Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February, July, or November
60
Overview
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Introduction
The Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (PGCertTESOL) is an ideal fast-track qualification for those who may have come to the career of English language education through an indirect route and wish to undertake professional development, or for graduates interested in entering the TESOL profession. It is also an ideal pathway to further postgraduate study in this discipline.
The programme and its courses are relevant for educators working in many kinds of English language development settings in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, including the education of emergent bilinguals who are speakers of Māori, Pasifika, and other heritage languages.
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Why study a Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL at UC?
Graduates from the programme will gain:
- research-informed understanding of the history and future trends of English language learning
- an understanding of the theories, practices, and politics of second language acquisition and language teaching/learning
- the ability to design and implement English language learning activities
- an appreciation of linguistic and pedagogical innovation and change.
This programme is taught entirely online, so is an ideal fit for people who are currently working or are based overseas.
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Entry requirements
PGCertTESOL applicants require a bachelor's degree, or relevant post-secondary study and work experience.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
How do I plan my certificate?
The programme is made up of 60 points of elective courses. The coursework may involve assignments, activities, project work, and research.
The courses you choose will determine your start date in February, July, or November, and whether you will study full-time or part-time. Full-time study is only possible if the courses selected are offered in the same semester.
This Certificate can be completed within 6 months full-time, or can be studied up to a maximum of 2 years.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Subjects and courses
Choose 60 points of courses from the following:
- EDME415 Learning and Teaching Languages
- EDME416 Essentials of English Language Teaching
- EDME426 Effective English Language Teaching
- EDME431 Foundations of Language Acquisition and Learning
- EDME632 Issues in Language Acquisition and Learning
- LING400 English Structures
The courses you choose will determine your start date in February, July, or November, and whether you will study full-time or part-time. Full-time study is only possible if the courses selected are offered in the same semester.
Domestic students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $4,338 (60 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $4,598 (60 points)
International students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $16,200 (60 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $17,000 (60 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $18,000 (60 points)
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Further study
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (endorsed in Teaching and Learning Languages)
- Master of Education (endorsed in Teaching and Learning Languages)
- Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Subject to the approval, you may transfer courses passed with a B grade or higher for the Certificate to one of the higher qualifications.
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
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