Graduate Certificate in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages will gain specialised knowledge and experience of English language teaching practice. 

Unlock global opportunities and advance your practice in English teaching

Specialise in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) by studying a variety of TESOL and applied linguistics topics. Gain the skills to deliver evidence-based, effective lessons to people learning English, while learning the structure of the English language and tools to analyse both written and spoken text. This program will help you identify common barriers language learners face and provide strategies to overcome them.

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

• Gain improved knowledge of contemporary issues in second-language curriculum development.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the linguistic, cognitive, and pedagogical aspects of language learning.
• Study through a combination of lectures and workshops before observing second language classes in action at a recognised English language school.
• Undertake an internship where you'll design and implement your own unit of work targeting a particular group of second language learners.
• Understand the various analytical tools used for the study of language learning and acquisition, equipping you with the tools to become a more effective teacher.
• Learn from an interactive, problem-based approach to teaching, using practical examples and case studies.
• Study anytime, anywhere. This degree is available online, giving you more room to fit university with your work and social life.

Please note that this program does not lead to teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Language awareness for second language teachers 
• Understanding the Language Learner
• Second Language Teaching in Practice (Internship)
• Second Language Curriculum Development.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (GCertTESOL), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $2,400

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the following criteria: 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher).
• Two years relevant work experience.
• A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

Relevant work experience includes paid teaching or an English teaching role.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements.

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.