Students take the taught courses in four blocks, and complete an independent study (dissertation or professional portfolio) on completion of the assessment of the taught courses.

Students take the core modules in three blocks:

• English Language Learning and Teaching (30 credits)
• Analysing Language for TESOL (30 credits)
• Research Methods for TESOL (30 credits)

Students take 2 of these 5 modules in one block:

• Materials and task design (15 credits)
• Language testing and assessment (15 credits)
• Change and evaluation in language education (15 credits)
• Teacher Learning in TESOL (15 credits)
• Guided Independent study (15 credits)

Students may also take a 30-credit independent study module.

The two specialist modules taught in ITESO will be negotiated with students.
Each block phase will be approximately 16 weeks

• Weeks 1-5: preparation and pre-reading phase
• Week 6: taught block in ITESO
• Week 7-16: Assessment phase

On successful completion of the taught courses students do a dissertation or professional portfolio (60 credits) with the support of a supervisor. The dissertation focuses on research design and methodology in a TESOL topic area.

The professional portfolio takes a problem solving focus, and usually includes course and materials design, use of assessment and programme evaluation, and action research and reflective practice elements.