Graduate Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a one-year qualification for people who want to teach English to adults, migrants, refugees or international students. It suits teachers who already hold a degree and want a TESOL specialisation, as well as graduates from other fields who are moving into language teaching. You do not need a teaching degree to enter, but you do need a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

What you study

The course covers the core of applied linguistics and language pedagogy: how English grammar and vocabulary work, how second languages are acquired, how to assess learners' proficiency, how to plan lessons and manage a classroom, and how to choose and adapt teaching materials. You will also look at the social and cultural context of language learning, including the needs of adult migrants and international students in Australia. Assessment is usually a mix of essays, lesson plans, teaching demonstrations and a small classroom-based project.

How the qualification is structured

As a graduate diploma, this sits at AQF Level 8. It is normally one year of full-time study, made up of units of study worth credit points each. Most Australian institutions run graduate diplomas over two semesters or trimesters, and some offer part-time study over two years. There is usually no separate honours year, and no thesis, though you may complete a capstone unit or a supervised teaching practicum. Work-integrated learning is common in TESOL: you will typically spend time observing and then teaching in a real classroom, often with adult migrant learners or in a university language centre.

Skills you gain

By the end you should be able to analyse English language systems, design lessons for learners at different levels, assess language ability fairly, and explain your teaching choices to colleagues and students. You will also build the communication and intercultural skills that matter when you are teaching people from many different backgrounds.

Who it suits

This course is a good fit if you want to teach English in Australia or overseas, work in adult migrant education, or add a TESOL qualification to an existing teaching career. It is also useful if you are preparing for further study, such as a master's in applied linguistics or TESOL. English requirements for teaching courses are usually higher than for other coursework programmes, so check the published IELTS or equivalent score for this course before you apply. Tuition is listed on the CRICOS register under course code 096405G. Confirm entry requirements, semester dates and unit details on the official page.

• English language teacher in private language colleges, university language centres or community education providers
• Teacher in adult migrant English programmes, including the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
• EAL/D support teacher in schools, subject to state registration requirements
• Curriculum or materials developer for language programmes and online courses
• Language assessor or examiner for English proficiency tests
• Education officer or student support role in international student services
• Private tutor for international students and migrants
• English teacher overseas, in schools, universities or private institutes

Graduates work across Australia's education and training sector, including private colleges, TAFE, universities and community organisations. Some roles, particularly in schools, require teacher registration with the relevant state authority and an initial teacher education qualification. International graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, and student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. Check current visa rules with the Department of Home Affairs.