Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Further Education)
| Study Level | Level 7 |
| Duration | 2 Academic Years |
| Study Mode | Part-time |
| Start Date | August 2026 |
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Study LevelLevel 5 Course TypeHigher Education Duration20 Weeks Start DateJanuary 2026 (+ more) Study ModePart-time LocationLister BuildingOverview
This course is designed for people with little or no experience of teaching English, and for those with experience who require an internationally recognised initial teacher education qualification.
It provides you with the basic skills and knowledge needed to take up your first post as an ESOL teacher. It gives you an introduction to the theory and practice of English teaching and an insight into the challenges facing your future learners and your role as a teacher.
The qualification is a comparable level to the second year of an undergraduate degree, and comprises a minimum of 130 hours, with an expected minimum of 70 hours further study required (Total Qualification Time: 200 hours).
Key Info
The CertTESOL is suitable for aspiring teachers from any background who are attracted to the English language teaching profession.
In the UK, the Trinity CertTESOL is recognised as an initial qualification for teaching ESOL in the Further Education (FE) sector and as a professional qualification for qualified teachers seeking to re-train and teach ESOL. Internationally, it is widely accepted by the British Council and other teaching organizations, offering opportunities to teach English abroad and experience life in different cultures.
Unit 1: Teaching skills
Unit 2: Language awareness and skills
Unit 3: The learner profile
Unit 4: The materials assignment
Unit 5: The unknown language
Applicants should have qualifications suitable for higher education or demonstrate equivalent academic potential through professional achievements. All applicants must demonstrate strong English language proficiency appropriate for teaching, including accuracy in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Those whose primary language background is not English are recommended to have CEFR C1 proficiency across all skills but may be considered based on performance in the initial assessment and interview tasks.
The main course content is delivered and assessed through five units. The work for Units 1, 2, 3 and 5 is marked by your internal course tutors and moderated or sampled and checked by a member of the Trinity moderators panel at the end of every course. The moderator externally assesses the work for Unit 4.
The Trinity CertTESOL is listed at Level 5 on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications in the UK and serves as an excellent starting point for those new to teaching, with progression opportunities to further qualifications such as the Certificate in Education or Postgraduate Diploma in Education course for those wanting to teach ESOL in the UK FE sector.
Other Trinity TESOL qualifications include the Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate (TYLEC), the Certificate for Practising Teachers (CertPT) (Level 6), and the DipTESOL (Level 7).
Other Trinity TESOL qualifications include the Teaching Young Learners Extension Certificate (TYLEC), the Certificate for Practising Teachers (CertPT) (Level 6), and the DipTESOL (Level 7).
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.
