Graduate Certificate in TESOL

By the end of the Program, students of the Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online), students will be able to:

1. Develop and demonstrate knowledge of the most current and relevant theories of learning and teaching of English as a Second or Additional Language, evidenced through completing authentic and relevant assessment tasks;
2. Apply the knowledge of the pedagogical principles in practical classroom contexts during the Teaching Practicum, evidenced through delivering interesting, well-planned and effective ES/AL lessons;
3. Develop a personalised professional teaching philosophy, in preparation for working as a teacher in increasingly globalised and intercultural educational contexts, at the time of rapid change, evidenced throughout the participation in the Graduate Certificate in TESOL activities.

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.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• Approaches to Language Teaching

• Practice of Language Teaching

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

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)

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

Indicative total fee $10,080

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.

Bond University does things differently. Your lecturers will know you and your tutors will invest time in you, so that your learning will get the attention it deserves. It's this individual approach that the university believes sets them apart. It's also why, for 13 years running, Bond University has received the highest possible ranking for student experience in Australia from the independent Good Universities Guide.

Learn more about Bond University.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

27

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

As tuition is delivered in English, students will need to provide documented evidence of the required level English language proficiency as part of your enrolment.

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.

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.