๐ Master of Arts in TESL โ 2026 Intake | University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Are you looking to advance your career in English Language Teaching? The University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), Faculty of Graduate Studies is inviting applications for the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (MA in TESL) โ SLQF Level 10 โ 2026 Intake.
The programme is conducted by the Department of English and Linguistics and is scheduled to commence in October 2026. The official university announcement confirms the programme details and application deadline.
๐ MA in TESL โ 2026 Intake
The two-year postgraduate programme is designed for English teachers, teacher educators, university lecturers and graduates who are interested in developing professional expertise in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).
๐ฉโ๐ซ Who Can Apply?
This programme is suitable for:
- ๐จโ๐ซ Teachers of English and Teacher Educators who want to enhance their professional qualifications
- ๐ University lecturers seeking a postgraduate qualification in TESL
- ๐ Graduates planning to build a career in English Language Teaching
๐ฏ Programme Content
The MA in TESL covers important areas related to English language teaching and research, including:
- ๐ Structure of English
- ๐ง Psycholinguistics
- ๐ Sociolinguistics
- ๐ฉโ๐ซ Second Language Teaching Pedagogy
- ๐ Testing and Assessment in ESL
- ๐ Curriculum and Materials Development in ESL
- ๐ฌ Second Language Research Methods
The programme combines taught coursework with independent research, helping students develop both practical teaching knowledge and research skills.
๐ Entry Requirements
Applicants should meet one of the following qualifications:
โ Option 1
A four-year Bachelor’s Degree in English or TESL โ SLQF Level 6.
โ Option 2
A three-year Bachelor’s Degree with English as a subject โ SLQF Level 5.
โ Option 3
A Bachelor’s Degree obtained in English medium โ SLQF Level 5 or 6.
โ Option 4
Any other degree acceptable to the University Senate โ SLQF Level 5 or 6.
โ ๏ธ Important: Admission to the MA in TESL programme is limited and competitive.
โณ Programme Duration
Duration: 2 Years
- ๐ Year 1: Taught programme
- ๐ Year 2: Taught programme + Independent Research
Students who successfully complete the first-year modules may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (PGDip in TESL) โ SLQF Level 9.
๐ป Mode of Delivery
The programme is offered through Blended Learning, combining:
- ๐ซ On-campus learning
- ๐ป Online learning
- ๐ Saturday sessions from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
- ๐๏ธ Some Sunday sessions may be conducted when necessary
A minimum of 80% attendance is required for online lectures and on-campus sessions unless otherwise specified.
๐ฐ Course Fee
Total Course Fee: LKR 260,000/=
Payable in two instalments:
- ๐ต First Instalment: LKR 150,000/=
- ๐ต Second Instalment: LKR 110,000/=
According to the official university announcement, the stated fee includes registration, library, refundable library deposit and examination fees.
๐ณ Application Fee
Applicants are required to pay an application fee of LKR 2,000/=.
The amount should be deposited to the account number generated individually at the time of applying.
๐ Application Closing Date
๐จ September 30, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete the application process before the closing date.
๐ How to Apply
Applications are available online through the Faculty of Graduate Studies / University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Official MA in TESL 2026 Intake Announcement โ University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Faculty of Graduate Studies โ University of Sri Jayewardenepura
The official university announcement lists the online application facility and provides further information for prospective applicants.
๐ More Information
MA in TESL Programme Coordinator
๐จโ๐ Dr. S. S. Pereira
๐ +94 11 275 8309
๐ 9.00 a.m. โ 4.00 p.m.
๐ง [email protected]
Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
๐ Why Consider an MA in TESL?
An MA in TESL can be valuable for professionals who want to:
- ๐ Improve their professional qualifications
- ๐ฉโ๐ซ Develop advanced English teaching skills
- ๐ Progress toward postgraduate-level academic opportunities
- ๐ฌ Develop research knowledge in language teaching and learning
- ๐ Gain deeper knowledge of second-language education
- ๐ผ Strengthen their career prospects in English Language Teaching
The programme’s curriculum also provides opportunities to develop knowledge in language teaching theory, curriculum development, assessment, materials development and ESL/EFL research.
๐ Important Notice
Before applying, candidates should carefully check the latest official university instructions, eligibility requirements, fees and application procedure.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
๐ University of Sri Jayewardenepura โ Faculty of Graduate Studies
๐ MA in Teaching English as a Second Language โ SLQF Level 10
๐
2026 Intake
๐ข Course Advertisement โ English Preview

Source โ Sunday Observer (2026.09.06)
