Graduate Certificate in TESOL

The graduates of the Bond University Graduate Certificate in TESOL teach in diverse educational contexts, in Australia and internationally. In Australia, depending on your prior qualifications, the degree enables you to be a teacher in English Language Teaching Centres. As the Graduate Certificate in TESOL delivers a postgraduate qualification at the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 8, it also fulfils the TESOL qualification (postgraduate) requirement for Academic Managers of the English Language Teaching Centres. All four subjects necessary for the completion of the Graduate Certificate in TESOL can be fully credited towards the twelve subjects required for the completion of the Master of Arts (TESOL) degree.

The degree also assists our graduates in developing their careers in international business, education, international relations, diplomacy and many other professions where excellent intercultural awareness and intercultural skills are a key to the job’s success.

Wherever you apply for a job, your eligibility of employment will depend on employer requirements, which can differ significantly. Please note that this program does not in itself fulfil the requirements for teaching in the Australian school systems, for which you will need a separate degree in education. For more details about requirements of teacher qualifications in Australia, visit the following websites: National ELT Accreditation Scheme (https://neas.org.au) and the Australian Qualifications Framework (https://www.aqf.edu.au/).

Higher education

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent at an approved institution.

Please contact the Office of Future Students for further information.

English Proficiency Requirements

As tuition is delivered in English, all students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English language proficiency requirements for university study.

Special requirements

Students require either a PC, Mac desktop or laptop computer with PDF reader installed. Microsoft office is desirable but not essential.

Access to a webcam, speakers and microphone are essential. A headset device (mic & headphones) is recommended but not essential. Please note that many computers may have these built in already, please check with your supplier before purchasing additional items.

Mobile devices like Android and Apple devices have Applications (apps) for you to download for online study; these have limited operation and may not be suitable for some tutorials.

Credit for Prior Study

Subject credits may be awarded for previous studies. To apply for credits, you will need to submit academic transcripts including detailed subject outlines/course descriptions for each relevant subject and/or certified copies of testamurs to the Office of Future Students. Please refer to how to apply for credit for more information.

With internationalisation revolutionising education globally, the ability to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms is no longer needed only by English as a Second Language teachers but is becoming essential for all teachers, at all levels of education in Australia and globally. The Graduate Certificate in TESOL develops knowledge and skills necessary for teaching English as a Second or Additional Language and for working in diverse classrooms in varied educational contexts, in Australia and internationally. The Program is designed to prepare prospective teachers for the initial experience of language teaching and/or to provide experienced educators with an opportunity for professional development and for extending their qualifications.

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL involves the completion of four subjects which (1) develop theoretical knowledge of second language teaching and learning and (2) provide opportunities for teacher trainees to apply these theories in a language classroom. (1) The first component allows the students to engage in the equivalent of 150 contact hours of synchronous and asynchronous online activities, focusing on the principles and applications of teaching English as a Second or Additional Language. Students have an opportunity to work with a lecturer and peers in a virtual classroom, in the weekly interactive and collaborative tutorials. These sessions, although not compulsory, provide a unique opportunity for being part of a dynamic learning community. Students also engage in self-paced learning through pre-recorded and post-recorded resources and gamified learning activities. (2) The second, practical component, involves students in an approximately 30-hour Practicum, during which they observe other professionals in action and teach under their supervision for the minimum of 6 hours. Students can complete the Practicum at Bond University College, an ELT Centre located on the Bond University Gold Coast campus. If students are unable to complete their Practicum at Bond University College, it is their responsibility to secure the placement in another ELT centre. Depending on prior qualifications and individual arrangements, students organise their Practicum in schools or other ELT Centres, with many teachers completing it at the place of their current employment.

(Note: This program does not in itself fulfil the requirements for teaching in the Australian school systems and it is always necessary to verify employer requirements.)

Domestic and international students can commence their studies in the Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online) in the January, May or September semester and they can study either part-time or full-time. The full-time study consists of four subject enrolments. It is estimated that, on average, you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week, per subject, in order to successfully complete it. Students who are in employment are, therefore, advised to undertake their studies part-time, particularly in their first semester.

This program is available to international (offshore) students, however not available for international student visa holders (onshore) residing in Australia.

Please contact the Office of Future Students for further information.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in TESOL, students must complete 4 (40cp) subjects, as follows:

Complete the following two (2) subjects:

• Approaches to Language Teaching (LING71-101)
• Practice of Language Teaching (LING71-102)

Plus two of the following subjects dependent on commencement of the program and subject availability:

• Nature of Language (LING71-103)
• Second Language Learners (LING71-104)
• Language in Society (LING71-105)
• Megatrends and Education (LING71-111)
• Grammar for Language Teachers (LING71-110)

View the Graduate Certificate in TESOL(Online) - Program Structure and Sequencing