Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject like English Language or Linguistics.
If you don't have a 2:1 Honours degree, we’ll also consider equivalent professional experience or a Certificate in Education from a Teacher Training College (three-year course). Please include details of your current and/or previous employment in your application.
Months of entry
February, April, July, October, December
Course content
Enhance your skills and advance your career as an English language teacher. You'll discover linguistic theories and methods for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Study from anywhere in the world and start applying practical skills in the classroom from day one.
You'll have 24/7 access to the online course so you can study flexibly around your commitments. Benefit from the expertise of a world top 40 English Language and Literature department (QS World University Rankings 2025) without leaving home. The PGCert can be completed in 18 months and after successfully completing the course you can choose to continue onto the MA TESOL by Distance Learning.
We designed this online PGCert so you can advance your future without needing to move or leave your current teaching job. You'll access expert teaching from the well-established Department of Linguistics and Communications with over 25 years experience delivering distance learning TESOL courses.
You can study at your own pace and in your own time on this flexible distance learning course. You'll self-study over 18 months using interactive course materials created by our experts in linguistics.
- Choose from multiple start dates throughout the year.
- Study online and develop your career without leaving your job.
- Access electronic resources through our library e-resources to support you studying online.
- Apply real-world insights to the classroom as you learn.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Applied Linguistics. You'll study online and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.
- Virtual learning environment course materials: including aims and objectives, reading lists, summaries of readings, activities and commentaries, discussion and reflection tasks, and details of assignments.
- Resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions whenever suits you.
- Course handbook introducing you to the team, so you know who to contact if you have any questions or need guidance during the course.
- Consult academic staff in Birmingham via Zoom.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PGCert
- part time18 months
- Online learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiries