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Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (MATL): Teaching English as a Second Language (Non-Thesis)

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Red Location IconProgram Location

Red Student IconStart Term
Summer Semester (May 1 start)

Red Book IconProgram Type
Coursework & Internships

Red Calendar IconSchedule
Full-Time/Part-Time

Red Clipboard IconCredits
60 Credits

Red Clock IconAverage Duration
2 yrs/5 consecutive semesters Full-Time

Red Student IconAdministered by
Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE)

The Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (MATL) in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) offers a comprehensive pathway to Quebec teacher certification (K-12), for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a Ministry of Education-identified teachable subject area. Incoming students should have a passion for second-language instruction and an undergraduate background related to the subject matter.

Learn through engaging coursework and two school-based internships at the elementary and secondary levels. Students can customize their program by pursuing the Independent Research Stream or the Course-Based Stream. As an MATL student, you will have the opportunity to curate a professional e-portfolio to showcase your skills, preparing you for future employment. Upon successful program completion, graduates are recommended for Quebec Ministry of Education teacher certification.

Students accepted into this program should therefore be comfortable in a French workplace environment, as student teaching placements are predominantly in French schools.Additional French classes and specialized communication courses are available to support language development. Graduates aiming for positions in French school boards must pass a standardized French language test, ensuring effective communication within educational settings.

Have questions?

MATL.education [at] mcgill.ca (Contact Us)
Details from the Course Catalogue

Program information not available.

Eligibility (Admission Criteria)
  1. Possess an undergraduate degree.
  2. Have at least 30 discipline specific credits (university level). Applicants must complete the TESL Self-Assessment Grid to self-assess whether their background meets the 30credit minimum requirement in their discipline.Courses listed must be at the 200 level or higher (no Foundation level courses) and you must have received a grade of “C” or higher, per 鶹ýվ standard. These credits may be taken as part of a degree or as an independent/special student. Itis preferable to have all 30 credits of background completed prior to starting the MATL program. Applicants missing up to, but not exceeding, 6 discipline-specific credits may be accepted into the MATL program. The completion of missing credits will be consider a condition of program completion. Students are strongly encouraged to complete outstanding discipline-specific credits prior to the start of the MATL program. In exceptional circumstances, students may be allowed to complete outstanding discipline-specific credits during the MATL program; however these credits should be completed prior to beginning the subject-area specific methods course. Failure to complete outstanding discipline-specific credits may result is a deferral of the first internship placement. This deferral will result in a significant delay in the students program completion.
  3. Have minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.
  4. Experience working/volunteering in formal/informal education or youth sector. Informal teaching experience includes, but is not limited to, camp counselor, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, etc.

    Please review the list carefully, as you must meet all of the minimum requirements in order to be considered for acceptance.Note that the department can not pre-assess prior credits for prospective students; this process happens only after applications are submitted.

Application Process & Required Documents

All applications are done through. The application steps and instructional video are on the University'sFuture Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

  1. A completeapplication form(accompanied by your application fee payment).
  2. A current workingCV/resume
  3. Apersonal statement(two-page maximum)
  4. A completed TESL Self-Assessment Grid. Grids must be typed and not hand written.
  5. A copy of your unofficial transcripts from all previous university level studies (undergraduate and graduate, including exchanges with other institutions, even if the credits appear on your home institution transcript). Official transcripts are required after the students is officially admitted to the program.
  6. Two letters of recommendation: one from a university-level instructor and the second from a professional who has supervised you in a formal or informal education or youth sector position. If you have experience working in a formal school setting, one letter must be from a school/school board administrator qualified to assess your professional qualities. You will be prompted to provide the names and contact information of your referees in your application portal.
  7. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band of 7.0; with a minimum Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading score of 7.0; or
  8. Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (TOEFL:iBT) total score of 92 with a minimum score of 22 each for the Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading sections. Applicants are required to submit their scores electronically.

The Department reserves the right to evaluate the applicant's language proficiency before initial registration and at the time of application. Applicants who meet the above English language requirement must also pass the departmental English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) with a French component to be eligible for admission

English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)

Applicants to the MATL TESL program must register for a testing date after the department has confirmed academic admissibility to the program. Applicants will receive more details about how to register by email. English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)- Applicants to the MATL TESL program must pass the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) as a condition of admission. Additionally, because MATL TESL students will have internship placements in French schools, MATL TESL students are expected to have the capacity to function effectively in a French speaking environment, therefore, the ELPT also includes an assessment of applicants' abilities to functionally communicate in French. Once the department has confirmed academic admissibility to the MATL program, applicants to the MATL TESL program will receive an email outlining registration procedures for the ELPT- with French component.

Eligible applicants will receive email notification requesting that they register to take the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).

If you are an applicant to the MATL - TESL program who meets the academic admission requirements, you will be required to pass an English language test unless you meet the requirements to be exempted as noted below. Please DO NOT register until you have been instructed to do so.

You are exempt from the test if:

  • You have attended an English-language institution for high school and/or university in Canada or elsewhere in the world for at least four consecutive years; or
  • You have attended an English-language university in Quebec for at least three consecutive years; or
  • You have completed a DEC at an English-language CEGEP and/or completed Secondary IV and V in English in Quebec.

The English Language Proficiency Test is offered by 鶹ýվ's School of Continuing Studies. The purpose of the test is to determine whether your levels of written and oral English meet the standards we require for future ESL teachers. There is nothing you can do to prepare. Please do make sure you are well-rested on the day of the test and ready to demonstrate your English proficiency.

What you need to know about the School of Continuing Studies English language test:

  • The test consists of both a written portion and an individual oral interview.
  • Total test fees: Approximately $92 (NON-REFUNDABLE)
  • After receiving the results of the English language test, you will be required to upload your results to your application in Minerva.

Application Deadlines

Complete applications must be received by the dates indicated below for Summer Admission:

  • Permanent Resident Applicants: November 15
  • International Applicants: November 1

What to Expect After Submitting your Application
Recommended candidates will receive a "Recommendation of Acceptance" email by April, confirming that their application has been reviewed and is being transmitted to 鶹ýվ's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Successful candidates will be contacted via email with an official offer of admission. Candidates are then required to confirm their acceptance via their . Kindly note that acceptance deferrals will require new students to begin their program during the next Summer Semester (with classes starting in May).
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