Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online)

With internationalisation revolutionising education globally, the ability to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms is no longer needed only by English as a Second Language teachers but is becoming essential for all teachers, at all levels of education in Australia and globally. The Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online) develops knowledge and skills necessary for teaching English as a Second or Additional Language and for working in diverse classrooms in varied educational contexts, in Australia and internationally. The Program is designed to prepare prospective teachers for the initial experience of language teaching and/or to provide experienced educators with an opportunity for professional development and for extending their qualifications.

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online) involves the completion of four subjects which (1) develop theoretical knowledge of second language teaching and learning and (2) provide opportunities for teacher trainees to apply these theories in a language classroom. (1) The first component allows the students to engage in the equivalent of 150 contact hours of synchronous and asynchronous online activities, focusing on the principles and applications of teaching English as a Second or Additional Language. Students have an opportunity to work with a lecturer and peers in a virtual classroom, in the weekly interactive and collaborative tutorials. These sessions, although not compulsory, provide a unique opportunity for being part of a dynamic learning community. Students also engage in self-paced learning through pre-recorded and post-recorded resources and gamified learning activities. (2) The second, practical component, involves students in an approximately 30-hour Practicum, during which they observe other professionals in action and teach under their supervision for the minimum of 6 hours. Students can complete the Practicum at Bond University College, an ELT Centre located on the Bond University Gold Coast campus. If students are unable to complete their Practicum at Bond University College, it is their responsibility to secure the placement in another ELT centre. Depending on prior qualifications and individual arrangements, students organise their Practicum in schools or other ELT Centres, with many teachers completing it at the place of their current employment.

(Note: This program does not in itself fulfil the requirements for teaching in the Australian school systems and it is always necessary to verify employer requirements.)

Domestic and international* students can commence their studies in the Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online) in the January, May or September semester and they can study either part-time or full-time. The full-time study consists of four subject enrolments. It is estimated that, on average, you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week, per subject, in order to successfully complete it. Students who are in employment are, therefore, advised to undertake their studies part-time, particularly in their first semester.

The Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Online) provides initial training for teachers of English as a second language. It provides the basis for language teaching methodology and its practical applications. Students are required to complete at least 100 hours' theory and at least 6 hours' supervised classroom teaching.

*This program is not available for international student visa holders in Australia

Successful completion of the course qualifies you to teach in an Australian ELICOS institute providing you hold a recognised degree or equivalent. You will also be qualified to teach in many other countries. For more details about requirements of teacher qualifications in Australia, visit the National ELT Accreditation Scheme website. visit the National ELT Accreditation Scheme website.