Many teachers choose to pursue a Master’s degree after gaining several years of classroom experience. For them, postgraduate study is not only an opportunity to enhance their professional expertise but also a long-term investment in their career development.
After nearly five years of teaching English across different educational levels, Nguyen Quang Hieu — a graduate of the High-Quality English Language Programme at Ho Chi Minh City Open University — decided to enrol in the MA TESOL Programme. This Master’s programme in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is jointly delivered by the VN-UK Institute For Research and Executive Education – The University of Danang (VNUK) and Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.
For Hieu, the decision to pursue a Master’s degree came from his desire to invest in his professional development while he still had many opportunities to advance his career. He shared:
“In my opinion, pursuing an MA TESOL earlier helps you build a strong and well-structured professional foundation from the beginning. I wanted to invest in my expertise while I still had many opportunities to apply the knowledge and experience gained from the programme to my teaching career.”
The 3-6-3 Study Pathway: Building a Strong Foundation Before Studying in the United Kingdom
When discussing his reasons for choosing the programme, Hieu highlighted Nottingham Trent University’s strong reputation in the field of TESOL as one of the key factors.
In particular, the programme’s 3-6-3 pathway provides students with the opportunity to study in both Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Students begin with three months of study at VNUK, continue with six months at Nottingham Trent University, and complete the final three months working on their dissertation in either Vietnam or the United Kingdom.
Hieu explained: “For me, this was a very important stepping stone. The period of study at VNUK allowed me to become familiar with academic learning, research methods and an international academic environment before transferring to the UK. As a result, I felt more confident and proactive when beginning my studies at Nottingham Trent University.”
Developing Deeper Knowledge of Teaching Methods and Academic Thinking
With several years of teaching experience, Hieu believes that the MA TESOL Programme does more than provide additional professional knowledge. It also enables students to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary theories and approaches to English language teaching.
In addition to the programme’s internationally designed curriculum, the academic staff at VNUK and Nottingham Trent University also made a strong impression on him.
“The lecturers have strong international academic backgrounds and extensive practical experience. They not only deliver professional knowledge but also share valuable perspectives on the cultures and education systems of English-speaking countries. These experiences have helped me become more confident in my teaching and during job interviews.”
Working Closely with a Supervisor Throughout the Research Journey
One experience that Hieu particularly valued was the close guidance and support provided by his supervisor throughout the dissertation process.
“Mr Peter taught both the Research and Vocabulary modules and was also my dissertation supervisor. As he already understood my learning style and academic writing approach, he was able to provide very specific feedback, helping me improve my research skills and develop stronger critical-thinking abilities.”
According to Hieu, working closely with a supervisor not only supported him in completing his dissertation but also provided a strong foundation for future research activities and long-term professional development.
Investing in Professional Development Today
When asked to describe his experience in the programme using a few keywords, Hieu selected:
- VNUK Team: Supportive – Dedicated – Knowledgeable
- MA TESOL Programme: High-quality – Professional
To conclude the conversation, Hieu shared a message with young teachers and those interested in the field of English language teaching:
“To become a good English teacher, strong professional expertise is essential alongside professional ethics. In my opinion, pursuing an MA TESOL earlier will help you establish a well-structured career foundation from the very beginning.”
The MA TESOL Programme is a Master’s programme in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages jointly delivered by the VN-UK Institute For Research and Executive Education – The University of Danang (VNUK) and Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.
Through its international 3-6-3 study pathway, the programme offers students the opportunity to study in a British-standard academic environment, receive a Master’s degree from Nottingham Trent University and develop internationally oriented professional expertise.
Applications for the 2026 MA TESOL Programme intake are currently open until 15 August 2026. If you are looking for an international postgraduate programme to strengthen your professional expertise and expand your career opportunities in English language teaching, now is the right time to begin preparing for your academic journey.
📌 2026 admission and application information:
https://thacsitesol.com/thong-bao-nhan-ho-so-tuyen-sinh-chuong-trinh-ma-tesol-2026
📩 Register for consultation and submit your application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-WT-7CbGhsFM1c5ZzhBCekLcpiOIUI5HVYbeaW84hxowHEQ/viewform
#TeachingEnglish #TESOL #MATesol2026 #VNUK #NTU
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Contact Information
- Website: https://thacsitesol.com/
- TESOL Learning Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/699168735333549
- Phone: 0905 55 66 54
- Email: matesol@vnuk.edu.vn
