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    GC-TESOL

    Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

    Graduate certificate

    Focus on the theoretical underpinnings of language acquisition and components of language.

    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
    • Duration

      Duration

      6 months full-time, part-time
    • Credit

      Credit

      100
    • Location

      Location

      Curtin Perth
    Course outline

    Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

    Select your preferred campus:

    Intake Application open Application close

    Special Study Period 1, 2026

    4 August 2025

    Applications now closed!

    Special Study Period 3, 2026

    11 May 2026

    13 August 2026

    Special Study Period 1, 2027

    10 August 2026

    11 February 2027

    Special Study Period 3, 2027

    10 May 2027

    12 August 2027

    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    This course prepares you to teach English to speakers of other languages. There is a strong focus on the theoretical underpinnings of TESOL, such as in the Transcultural Communication unit, where you will learn the challenges of language acquisition, and the Introduction to Language unit, where you will learn the components comprising languages.

    There is also a strong focus on the practical aspects of language teaching and learning through the Materials Design and Assessment unit.

    The combination of these aspects will inform your future practice as a TESOL teacher.

    In this course, you will examine pronunciation, intonation, voice quality, spelling and sound systems, sentence structures, syntax, morphology and semantics, as well as examining a selection of the different varieties of English spoken throughout the world, including native English dialects.

    The course includes a description and analysis of speech styles across a number of cultures including Aboriginal, Anglo-European and some from the Asia-Pacific, and you will learn methods and approaches to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

    If you complete this course, you are eligible to transfer into the Master of TESOL.

    Please note: This course is not available to onshore international students.

    What jobs can the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course lead to?

    • TESOL (EAL/D) teacher

    What you'll learn

    • an ability to apply the theoretical principles and concepts which underpin contemporary TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) specific practices;
    • an understanding of the diverse needs of students and an ability to frame creative solutions to problems of pedagogy;
    • an ability to access key texts in the field, and to analyse critically key concepts in the field and an ability to synthesise information from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives;
    • an ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to communicate key concepts relevant to TESOL;
    • an awareness of available technologies and an insight into how they can be used creatively to a specific advantage in TESOL;
    • an awareness of the importance of self-directed learning for professional growth and a demonstrated ability to take responsibility for individual intellectual development;
    • an awareness of the theoretical and practical implications for TESOL in a global context;
    • an appreciation of the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and its place in TESOL;
    • a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team; plan a challenging and supportive learning environment.

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    A relevant bachelors degree and an approved teaching qualification* with an assessed practicum component.

    * An appropriate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) qualification can be used as an approved teaching qualification.

    English requirements

    Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

    You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

    IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

    Writing

    6.0

    Speaking

    6.0

    Reading

    6.0

    Listening

    6.0

    Overall band score

    6.5

    Other requirements and notes for this course

    Online study is available through Open Universities Australia.

    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Domestic fee paying postgraduate

    2026 Fee year:

    $11,971*

    Domestic

    Domestic

    Fees are indicative only.

    * Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    Location

    For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

    Curtin Perth flag

    2026

    Special Study Period 1
    • On campus
    • Online
    Special Study Period 3
    • On campus
    • Online

    2027

    Special Study Period 1
    • On campus
    • Online
    Special Study Period 3
    • On campus
    • Online

    All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

    The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

    How to apply

    Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

    Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

    Apply now
    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

      While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

      View courses information disclaimer.

    • Curtin course code: GC-TESOL
    • Last updated on: 24 March 2026

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