About the Program
The MA in TEFL at Bilkent University is a rigorous, thesis-based graduate programme that engages students deeply with English language teaching as a field of scholarly inquiry and professional practice. Through advanced research training, academic writing, and sustained engagement with contemporary scholarship in applied linguistics and language education, the programme academically demanding to deepen students’ understanding of English language teaching through rigorous research, academic inquiry, and the development of practical pedagogical expertise. Grounded in current work in applied linguistics and language education, the program prepares practising and aspiring educators to examine theory, research, and pedagogy critical, systematically and independently.
With its strong emphasis on methodological awareness, research design, academic argumentation, and thesis-based study, the program develops educators who are able to investigate complex questions in the field, respond thoughtfully to changing educational contexts, and contribute to the field as informed scholars and practitioners.
Director's Message
Welcome to the MA in TEFL at Bilkent University.
The MA in TEFL at Bilkent University is designed to deepen students’ understanding of English language teaching through rigorous research, academic inquiry, and the development of practical pedagogical expertise. Grounded in current work in applied linguistics and language education, the programme prepares both practising and aspiring educators to engage critically with theory, research, and professional practice across diverse academic contexts.
With a strong emphasis on research, academic writing, and thesis-based study, the programme fosters a community of thoughtful, globally engaged scholars and practitioners who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the field and respond to the changing demands of education.
Necmi Akşit, Director
MA in TEFL
Welcome to the MA in TEFL at Bilkent University.
The MA in TEFL at Bilkent University is designed to deepen students’ understanding of English language teaching through rigorous research, academic inquiry, and the development of practical pedagogical expertise. Grounded in current work in applied linguistics and language education, the programme prepares both practising and aspiring educators to engage critically with theory, research, and professional practice across diverse academic contexts.
With a strong emphasis on research, academic writing, and thesis-based study, the programme fosters a community of thoughtful, globally engaged scholars and practitioners who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the field and respond to the changing demands of education.
Necmi Akşit, Director
MA in TEFL
Faculty
Asst. Prof. Dr. Necmi Akşit has served as Director of the MA in TEFL Program since 2013 and teaches courses in the program in areas including applied linguistics, English language teaching, academic writing, and research methods.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Tijen Akşit, former Director of the Faculty Academic English Program at Bilkent University, has contributed to the MA in TEFL Program in various capacities over the years and has been more fully involved in its teaching and thesis supervision since 2024.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Duygu F. Şafak joined the Department of Classroom Teaching at Bilkent University in Spring 2026 and taught one MA in TEFL course in that semester.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Necmi Akşit has served as Director of the MA in TEFL Program since 2013 and teaches courses in the program in areas including applied linguistics, English language teaching, academic writing, and research methods.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Tijen Akşit, former Director of the Faculty Academic English Program at Bilkent University, has contributed to the MA in TEFL Program in various capacities over the years and has been more fully involved in its teaching and thesis supervision since 2024.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Duygu F. Şafak joined the Department of Classroom Teaching at Bilkent University in Spring 2026 and taught one MA in TEFL course in that semester.
