Graduate Certificate in TESOL and Applied Linguistics
This course is an initial teaching qualification for career changers wanting to teach English to adults. It is also a qualification for qualified school teachers who want to develop a specialisation in teaching English as an additional language. The course prepares you for professional practice of teaching English language to adults in the Australian adult education sector, English as an additional language or dialect to primary and secondary students developing and English for academic purposes to post-secondary students in Australian and overseas.
You will gain foundational knowledge and skills for English language teaching. You will also learn about contemporary models of language learning and teaching, with a strong focus on treating learners’ multilingualism as an advantage for their English language and literacy development. You will undertake a supervised teaching practicum in an authentic educational setting to apply and build on the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that you will learn in your subjects.
You will learn with a diverse group of Australian and international peers. The course embeds academic language and literacy skills development in your subjects, recognising that not all students come with similar education experiences or with recent periods of academic study.
The course features flexible study options, with classes held at times suitable for students working standard full-time hours. Credit recognition may be available if you are already a qualified teacher.
The course is an initial teaching qualification in teaching English to adults, and serves as a qualification for qualified school teachers to add a specialism in teaching English as an additional language.
Read what our graduates say about our TESOL and Applied Linguistics courses
Course aims
This course equips teachers with knowledge and skills for English language teaching. The course focuses on contemporary models of language learning and teaching. It includes a supervised practicum and builds practical skills and knowledge needed by classroom English language teachers. Students are supported by UTS’s strong connections with colleges and schools to secure a suitable practicum placement.
Study plan
To view the study plan please visit the UTS Handbook.Course fees
For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:
Local student
International student
Careers
Career options include a teacher of TESOL in Australia or a teacher of English as foreign language (EFL) in overseas contexts (applicants are advised to check with potential employing bodies regarding employment requirements).
Course structure
To view the course structure please visit the UTS Handbook.Additional information
Course duration
This course is offered on a one-session, full-time, or a one-year, part-time basis.
On campus - WeeklyAdmission requirements
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor’s or master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study
OR
- Relevant professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in TESOL and Applied Linguistics
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
For applicants who need to demonstrate interest in the course:
- Personal statement outlining understanding of the course.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International studentsVisa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor’s or master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study
OR
- Relevant professional experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in TESOL and Applied Linguistics
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
For applicants who need to demonstrate interest in the course:
- Personal statement outlining understanding of the course.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.
Recognition of prior learning
Students may be granted some recognition of prior learning if they have completed:
- CELTA
- Cert IV TESOL/TEFL/TEYL
- DELTA
- Primary teaching Bachelor's or Master’s degree qualification
- UTS Bachelor of Education in Adult Education (Language, Literacy and Numeracy)
- Master of Teaching or Bachelor of Teaching in ESL/EALD, English or LOTE.
Articulation with UTS courses
This course is part of an articulated program, comprising of the Master of TESOL and Applied Linguistics (extended), the Master of TESOL and Applied Linguistics, the Graduate Diploma in TESOL and Applied Linguistics (C06116), and the Graduate Certificate in TESOL Applied Linguistics (C11254). Each course functions as an entry point and exit point for students. Students who articulate into the Graduate Diploma have the option to extend their study into a more specialist stream.
UTS: Handbook
Information for international students
Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.
Domestic students
How to apply
Domestic applicants can apply via UTS Student Portal.
Intake
Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
Need more information?
International students
How to apply
International applicants apply to study via UTS International.
Intake
Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
