Overview

This PhD course at the University of Stirling is entirely dedicated to TESOL Research. This doctorate will be of interest to those who have a background in languages, linguistics, applied linguistics, or a related field, as well as to language teaching practitioners who have a keen interest in research.

This course will develop your research skills and set you on the path to becoming an autonomous researcher. The PhD is a significant qualification which will mark you out as an expert researcher in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages.

You’ll achieve new skills in understanding complex matters, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, increase your confidence as a researcher and expand your knowledge of the field while also enjoying the PhD experience.

Outcomes

By graduation, you’ll be a well-rounded professional researcher who:

has knowledge of the wider educational field
is proficient in the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods
has the skills needed to research any area within TESOL
is able to make a contribution to scholarly knowledge and professional practice

Programme Structure

Modules include:

Research Design in TESOL
Quantitative Data Analysis
Nature of Educational Enquiry
Approaches in Discourse Analysis
Qualitative Data Analysis
Theory & Methods of Digital Social Research
Sociolinguistics: Varieties of English
TESOL Research Practice
TESOL Thesis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-21 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

No deadline, applications are considered throughout the year. Early application is advised however, especially for international students.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

540 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stirling, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Teaching English as a Foreign Language View 8 other PhDs in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General 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.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18100 GBP / year

≈ 18100 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

6466 GBP / year

≈ 6466 GBP / year

Living costs

Stirling

United Kingdom

660 - 1140 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for TESOL Research.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Stirling

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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