The Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DipTESOL) is an internationally respected, widely available qualification for experienced teachers of ESOL/EFL.

The focus is on the application of theory in practice, developing an understanding of teaching contexts, and on individual professional development:

Language: candidates must show understanding of the language systems and language-related issues as commonly taught in beginner to advanced syllabuses.

Learning and Teaching: candidates must show an understanding of the current principles and practices of language learning and teaching and show an ability to demonstrate these in the classroom.

Professional Development: candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the principles and procedures facilitating personal and professional development.

The DipTESOL is regulated in England by Ofqual and registered at Level 7 on the Ofqual Regulated Qualifications Framework, the same level as master’s degrees and many other post-graduate qualifications.

Career prospects

The DipTESOL is accepted by the British Council as a full English Language Teaching (or ‘TEFL’) qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organisations in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas. Having the DipTESOL enables holders to have roles such as examiners, teacher educators and centre managers/directors of studies.

Here are two of the reasons teachers commonly give for taking this qualification:

• They are planning to work in a position or organisation that requires a diploma-level qualification. Examples include academic management, teacher training or work within the Higher Education sector.

• Having completed an initial certificate course and two years of ESOL teaching, they now feel they need to develop their skills and knowledge both for their own sake and so that they can support and guide less experienced colleagues.

Content and assessment

Candidates are examined according to the following four units.

Unit 1: Three-hour Written Paper. This has three sections – a short answer section on language topics and two essay sections on 'learning and teaching' and 'professional development'. It is externally assessed and there are three set examination dates per year.

Unit 2: Coursework Portfolio. This is a compilation of three assignments, firmly rooted in classroom practice. Section one is based around a self-designed classroom observation instrument, section two is a developmental record of the candidate's own teaching and section three is an independent research project. The portfolio is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Unit 3: the Interview. This is an externally assessed 30-minute interview designed to give the candidate the opportunity to describe, illustrate and evaluate their understanding and application of phonological theory in the classroom and includes a prepared talk and a phonemic transcription exercise.

Unit 4: Classroom Teaching. Candidates complete four hours of internally assessed teaching practice and one hour that is externally assessed. In addition, candidates complete a self-reflection teaching practice journal.

Each unit allows participants to focus on English language teaching in specific contexts — for example, English for specific or academic purposes, for young learners, for  business English, or teaching within CLIL (content and language integrated learning) settings.

The QUALIFY course

The QUALIFY DipTESOL course is part-time and lasts 12 months.

Part 1: Distance Learning Mode (6 months) synchronous sessions are every 4 weeks for 90 minutes (via Zoom) - most of the activity is asynchronous in Moodle.

Part 2: Blended Learning Mode (6 months), synchronous sessions are every 2 weeks for 4 hours each time (either via Zoom or in-class) - plus ongoing work on assignments and teaching practice.

Synchronous sessions are normally on Saturday mornings, but this may vary according tο the needs of the cohort.

Entry requirements

The DipTESOL is designed as an advanced qualification for teachers of ESOL/EFL. In order to be eligible to take this course you will need to fulfil the following entry criteria:

• You must have a first degree (any discipline) or equivalent. An equivalent qualification would be one that shows evidence of sustained academic study, potentially enabling you to cope successfully with the requirements of the diploma.
• You must have two years full-time ESOL teaching experience at the time of interview, the minimum for a year's experience normally being at least 15 hours per week over 32 weeks. The minimum amount of teaching required for entry is therefore 960 hours of which 75% of these hours must be with classes. You should not have taken more than a year's break from ESOL teaching prior to interview.
• You can be a speaker of English as a first, second or foreign language. If English is your second or foreign language, you will need to demonstrate the appropriate competence in your spoken and written English, for example by holding a C2 certificate (CEFR).
• In general you should have a high level of competence and interest in both language and language teaching that will enable you to follow this demanding course of advanced study
• An initial TESOL training qualification such as the Trinity CertTESOL is highly recommended but not essential.
• Equipment: you will need an internet-enabled device (ideally laptop or computer) and a good internet connection to follow the course. For online observations, you will need a Zoom account, an additional device and a multidirectional microphone.

Course fees

The fees are €2,200 for the QUALIFY online course and tuition + Trinity examination fees (approx. €520) + 6 course books (which you must obtain if you don't already have them or access to them).

The deposit to secure a place is €500, and the balance can be paid in instalments.

Course dates

April 2025 - exact date TBA