Duration: 
0.5 years full time or longer for part time
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
31 July 2023
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.

Overview

Expand your employment opportunities and become qualified to teach English as an additional language (EAL) with the Graduate Certificate in TESOL.

The course is designed for teachers who want to develop their professional practice in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL).

You will strengthen your current skills and gain a solid understanding of the principles and approaches to TESOL, including curriculum design and evaluation.

Graduates who do not have teaching qualifications will still gain a recognised TESOL qualification. However, in Australia you will be limited to working in TESOL programs where a teaching qualification is not required.

Commonwealth Supported Places in 2023

Fees are heavily subsidised and HECS-HELP loans available for eligible students in 2023. Apply now or register your interest - there's never been a better time to study!

As a postgraduate student you might want to take up one of many opportunities to further develop your academic language and study skills. VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • drop-in sessions
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

Careers in TESOL

Graduates will be equipped as a TESOL program designer and teacher in a range of educational and training contexts such as:

  • working with migrants or indigenous students at the primary, secondary or adult level
  • teaching English abroad.

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate in TESOL students will be required to complete 48 credit points in total consisting of:

  • 48 credit points of Core studies

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Critically engage with current theory and practice for additional language learning and linguistically and culturally responsive and inclusive teaching;  
  2. Explore how to be effective language teachers, how to plan engaging lessons and how to apply assessment instruments, language curricula and resources for learning;  
  3. Evaluate and connect current research, debates and policies with classroom applications and develop a personalised philosophy and practical approach to classroom teaching;  
  4. Analyse and communicate an understating of the nature, form and meaning of language as a system;  
  5. Examine the role of social and cultural contexts in language learning and use;  
  6. Demonstrate competence in communicating ideas in an academic context;  
  7. Apply knowledge and skills of TESOL to reflect on and improve professional practices.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admission & pathways

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline
OR
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
PLUS
Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience
OR
Applicants with a minimum seven (7) years relevant work experience will be considered for admission to this course.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

How to apply

Available start dates:

  • 31 July 2023

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply direct to VU

Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.

Apply direct to VU


Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

Enquire now

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At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.