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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 30 English Language and Literature department (QS World University Rankings 2024) 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.
The course runs over 18 months part-time. There are several course start dates available – October, December, February, April or July.
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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.
Flexible part time study to fit around your life - study from anywhere in the world
Extensive range of e-resources via the University library and Centre for Corpus Research
Attend an optional summer school in Birmingham or Japan
Our distance learning course fits perfectly around your other commitments. Explore different approaches to teaching and learning English. You’ll study both theory and practice which you can immediately apply to the classroom.
You'll join a global online community of teachers of English. We'll support you throughout the PGCert. You’ll have a personal tutor who will provide advice and answer questions along the way. You can meet fellow students and staff at our optional summer schools in Birmingham or Japan.
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.
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules. Modules run every six months of the course.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Language Teaching Methodology | 20 |
LM Syllabus and Materials Design | 20 |
Students will be required to complete one option from those available. An indicative list of options is provided in the list below:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Lexis | 20 |
LM Pedagogic Grammar | 20 |
LM Second Language Acquisition | 20 |
LM Teaching Language to Young Learners | 20 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a relevant subject
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.
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:
per module (October 2024 - July 2025)
per module (October 2025)
This programme is charged per module.
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2024 - July 2025: £1,260 per module
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2025 - July 2026: £1,304 per module
Students who start between October 2024 and July 2025 will continue to pay module fees at the rates shown here throughout the duration of this course. An invoice will be issued for each module, at the time that you register onto that module.
A fee is also payable for the dissertation (worth 60 credits) and this is charged at the applicable rate for the academic year in which it is submitted. As a guide, dissertation fees are £3,912 for October 2025 entry.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadlines for this programme are as follows:
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.