Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages

2023 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Indicative student workload
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Fees and charges
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

Become qualified to teach English as an additional language with the Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Get an introduction to the specialised skills and pedagogical knowledge required to lead TESOL programs, and graduate as a confident, in-demand TESOL and EAL teacher.

Want to develop sought-after teaching skills that lead to career progression?

The Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is an internationally recognised degree designed for current educators looking to build specialised skills, as well as professionals from other backgrounds with a passion for teaching and language. A high demand for English teachers worldwide puts graduates in a strong position to unlock new career pathways in Australia and abroad.

Under the guidance of accomplished academics with global experience in language teaching, you’ll be trained to teach English as an additional language in schools and adult-learning contexts. Key study areas include:

• principles and approaches to TESOL, including curriculum design and evaluation
• the structure of the English language and how to analyse features of written and spoken text
• linguistic and pedagogical aspects of language learning
• how languages are learned and in what contexts
• contemporary issues relating to language curriculum development.

The course takes an interactive, problem-based approach to teaching. This allows you to develop practical skills that translate directly to the classroom. It also focuses on research-led learning, ensuring course content is evidence based, and the skills you learn reflect the modern challenges of the field.

Upon completion of the course, you'll have the option of pursuing rewarding roles in TESOL education, or continuing your studies into the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The Masters program builds on skills learned at the graduate certificate level, and broadens your industry experience with even more professional development opportunities.

Primary or secondary teachers eligible for teacher registration in Australia can claim RPL (Recognition for Prior Learning) for this course for direct entry into the Master of TESOL E704; they may either complete the Masters (8 units) or exit the Master of TESOL after four units with the Graduate Diploma in TESOL E604. Please see the relevant course sites for course structures.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period for each credit point undertaking required teaching, learning and assessment activities.

Career opportunities

There is a high demand for English teachers worldwide. Employment opportunities for teachers of English as an additional language are growing in Australia and overseas. So too are leadership positions in language teaching institutions. With an internationally recognised qualification, you’ll have the freedom to build a career without borders.

Locally, there are opportunities to work at private language schools or language teaching institutions for migrants.

Please note: To teach in primary and secondary education in Australia you will need to complete an accredited program, such as the Master of Teaching (Primary and Secondary).

For more information go to 'DeakinTALENT '

Participation requirements

Students are required to participate actively in the weekly class and tutorial activities provided in CloudDeakin, and complete the scheduled learning tasks.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, students must attain 4 credit points.

The course comprises a total of 4 credit points including:

• 4 credit points of core units [ETL702, ETL703, ETL708, ETL715]
• AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Course structure

Core units

Course duration - additional information

International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

• Contact Student Central