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GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN TESOL

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL provides an accredited specialist qualification* for teachers who want to teach English to speakers of other languages in Australia or internationally to children, teenagers or adults. The course is regarded as a highly practical qualification for those with little or no experience in second language teaching.

The course consists of a choice of four subjects and includes a supervised TESOL practicum required by employer bodies. Participants can choose from a range of subjects which provide a foundation in second language teaching and learning. Despite its emphasis on practice, all subjects are underpinned by the latest research and theory in the field.  Participants learn how to develop teaching programs and lesson plans, how to assess students language, how to teach the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as grammar and vocabulary.

The program consists of 24 credit points which may be completed in one semester (around 15 weeks) full-time or up to three semesters part-time, each subject is 6 credit points. The course may give students 12 credit points into the Master of Education (TESOL).

The Graduate Certificate is an introductory, entry-level qualification in TESOL. It can provide a stand alone qualification or can be the first step in becoming a fully fledged TESOL professional. The Graduate Certificate can be used as credit towards the Graduate Diploma or Master of Education.

This course is offered both on campus and through distance education (delivered primarily 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 CERTIFICATE?

For graduates new to the area, a course in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) can open up a varied and exciting career path.

1. For those working in primary and secondary schools in Australia, a familiarity with the principles underlying TESOL can be of great assistance in dealing with Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) learners both within mainstream classes and in specialised units. A Graduate Certificate in TESOL is also attractive for teachers who are looking for a change in career direction.
2. For those who are already practising ESL/EFL teachers, a graduate qualification provides an opportunity to update and reflect on practice.
3. For those wanting to travel abroad, teaching English is a popular way not only to earn some money but to meet the locals and to get to know the country in greater depth. The Graduate Certificate is an ideal qualification for those wanting to teach while travelling. It has been designed to build on the well-known Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) but has the advantage of being a tertiary postgraduate qualification from an internationally recognized University. Unlike the CELTA, it is also offered online.
4. For international students, the Graduate Certificate provides a quick, practical introduction to methodology in English language teaching, often lacking in the preparation of EFL teachers.

There is regular demand in Australia for qualified teachers to work on programs for both international students and migrants. And opportunities to teach English as a foreign language (EFL) beyond Australia are boundless.

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL program is a specialist TESOL qualification for those with teacher training and/ or experience. Many employer bodies now require the Graduate Certificate as the minimum qualification to work in TESOL positions.  

Subjects are:

For completion of the Graduate Certificate in TESOL both EDGT930 Methodology and TESOL 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. Students can then choose 2 other subjects from the below list to satisfy the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL.

• EDGT930 Methodology and TESOL* 
• EDGT931 Teaching Speaking and Listening
• EDGT932 Second Language Literacy
• EDGT934 Teaching Pronunciation and Prosody
• EDGT917 English Language: Learners Problems
• EDGT935 Teaching English in International Contexts (distance only)
• EDGT937 Field Experience Project in TESOL* (on campus only)
• EDGT938 Practicum in TESOL*
• EDGT940 Materials and Technology in Second Language Teaching
• EDGT984 Theories of Second Language Learning
• *EDGT930 and either EDGT937 or EDGT938 are compulsory in the GCertTESOL.

Entry Requirements:

A three year degree, a teaching qualification or appropriate equivalent professional experience. International students must meet the current Faculty English Language requirements (6.5 IELTS or equivalent). The GCertTESOL assumes an undergraduate background and some practical classroom experience in TESOL. It provides the formal theoretical component and supervised practicum experience required in a formal accredited teaching qualification.