PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This programme is designed for both trained and experienced and young professional teachers, curriculum developers and consultants who wish to gain a higher degree and professionalism in a range of areas such as teaching English language, language programme administration, bilingual education and applied language study. The programme integrates theory with practice which focuses on second/foreign language learning, teaching, assessment, managing and research.

PROGRAMME VISION

The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA in TESOL) is designed to produce advanced graduates who will emerge as reflective educators, innovative researchers, and strategic leaders with advanced knowledge of TESOL theory, research, and ELT programme management, and will be able to apply their expertise in diverse contexts.

Graduates will demonstrate competency in digital literacy, professional and ethical values, strong communication skills, and a commitment to lifelong professional development, enabling them to analyse, explore, and critique evolving issues in TESOL and contribute to national human capital development and global academic engagement.

PROGRAMME MISSION

The MA in TESOL programme at the Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh — an established centre for language proficiency, teacher education, and TESOL research in Cambodia — is committed to developing experienced English language practitioners as critically reflective educators, emerging researchers, and principled programme leaders. 

Grounded in the realities of Cambodian classrooms and responsive to regional and global ELT developments, the programme strengthens evidence-based teaching practice, promotes rigorous research inquiry, and enhances institutional quality through graduate education aligned with regional and international accreditation standards.

PROGRAMME GOAL

The MA in TESOL programme at the Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh, prepares experienced English language practitioners to become reflective educators, innovative researchers, and strategic ELT leaders. Through rigorous academic inquiry and evidence-based practice grounded in Cambodian, regional and global contexts, graduates emerge with the advanced knowledge, research competencies, and professional skills to contribute meaningfully to institutional growth and national human capital development.

PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES

The MA in TESOL programme envisions that graduate education serves a purpose greater than professional advancement per se. It is a process through which educators develop the capacity to think critically, inquire systematically, and act with integrity in the diverse and evolving contexts they serve. 

The programme holds that knowledge becomes most meaningful when it is pursued with curiosity, applied with cultural sensitivity, and shared with a genuine concern for the learners, institutions, and communities. 

With a commitment to ethical professionalism, a culture of inquiry, and lifelong learning, the programme aspires to cultivate graduates who contribute not only to their own growth but also to the continuous improvement of English language education in Cambodia and beyond.

PROGRAMME GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

• GA 1 — Reflective Teaching Professional
  MA in TESOL graduates critically examine their own pedagogical practice, applying evidence-based theories and andragogical principles to continuously improve English language teaching across diverse educational contexts.
• GA 2 — Innovative TESOL Researcher 
  MA in TESOL graduates design and conduct rigorous independent research, contributing original knowledge to TESOL scholarship and evidence-based practice at institutional, national, and global levels.
• GA 3 — Strategic ELT Leader 
  MA in TESOL graduates manage and execute strategic roles in ELT programme development, quality assurance, curriculum design, and institutional advancement with digital competence and professional confidence.
• GA 4 — Ethical and Interculturally Competent Professional 
  MA in TESOL graduates uphold ethical professionalism and intercultural sensitivity in all academic and professional engagements, demonstrating responsibility toward learners, institutions, and the broader educational community.
• GA 5 — Effective National and International Academic Communicator 
  MA in TESOL graduates articulate research findings, professional knowledge, and scholarly ideas clearly and persuasively through academic writing, oral presentation, and digital platforms in national and international settings.
   

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MA in TESOL, graduates will be able to:

A. Knowledge (K)

• PLO1. Apply advanced knowledge of language learning theories and TESOL principles to instructional design and practice across diverse ELT contexts, including those specific to Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

• PLO2. Critically evaluate contemporary issues, innovations, and policies in English language education.

B. Cognitive Skills (C)

• PLO3. Design, implement, and evaluate effective English language curricula, instructional materials, and assessments using evidence-based approaches.

• PLO4. Conduct independent quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research in TESOL.

• PLO5. Analyze and solve complex pedagogical and administrative challenges in ELT contexts.

C. Interpersonal & Responsibility (I)

• PLO6. Exercise leadership, teamwork, and ethical responsibility in ELT programme management and collaborative academic settings.

• PLO7. Produce documented evidence of reflective practice and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development.

D. Communication & Digital Skills (D)

• PLO8. Articulate research findings and professional knowledge clearly and persuasively through academic writing and oral presentation across academic and professional settings.

• PLO9. Integrate appropriate digital technologies to enhance English language teaching, research, and programme administration.

   

Teaching/Learning/Assessment

When taught in the weekly programme, there are 30 one-and-a-half-hour sessions for each subject. Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, presentations, small group work, group discussion, independent study, mini-tasks, seminars and workshops. Visiting professors and lecturers will probably conduct intensive teaching within a period of two to three weeks for any assigned subject/unit.

To be awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA in TESOL), students must pass all the units/subjects required with at least a satisfactory result. The following are the grading scales applied to the unit/subject teaching assessment.

The grading scales applied to the unit/subject teaching assessment:

This programme lasts FOUR semesters full-time. Students may defer for a maximum of FOUR years once they have fulfilled the requirements of the first two semesters. Students must complete units/subjects totaling 45 credit points to be eligible for the award of Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA in TESOL). The MA in TESOL programme consists of 7 compulsory core units/subjects, 3 of the 12 elective units/subjects, 1 thesis proposal and a research thesis of 10,000 words.

Programme schedule and Calendar

There is only one course schedule offered for this programme on every weekday from Monday to Friday OR on weekends from Saturday to Sunday. 

Weekday Classes 

Weekend Classes

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory for all the units/subjects as it largely maintains the quality of the MA in TESOL programme. Therefore, observe the following attendance regulations carefully and comply with them strictly.

Suspension Policy

Students are allowed to defer their studies for a maximum of two semesters once they follow these conditions. (1) Students must pass all the units/subjects with satisfactory results in the first two semesters. And (2) They must comply with all the procedures and regulations of the Department of English (suspension form completion within the suspension schedule).TEACHING/LEARNING/ASSESSMENT

When taught in the weekly programme, there are 30 one-and-a-half-hour sessions for each subject. Teaching and learning strategies include lectures, presentations, small group work, group discussion, independent study, mini-tasks, seminars and workshops. Visiting professors and lecturers will probably conduct intensive teaching within a period of two to three weeks for any assigned subject/unit.

To be awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA in TESOL), students must pass all the units/subjects required with at least a satisfactory result. The following are the grading scales applied to the unit/subject teaching assessment.

The grading scales applied to the unit/subject teaching assessment:

This course is a rigorous degree programme. Applicants must possess an advanced standing of achievement required by the Department of English for admission to this graduate study. Each applicant must meet one of the following main criteria.

A. Entry Requirements for Former English Department Students and Non-English Department Students:

• An undergraduate degree in B. Ed (TEFL) with an average score in their final year NOT less than 60% (only for former English Department Students).

• An undergraduate degree in B.Ed or B.A degree in related social sciences from recognised institutions.

• A teaching qualification and working experience (one year minimum).

• Evidence of a strong academic or professional record with a minimum GPA of 3 (Accreditation Committee of Cambodia).

• An official TOEFL score of 550, ITP 550 or IELTS 5.5 with a band of 5 in reading and writing.

• For those whose average score is lower than 60% or who do not have an official TOEFL, ITP or IELTS score, they must pass the Proficiency Test administered by the Department of English.

• A pass in the oral test.

B. Entry Requirements for Students Holding Other Bachelor's Degrees

Students who hold a bachelor's degree in other fields must meet the following requirements to be accepted into the programme:

• An undergraduate degree in another field.

• Completion of an equivalent certificate of BA or BED, preferably a certificate of TESOL at the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) of Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).

• A training of at least 3 units/subjects on equivalent subjects of BA or B.Ed.

• A strong English competence or a pass of the selection test

C. Additional Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning may be granted for the Units/Subjects completed at overseas institutions in the following courses:

• Postgraduate Diploma in TESOL (40%)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics (40%)

• MA in relevant social sciences (30%)

Note: Recognition of prior learning and experience may be granted on the basis of equivalent study undertaken at the English Department. This is decided by the Scientific Research Committee of the programme and on individual case.

To apply directly to the MA in TESOL Programme, Institute of Foreign Languages, follow these easy steps:

1. Pick up an application form from a receptionist on the ground floor of Building E, or go to our Facebook page/Telegram channel to find the online registration form

2. Fill out all the information required by the MA programme and submit with all necessary documents to the programme coordinator.

3. When you are submitting your application form, make sure you attach:

• original or certified copies of your academic qualifications and transcripts;

• original or certified copy of evidence of your English language proficiency (TOEFL, ITP or IELTS score) if any;

• original or certified copy of the degree;

• a good study objective and a Curriculum Vitae; and

• any other information specified in the entry requirements for the course(s) you have chosen. (Please see the Academic Calendar for application schedule).

4. Pay the registration fee (100,000 KHR or 25 USD)

5. Submit the form (online registration form) to the programme coordinator