GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TESOL

The Graduate Diploma in TESOL provides a substantial specialist qualification* for working in the English language teaching area. It meets the specific professional development needs of a broad range of English language teachers and educators. Participants can choose from a range of subjects which provide a foundation in second language teaching and learning. The course includes a supervised TESOL practicum -  a requirement of most employers.

The course prepares participants to work in a wide variety of contexts in Australia and internationally with children, teenagers and adults. It provides students with in-depth understanding of areas such as second language development, systems of language and computer assisted language learning along with practical skills in second language teaching and learning. 

The GDipTESOL consists of 48 credit points in total which can be completed in one year full-time or up to three years part-time.

The course may provide credit towards the Master of Education in TESOL and for those without a background in Education, it may serve as an alternative entry into the Masters.

This course is offered both on campus and through distance education (delivered online for students who would otherwise not be able to undertake a postgraduate course at the University).

* Applicants are advised to check with potential employing bodies regarding employment requirements

WHY ENROL IN THE GRADUATE DIPLOMA?

The TESOL program at the University of Wollongong has a well-established international reputation for its relevant, practical and theoretically informed courses. Graduate Diploma students from the University of Wollongong are highly regarded by employers for their solid grounding in both the fundamentals and the more specialist areas of English language teaching.

The Graduate Diploma has been carefully designed by a team of experienced teachers and lecturers who are familiar with the needs of educators and students from varying contexts:

1. those wanting to work with migrants or indigenous students at the primary, secondary or adult level either in mainstream classes or specialist units;
2. teachers looking for a change in career direction (eg becoming specialist ESL teachers in schools or preparing international students for tertiary study);
3. people who want to further a career teaching English abroad;
4. teachers of languages other than English who will find that the practice and theory that makes up the TESOL courses will be fully applicable to other language learning contexts;
5. international students who are looking for a degree with a focus on current English Teaching Methodology with the possibility of extending into the Master of Education;

The Graduate Diploma in TESOL is designed for students with an undergraduate degree who are looking for a teaching qualification in TESOL. It does not assume any teaching experience or background and is a recognised teaching credential for teachers working with adult learners such as in TAFE or other adult teaching contexts

This course is designed for those who want a postgraduate qualification with a blend of theory and practice.  

Course Structure

For completion of the Graduate Diploma in TESOL EDGT930 Methodology in TESOL, EDGT984 Theories of Second Language Learning and either EDGT937 Field Experience Project in TESOL (on campus only) or EDGT938 Practicum in TESOL are compulsory subjects. Students will need to complete EDGT930 before beginning EDGT937 or EDGT938. We would also suggest students study EDGT917 English Language: Examining Learners Problems and EDGT940 Materials & Technology in Second Language Teaching as part of their Graduate Diploma in TESOL. The remaining subjects can be chosen from the list below:

*EDGT930, EDGT984 and either EDGT937 or EDGT938 are compulsory in the GDipTESOL. For a suggested progression guide for enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in TESOL please click here.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must meet the normal University requirements for Graduate Diploma entry, i.e., a three-year Bachelor degree or equivalent.