Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

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Develop specialised skills for professional practice

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Key facts

Duration

0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

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.

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.

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 will 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.

Award granted: Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages
Year: 2025 course information
Deakin code: E504
CRICOS code?: 089292C Burwood (Melbourne)
Level: Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

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)
Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001

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

Core units

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

DAI001

Linguistics for Second Language Teachers

ETL702

Intercultural Communication in Language Classrooms

ETL703

Language Teaching in Practice

ETL708

Internationalising the Curriculum

ETL715

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

Start date: March
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online

Additional course information

Course duration

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

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.

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.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

completion of a bachelor degree or higher
at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band less than 6.0)
PTE Academic: minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 65) speaking and listening 73

English-speaking education:

completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a recognised English-speaking country or completion of DUELI English for Teaching program, with a WAM of 60

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted to applicants based on prior studies and/or equivalent industry experience.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?

$2,314 - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

Learn more about fees.

The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

Learn more about fees and available payment options.

FEE-HELP calculator

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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$* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (4 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
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*Disclaimer

Deakin University (Deakin):

gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

Search or browse through our scholarships

Postgraduate bursary

If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.

To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

Apply through Deakin

Need more information on how to apply?

For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

Entry pathways

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages you will be eligible for entry into E704 Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
Live Chat: Monday - Friday
Submit an online enquiry
Help hub find common and trending questions and answers

Careers

Career outcomes

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 will 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.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities	Critically analyse and apply advanced and specialist knowledge of the principles of contemporary curriculum design, pedagogy and assessment practices and their application for the teaching of English across a range of diverse professional learning and educational contexts
Communication	Employ a range of oral and written communication skills and standards required of professional educators and learning professionals to be able to transmit complex knowledge in one or more languages to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and in professional and scholarly contexts.
Digital literacy	Apply a range of digital technologies and data sources to create, search, analyse, report, evaluate and communicate within the practice and scholarship of teaching and learning of languages.
Critical thinking	Critically review, analyse and synthesise complex ideas and make informed judgements to improve teaching and learning approaches in languages education and applied linguistics.
Problem solving	Apply specialist knowledge of relevant learning theories to identify, analyse and evaluate authentic problems of practice, and generate informed and innovative solutions.
Approved by Faculty Board August 2020