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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

304274 v.5 Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

GradCertTESOL(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas



Course Overview

Graduate certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course provides an introduction to basic principles of language teaching and the systems of language. Students take units in Language Studies, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (where the emphasis is on practical aspects of language teaching and learning), Talking Across Cultures and World Englishes.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning.


Students also need to hold an approved teaching qualification with an assessed practicum component. An appropriate CELTA qualification can be counted as an approved teaching qualification. If the undergraduate degree has been completed in a language other than English, candidates will need to achieve a minimum competency of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in the Reading and Writing components of the test.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Under certain circumstances one unit will be granted to applicants holding the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) at an appropriate level.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate certificates contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. an ability to apply the theoretical principles and concepts which underpin contemporary TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) specific practices;

2. an understanding of the diverse needs of students and an ability to frame creative solutions to problems of pedagogy;

3. an ability to access key texts in the field, and to analyse critically key concepts in the field and an ability to synthesise information from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives;

4. an ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to communicate key concepts relevant to TESOL;

5. an awareness of available technologies and an insight into how they can be used creatively to a specific advantage in TESOL;

6. an awareness of the importance of self-directed learning for professional growth and a demonstrated ability to take responsibility for individual intellectual development;

7. an awareness of the theoretical and practical implications for TESOL in a global context;

8. an appreciation of the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and its place in TESOL;

9. a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team; plan a challenging and supportive learning environment.


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is available through part-time study only.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
305917 v.3   Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 668 3.0 25.0
304273 v.4   World Englishes 602 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
304141 v.4   Language Studies 672 3.0 25.0
304144 v.4   Talking Across Cultures 500 3.0 25.0
  50.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.