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Enhance your skills and advance your career as an English language teacher. You'll discover linguistic theories and methods for teaching English to speakers of other languages. Study from anywhere in the world and start applying practical skills in the classroom from day one.
You'll have 24/7 access to the online course so you can study flexibly around your commitments. Benefit from the expertise of a world top 30 English Language and Literature department (QS World University Rankings 2024) without leaving home. The PGCert can be completed in 18 months and after successfully completing the course you can choose to continue onto the MA TESOL by Distance Learning.
The course runs over 18 months part-time. There are several course start dates available – October, December, February, April or July.
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We designed this online PGCert so you can advance your future without needing to move or leave your current teaching job. You'll access expert teaching from the well-established Department of Linguistics and Communications with over 25 years experience delivering distance learning TESOL courses.
You can study at your own pace and in your own time on this flexible distance learning course. You'll self-study over 18 months using interactive course materials created by our experts in linguistics.
Flexible part time study to fit around your life - study from anywhere in the world
Extensive range of e-resources via the University library and Centre for Corpus Research
Attend an optional summer school in Birmingham or Japan
Our distance learning course fits perfectly around your other commitments. Explore different approaches to teaching and learning English. You’ll study both theory and practice which you can immediately apply to the classroom.
You'll join a global online community of teachers of English. We'll support you throughout the PGCert. You’ll have a personal tutor who will provide advice and answer questions along the way. You can meet fellow students and staff at our optional summer schools in Birmingham or Japan.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Applied Linguistics. You'll study online and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules. Modules run every six months of the course.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Language Teaching Methodology | 20 |
LM Syllabus and Materials Design | 20 |
Students will be required to complete one option from those available. An indicative list of options is provided in the list below:
Module Title | Credits |
---|---|
LM Lexis | 20 |
LM Pedagogic Grammar | 20 |
LM Second Language Acquisition | 20 |
LM Teaching Language to Young Learners | 20 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject like English Language or Linguistics.
If you don't have a 2:1 Honours degree, we’ll also consider equivalent professional experience or a Certificate in Education from a Teacher Training College (three-year course). Please include details of your current and/or previous employment in your application.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
per module (October 2024 - July 2025)
per module (October 2025)
This programme is charged per module.
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2024 - July 2025: £1,260 per module
Fees for 20-credit modules for students starting from October 2025 - July 2026: £1,304 per module
Students who start between October 2024 and July 2025 will continue to pay module fees at the rates shown here throughout the duration of this course. An invoice will be issued for each module, at the time that you register onto that module.
A fee is also payable for the dissertation (worth 60 credits) and this is charged at the applicable rate for the academic year in which it is submitted. As a guide, dissertation fees are £3,912 for October 2025 entry.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadlines for this programme are as follows:
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
By studying a postgraduate degree in the Department of Linguistics and Communication at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include strong written and verbal communication, organisation skills, time management and analysing information.
Linguistics and Communication graduates enter many roles, including:
Employers our Linguistics and Communication graduates have worked for include:
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
As one of the largest providers of distance learning in the UK, we offer you a prestigious online education that matches the on-campus experience, taught by our same expert professors and lecturers. You have the flexibility to study from wherever you are in the world, control your daily schedule, and still benefit from the academic, wellbeing, and career support as part of our global postgraduate community.
From the moment you enrol to the time you graduate, we will give you all the support you need to succeed. Whether you have questions about your application, assignment deadlines, technical issues or careers opportunities, we’re here to help.