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. 

Specialise in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) with this graduate certificate. You will study a range of topics in TESOL and applied linguistics, providing you with the tools to deliver effective, evidence-based lessons to people learning English.

The lessons of this program will familiarise you with the structure of the English language and the terms and tools that can be used to analyse the features of written and spoken text. This increased awareness ensures you can identify some of the structural barriers which language learners must overcome to become competent English users.

You will also gain improved knowledge of contemporary issues in second-language curriculum development, designing and implementing your own unit of work targeting a particular group of learners.

With a deeper understanding of the linguistic, cognitive, and pedagogical aspects of language learning and knowledge about the various analytical tools used for the study of language learning and acquisition, you'll be equipped to be a more effective teacher.

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

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (GCertTESOL), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the core module.

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

Indicative total fee $2,500

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be accepted into this program, applicants must have:

• A minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant *professional experience, OR
• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline, OR
• A combination of formal and informal learning.

* paid teaching or 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 policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy.

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.