Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen MSc TESOL is a conversion programme open to applicants from any undergraduate discipline. The official entry requirement is a good 2:2 UK degree (or its equivalent) in a related discipline such as English or Linguistics, and/or sufficient English Language Teaching experience as approved by the admissions officer. The page does not publish a specific Chinese qualification equivalent; applicants must select China in the country dropdown on the official page to view any posted equivalences. English language requirements include an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 with no sub-skill below the stated thresholds. The 2026/27 international tuition fee is £23,000, reduced to £15,000 for self-funded students who receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Degree qualification requirements
The programme page states that students are required to hold a good 2:2 degree (or its equivalent) in a related discipline, such as English or Linguistics, and/or sufficient English Language Teaching experience as approved by the admissions officer. The university describes the MSc as a conversion programme that can be completed in a single year from any background, any discipline at undergraduate level, to kickstart a career teaching English to speakers of other languages.
The page includes a country selector for entry requirements. To view any equivalences posted for Chinese qualifications, an applicant must select “China” from the dropdown on the official page. The published text does not list a specific Chinese GPA or degree classification on the main programme page itself.
English language requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they can speak, understand, read and write English fluently. The minimum scores for this degree are:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90, with Listening 17, Reading 21, Speaking 20, Writing 21
- PTE Academic: Overall 62, with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: Overall 176, with Listening 162, Reading 169, Speaking 162, Writing 169
Document requirements
When applying, you must supply a degree transcript showing all subjects and marks achieved (with an original and official English translation), a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme, and a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time, you may use a current or most recent employer or another professional person as a referee. Submitting a CV with your application is optional.
Programme structure and study options
The MSc TESOL is offered on campus in Aberdeen with full-time and part-time study modes. Available start months are September and January. The MSc can be completed in 12 months or 24 months. The university also offers a PgDip (9 months or 21 months) and a PgCert (4 months or 9 months).
Instead of writing an academically oriented dissertation, MSc students can compile a Focused Teaching Portfolio as the final element. The university states this offering is unique in the field and involves practical work aimed towards the goal of becoming a teacher of TESOL.
Fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The published 2026/27 international tuition fee for the MSc is £23,000. The page states that the fee for self-funded international students is £15,000, which includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to all eligible self-funded international postgraduate masters students. Full terms and conditions apply. For the PgDip, the international fee is £15,335; for the PgCert, it is £7,670.
What the official page does not yet confirm
The main programme page does not display a specific Chinese qualification equivalent as static text. The country selector is present and must be used on the live page to retrieve any posted equivalences for China. The page also advises that the qualification information is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry. Prospective students requiring a visa are advised to apply as early as possible to secure a place.
FAQ
Is the MSc TESOL open to graduates from any discipline?
Yes. The university describes the programme as a conversion programme that can be completed in a single year from any background, any discipline at undergraduate level. The formal entry requirement also references a related discipline such as English or Linguistics, and/or sufficient English Language Teaching experience as approved by the admissions officer.
What is the minimum IELTS score for the MSc TESOL?
IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 6.0, Speaking 5.5 and Writing 6.0.
Can I apply without a degree in English or Linguistics?
The official entry requirement states a good 2:2 degree in a related discipline such as English or Linguistics, and/or sufficient English Language Teaching experience as approved by the admissions officer. The programme is also described as a conversion programme open to any discipline at undergraduate level.
What is the international tuition fee for 2026/27?
The published international fee is £23,000. The page states that self-funded international students pay £15,000, which includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Does the page list a specific GPA requirement for Chinese applicants?
No. The page includes a country selector where an applicant can select China to view any posted equivalences. The static text on the main programme page does not list a specific Chinese GPA or degree classification.
Can I submit a teaching portfolio instead of a dissertation?
Yes. The programme offers the option to compile a Focused Teaching Portfolio as the final element instead of writing an academically oriented dissertation. The university states this involves practical work aimed towards becoming a teacher of TESOL.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from the University of Aberdeen’s official postgraduate taught degree programme page for MSc TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, available at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/321/tesol/.
For broader context on international study pathways, you may find these resources useful: Management and Commerce Bachelor Guide, PhD degree information, 2026 rankings and recommendations for studying abroad, and information on fee-free agents for Australia and the UK.