Course modalities offered

Birkbeck, University of London
Language Teaching/TESOL PgDip
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Language Teaching/TESOL gives you the opportunity to update and expand your knowledge of the theories of language teaching and learning. You will develop and deepen your understanding of classroom practice through personal reflection and discussion with other practitioners.

Reflecting on your practical experience of language learning and teaching is an important aspect of this diploma. You will be asked to draw on examples from your own learning and teaching and are encouraged to maintain contact with the classroom as a way of bridging the gap between theory and practice.

If you are not yet ready to commit to an MA, this course will help you gain cutting-edge knowledge of language teaching. It is ideal if you have classroom experience of teaching second or foreign languages, including English as a second or foreign language, or have a broadly relevant first degree background and an interest in the theory and practice of language teaching.

Upon completion of the course, you can choose to progress on to one of our two master’s degrees, MA Language Teaching or MA TESOL, depending on the language you focused on during the diploma.

Highlights

  • In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), Modern Languages and Linguistics achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 73% of our research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.

  • The Birkbeck College Applied Linguistics Society, an official University of London society, was formed to bring together students interested in applied linguistics and related fields (for example multilingualism, intercultural communication and TESOL) in the London area.

  • Birkbeck’s Centre for Multilingual and Multicultural Research hosts visiting scholars from all over the world and runs regular research seminars given by speakers from overseas and other UK institutions. The centre also supports postgraduate training in applied linguistics, bilingualism, intercultural communication and translation.

  • You will gain a broader view of language teaching and learning by drawing on the rich and diverse research in our Department of Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics. Read a blog post by Professor Penelope Gardner-Chloros that considers what linguistics is.

  • The School of Arts offers a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.

  • The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.

Assessment is by coursework.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Language Teaching/TESOL, PgDip.

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification. We will review every postgraduate application to Birkbeck on its individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Language Teaching/TESOL PgDip

England UK £6020 year 1
Northern Ireland £6020 year 1
Scotland £6020 year 1
Wales £6020 year 1
International £10920 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

What students say about studying Teaching English as a Foreign Language in the UK?

  • Classroom Management for Teaching English as a Foreign Language - Grouping Students

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

  • Stella’s Starting Study Vlog
  • “How has the Birkbeck experience been for you?”
  • Birkbeck's Student Experience
  • Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck - Veronika Akhmadieva
  • Top reasons why students choose Birkbeck, University of London

Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Malet Street
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