Applications are invited from eligible candidates for Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language scheduled to begin in October 2026.
MA in TESL programme is offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies through the Department of English and Linguistics, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
This two-year programme (SLQF 10) covers the key areas of Structure of English, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Second Language Teaching Pedagogy, Testing and Assessment in ESL, Curriculum & Materials Development in ESL and Second Language Research Methods.
Who is this programme for?
- Teachers of English or Teacher Educators who wish to upgrade their professional standing
- University lecturers seeking postgraduate qualification in TESL
- Anyone with a basic degree planning a career in English Language Teaching
Entry Requirements
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree in English or TESL (SLQF 6)
or
- A three-year Bachelor’s degree with English as a subject (SLQF 5)
or
- A Bachelor’s degree in English medium (SLQF 5 or 6)
or
- Any other degree acceptable to the university senate (SLQF 5 or 6) Note: Admission to the MA in TESL programme is limited and competitive
Duration: 2 years
Year 1: Taught programme
Year 2: Taught programme & Independent research
Candidates who successfully complete the 1st year modules may exit the programme with postgraduate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language (PGDip in TESL) (SLQF 9)
Mode of Delivery: Blended Learning
This programme involves both on-campus and online learning. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sessions may also be held on a few Sundays, when necessary. A minimum of 80% attendance is required for online lectures and on-campus sessions unless otherwise specified.
Course Fee: LKR 260,000/- (Payable in two installments)
First Installment: 150,000/-
Second Installment: 110,000/-
(Registration Fees Rs. 5,000/-, Library Fees 5,000/-, Library Deposits (Refundable) 5,000/- and Examination Fees Rs. 2,000/- are included).
Application Closing Date: September 30th, 2026
Rs. 2000/- of application fee should be deposited to the account number generated individually at the time of applying.
Online Application: https://fgsenroll.sjp.ac.lk/apply
For more information:
Dr. S.S. Pereira
Coordinator
MA in TESL programme
Telephone number: +94 11 275 8309 (From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Email: matesl@sjp.ac.lk
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Mrs. Lakmini: +94 11 288 1558 / boshu.fgs@sjp.ac.lk
Senior Assistant Registrar
Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
