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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

This taught masters programme is designed for the professional development of teachers. You can better understand the problems that people face when learning a new language. You will be able to apply this knowledge to improve your teaching practice and employment prospects.

You may be able to take some of the courses towards your degree online. Completing the MTESOL does not qualify you to teach in state schools in New Zealand.

Other related programmes include the Postgraduate Diploma in Language Teaching and the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics.

Programme Structure

The MTESOLis structured in the following way:

  • Three elective courses in conducting research in applied language studies, curriculum design, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, discourse analysis, assessment, or creativity in language teaching (45 points)
  • Five more elective courses from our wide range of language teaching courses (75 points)


Programme Careers

Potential Careers

If you have experience in language teaching, the MTESOL will further your knowledge and skills to enable you to advance your career as a professional in the field.

Jobs related to this programme

  • English as a second/foreign language teacher
  • Second/foreign language teacher trainer
  • Lecturer in second/foreign language teacher education

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. 

Taught (120 point) - 3.5 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or bachelors degree and work experience

Taught (180 point) - 3.5 Grade Point Average 

A relevant Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Relevant subjects may include Business English, Linguistics, Language Studies, Language Teaching, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and Translation and Interpreting. 

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught 180 points

You must have:

  • completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above stage II 

OR 

  • completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study and passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded. 


Taught 120 points

You must have:

  • completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II and at least two years of relevant professional experience or the equivalent

OR

  • completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree from this University, in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study and at least one year of relevant professional experience or the equivalent.


If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have: 

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study  

or 

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above stage II 

or 

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study 

and  

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Education from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded. 

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) at least two years of relevant professional experience or the equivalent

or

b (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

and

(ii) at least two years of relevant professional experience or the equivalent

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors Honours degree from this University, in a relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) at least one year of relevant professional experience or the equivalent.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 or 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 Applicants who have not completed two years of full-time study in an English medium institution must have achieved an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on all bands in IELTS (Academic) or equivalent.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of study. 

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study. 

Notes: 

(i) Admission to and completion of this programme does not meet New Zealand teacher registration requirements. 

(ii) A relevant degree or subject area may include: Business English, Linguistics, Language Studies, Language Teaching, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), or Translation and Interpreting. 

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must: 

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points 

and 

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees 

and 

c not exceed 220 points in total enrolment for this degree.  

 

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:  

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points 

and 

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees 

and 

c not exceed 160 points in total enrolment for this degree. 

Structure and Content

8 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Schedule. 

b A student who has to complete 180 points for this degree must achieve a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher in the first 60 points of courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the MTESOL cannot continue. 

9 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar. 

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Distinction

11 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 Point Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 point Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 Point Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map