of prescribed assessments for all taught courses, as applicable, including: • Written Assessments • Assignments • Research Project • Teaching Portfolio • Micro Teaching |
Final (Summative) Assessment | Passing of Final examinations and summative assessment for all applicable courses with the approved weightage |
Project Module | Successful completion of the Research Project, demonstrating the application of data science and analytics techniques to solve a practical, real-world problem, including: • Project proposal |
Academic Standing | Students must successfully complete all coursework modules, with no outstanding assessments, incomplete grades, or failed courses in their academic record at the time of graduation approval. |
Final Approval | Endorsement by the School, Academic Committees, and approval by the Lincoln University College Senate |
Graduation is awarded only upon successful completion of all prescribed formative and summative assessment components. Students must demonstrate satisfactory attainment of the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) in accordance with the approved assessment structure of the MATESL programme.
FAQ
Program Overview
What is the duration of the MATESL program?
The duration of MATESL program in Lincoln University College is 18 months for full-time and 30 months for part-time study mode.
What are the entry requirements for the MATESL program?
Bachelor’s degree in TESL or related field of study with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or higher. Lower CGPA accepted with 5 years of relevant experience
What subjects are included in the MATESL program?
Core courses like Second Language Acquisition, Research Methodology, and electives like Sociolinguistics and Phonetics.
What is the objective of the MATESL program?
The program aims to equip graduates with the skills to teach English effectively to non-native speakers, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching methods.
What is the structure of the MATESL program?
The MATESL program include core courses like Research Methodology, Language Teaching Methods, and elective options like Testing and Assessment in Language Teaching.
How are the students in the MATESL program assessed?
Assessment methods include assignments, projects, presentations, and a final dissertation.
Do you have Alumni?
Yes, we do have. https://alumni.lincoln.edu.my/
Career Prospects
What are the career prospects after completing the MATESL program?
Graduates can pursue careers as ESL teachers, language coordinators, curriculum developers, or work in education policy and research.
Is there a research component in the MATESL program?
Yes, the program includes a dissertation as part of its graduation requirement, focusing on an area of interest related to English language teaching.
What roles can MATESL graduates pursue?
Graduates can work as ESL (English as a Second Language) instructors, TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) trainers, language curriculum developers, and language program administrators.
Can MATESL graduates work internationally?
Yes, MATESL degrees are highly valued globally, and graduates can work in educational institutions, language centers, or corporate training environments across countries.
Entry Requirements
What are the eligibility criteria for admission into the MATESL program?
Bachelor’s degree in TESL or related field of study with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or higher. Lower CGPA accepted with 5 years of relevant experience
What is the English language eligibility criteria for MATESL program?
As per the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) standards, the English language proficiency requirements for enrolling in the M.A. TESL program generally include:
IELTS: Minimum Band 6.0, or
TOEFL: A score of at least 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), or 80 (iBT), or
Equivalent qualifications as accepted by the university.
These requirements apply to non-native English speakers or candidates whose previous education was not conducted in English.
Can I study part-time in the MATESL program?
Yes, students can study the M.A. TESL program part-time at Lincoln University College. The part-time program typically takes 30 months to complete, providing flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments.
If I don’t have the required academic qualifications but have experience in the relevant field, am I eligible?
Yes, you may still be eligible for the M.A. TESL program at Lincoln University College even if you don’t meet the academic qualifications. Applicants with relevant field experience (typically at least 5 years) may be considered for admission, especially if their CGPA is below the required 2.50. This is subject to the university’s assessment of your work experience and professional background.
Always check with the university’s admissions department for specific case evaluations.
Graduation Requirements
What are the minimum academic requirements to graduate from my MATESL program?
Successfully complete fourteen (14) courses including two (2) Research Project courses (Research Project Part A and Research Project Part B); 42 credit hours and achieve at least MUET Band 3 or any other recognized English competency test equivalent to Low B1 Level of the CEFR.
What is the minimum CGPA required for graduation?
Students must obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 to be eligible for graduation from the MATESL program.
How many total credit hours must I complete to be eligible for graduation?
Students are required to successfully complete a total of 42 credit hours to be eligible for graduation from the MATESL programme.
Are there compulsory core courses that must be passed before I can graduate?
Yes. Students must successfully complete and pass all fourteen (14) courses prescribed under the MATESL program in order to be eligible for graduation.
Is there a minimum attendance requirement to qualify for graduation?
Yes. Students are required to maintain a minimum attendance of 80% for each course in order to be eligible for graduation.
Do I need to complete an internship, industrial training, or practical attachment to graduate?
No. The MATESL programme does not require an internship, industrial training or practical attachment for graduation. However, students are required to complete a compulsory course on Teaching Portfolio Development, which provides structured opportunities to demonstrate practical teaching competencies and professional readiness.
Are final-year projects, theses, or capstone projects mandatory for graduation?
Yes. Students are required to complete and pass the Research Project Part A and Research Project Part B.
Can I graduate if I have outstanding failed or incomplete courses?
No. Students must successfully pass all required courses under the MATESL programme. Graduation is not permitted if there are any failed or incomplete courses remaining on the academic record.
Are there specific language proficiency or exit test requirements for graduation?
Yes. Students must achieve MUET or any other recognized English competency test (IELTS/TOEFL, etc.) equivalent to Low B1 level of the CEFR in order to fulfil the language proficiency requirement for graduation.
What administrative or financial clearances must be completed before graduation approval?
Prior to graduation approval, students are required to obtain full administrative clearance which includes financial clearances, academic clearance, and completion and submission of the Clearance Form.
What is the minimum duration of the program?
The minimum duration to complete the MATESL programme is one year and six months (18 months) of full-time study.
What is the total module of the program?
The MATESL programme consists of a total of 14 courses.
Is the program Course work or Research based program?
The MATESL programme is primarily a coursework-based programme.
Can I take 50% course and then come back after 1 or 2 years and continue?
No. Students are allowed to defer their studies, but only up to two semesters during the programme.
Can I complete the course via Microcredits?
Yes
Can I get visa even if I do not have English test result?
Yes. Students may still obtain a visa without an English test result. However, they are required to attend English classes by the University’s Language Centre before joining the main course.
How can I get English test while visa has been issued?
Students who do not yet have an English test result may take the English test with the support of the University’s Language Centre. The Language Centre can provide guidance, preparatory classes, and the opportunity to sit for the test to meet the programme’s language requirements.