Direct answer
For 2026/27 entry to the University of Exeter MEd TESOL, the programme considers applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification. The University welcomes students from any academic background. International students must also meet English language requirements under Profile B1. The programme is offered full-time over one year or part-time over two years at St Luke’s Campus.
Academic entry requirements
The standard academic requirement for the MEd TESOL is a 2:2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification. The University states explicitly that it welcomes students from any academic background. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
For Chinese applicants, the University does not publish a specific grade conversion on the MEd TESOL programme page. The international student country page for China provides a general entry requirements link but does not list a bespoke percentage or GPA equivalence for this course. You should consult the University’s general China country page and the English language requirements page to confirm the exact academic equivalency for your qualification.
English language requirements
International students must demonstrate the required level of English language. The MEd TESOL falls under Profile B1. The programme page directs applicants to the University’s English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from their country. The specific IELTS score for Profile B1 is not stated on the programme page itself and requires a live check of the linked requirements page.
If you intend to take the optional Cambridge CELTA pathway, you must demonstrate English language proficiency of at least 7.0 IELTS and will be invited to a short interview to assess your suitability.
CELTA pathway
Starting from the 2026/27 academic year, TESOL students have the option to take the Cambridge CELTA course as part of their academic studies. CELTA is delivered, assessed and awarded by Exeter College, accredited by Cambridge Assessment. Successful students acquire both the CELTA and the MEd or PGDip TESOL certificates in one year.
Additional fees of approximately £1,800 apply for CELTA students, with a special £250 discount offered to University of Exeter students. CELTA places are limited. If more candidates apply than there are places, candidates will be selected based on entry requirements.
Module structure and teaching experience
The MEd requires 180 credits: 120 compulsory credits and 60 optional credits. Students with less than two years of teaching experience must take EFPM280 Developing Practical Knowledge for TESOL Teaching. Students with more than two years of teaching experience take EFPM266 Principles of Language Learning for TESOL.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
If you have completed one or more components of the Cambridge DELTA or Trinity DipTESOL, you may be able to use it as Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for up to 60 credits of the MEd TESOL. This means you would not need to study, and would not be charged for, the first 60 credits of the course. However, due to UK immigration requirements, APL is not available for international students unless they are currently residing permanently in the UK.
Fees for 2026/27
International fees for the MEd are £25,550 full-time or £12,775 part-time. For the PGDip, international fees are £16,350 full-time or £8,175 part-time. Additional fees apply for the CELTA pathway.
Scholarships
The University states that £7 million is available for international students applying to study in the 2026/27 academic year, including Exeter Excellence Scholarships. The A. S. Hornby Educational Trust also offers up to ten fully funded scholarships for students who meet the University’s admission criteria for the MEd TESOL programme for September 2026. The Hornby Trust prioritises capacity building for English language teaching in low- and middle-income countries.
What the official page does not confirm
The programme page does not publish a specific application deadline for 2026/27 entry for non-scholarship applicants. The exact IELTS score for Profile B1 is not stated on the programme page and requires a live check of the English language requirements page. The China country page does not provide a bespoke academic equivalency for this specific programme.
FAQ
What is the minimum UK degree classification for the MEd TESOL?
The University will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification. Students from any academic background are welcome.
Can I take the CELTA as part of the MEd TESOL?
Yes, from 2026/27 you can take the Cambridge CELTA as part of your studies. You must have at least 7.0 IELTS and pass a short interview. Additional fees of approximately £1,800 apply, with a £250 discount for Exeter students. Places are limited.
Is Accreditation of Prior Learning available for international students?
No. Due to UK immigration requirements, APL is not available for international students unless they are currently residing permanently in the UK.
What are the international tuition fees for the MEd TESOL?
For 2026/27, international fees are £25,550 for full-time study and £12,775 for part-time study.
Which module must I take if I have less than two years of teaching experience?
Students with less than two years of teaching experience must take EFPM280 Developing Practical Knowledge for TESOL Teaching.
Are there scholarships specifically for the MEd TESOL?
The A. S. Hornby Educational Trust offers up to ten fully funded scholarships for the MEd TESOL programme for September 2026, prioritising applicants from low- and middle-income countries.
Official sources
- MEd TESOL programme page, University of Exeter
- International Students country page for China, University of Exeter
For broader context on UK postgraduate study, you may also find these resources useful: guidance on the University of Westminster 2026 guide, the Durham University 2026 guide on admission, fees and rankings, and information on choosing support services in applying to the University of Adelaide. If you are exploring how to evaluate education agents, you can read about recommended study-abroad agencies.