Stepping into the World to Enhance English Teaching Methods – The MA TESOL Programme

In December 2024, the graduation ceremony for the MA TESOL Class of 2023 took place on the VNUK campus in Da Nang, attended by representatives from Nottingham Trent University, the University of Danang, the Viet Nam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), and a large number of students from the 2023 cohort.

All the graduates demonstrated clear growth after one year of studying the programme. In the next issue of this series, let’s hear from student Nguyễn Quốc Thái about his journey to enhance his expertise through the 2023 MA TESOL programme.

VNUK x NTU MA TESOL Programme: Flexible Schedule That Doesn’t Disrupt Work

As a full-time English teacher, Thái was seeking a master’s programme that could both improve his knowledge and not interfere too much with his job. The VNUK x NTU MA TESOL programme proved to be the perfect solution. With a flexible study schedule and a concise duration, this programme helped Thái achieve his goals.

“The main reason I chose to pursue my master’s with the VNUK x NTU MA TESOL programme was because the course schedule fit well with my situation. For those of us working full-time, there isn’t much free time left during the day. But this master’s programme helped me balance study and continuing work. The timetable for courses during the first three months in Vietnam was well spread out and convenient. Moreover, the MA TESOL course is not too long—only about one year—so I didn’t have to take a long break from work, and I could return to my job immediately after finishing.”

Image 1: Thái checking in in the UK with fellow MA TESOL 2023 students

VNUK x NTU MA TESOL Programme: A Master’s Choice That’s Both Reasonable and “Super Cost-Effective”

“The VNUK x NTU MA TESOL programme helped me save costs compared to studying independently in the UK. I explored many other options and realized that the VNUK and NTU MA TESOL course is a very reasonable choice — it saves a significant amount of money while offering a high-quality curriculum and a degree equivalent to a full-time study program in the UK.

In particular, the MA TESOL classes during the first three months are held in Da Nang. This was very convenient for me as I didn’t have to travel far to attend classes. Also, VNUK is located in the city center, so commuting was very easy for me.”

Opportunity to Connect with Talented Fellow Teachers

“One of the most impressive things for me was the chance to interact with highly skilled and talented fellow teachers. I learned a lot from my MA TESOL 2023 classmates about teaching methods, experiences, challenges, and difficulties in the profession. These insights helped me deepen my expertise and motivated me to improve myself daily in my teaching career.

Besides that, the lecturers in the MA TESOL programme at VNUK and NTU were also an inspiring source for me. Everyone was very friendly and willing to share knowledge with us, as well as encouraging one another while completing assignments.”

Image 2: Thái exploring the streets of London

Strengthening Solid English Teaching Methods

“This MA TESOL programme has helped me strengthen my teaching methods as well as skills in classroom management and proper assessment of materials. This makes me more confident in teaching, lesson planning, and selecting appropriate curricula for various types of learners. Compared to before, there were some teaching methods I once thought were reasonable, but after this course, with the support and sharing from lecturers and colleagues, I have improved them to help my students progress faster and more effectively.”

Access to Valuable Materials and Research for Future Teaching Career

“One of the privileges of being a student in this MA TESOL programme is having access to many valuable materials and research beneficial for a teaching career. In the courses, I had to read a lot of documents, articles, and studies to complete assignments. Honestly, at first, I felt overwhelmed by the vast amount of knowledge I had to absorb whenever I read materials. I even felt ‘intimidated’ when seeing them. However, over time, I got used to it and gradually realized that I have learned a lot of new knowledge and fascinating things from industry research.

Additionally, the course also gave me the opportunity to make friends with very talented and lovely fellow teachers. This was also a chance to expand my network with many gifted peers from different places, so we could learn, share, and develop comprehensively together.”

Image 3: Thái enjoying his master’s studies in the UK

Satisfied with the Quality of the MA TESOL 2023 Programme

“The first thing that impressed me about this programme was definitely the cost and time savings it offered. Secondly, the lecturers and the VNUK team were always enthusiastic, friendly, and ready to support us whenever we faced any difficulties during the course.

I would like to share a few words to those considering the VNUK x NTU MA TESOL programme. If you are still unsure about this course, you can find more information on the website or contact the VNUK team or previous cohorts to help answer any questions you might have. Consider carefully the options available to you, the goals you want to achieve, and prepare well for the future.

For those about to start the MA TESOL, make sure to arrange and plan your study schedule carefully to successfully overcome the challenges ahead. Don’t forget to balance your time to fully enjoy the journey. I wish you a truly meaningful and memorable experience.”

Thank you to Thái for these meaningful insights. We wish you a bright new journey ahead!