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University of Otago
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Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching (GDipSLT)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Graduate Certificate or Diploma

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Feb 2025

Campus

University of Otago

Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching (GDipSLT) grounds second language teachers in the knowledge and theories of Linguistics. It can be completed in two semesters of full-time study. Although not a formal teaching qualification, it is nationally and internationally recognised as a complementary professional programme of study. It is designed for four groups of students: language teachers in schools and colleges; registered teachers who plan to work overseas; international teachers of English as a second language; and tertiary education staff who teach a foreign language.

Applicants must hold a degree or teaching qualification, or have appropriate teaching experience. They will be enrolled in individually tailored programs of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework in Education and Linguistics. One of the required papers develops teaching skills through presentations to class members.

Graduates may find employment in New Zealand and abroad as language tutors, or in schools, colleges, private institutions and universities.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study for the graduate diploma shall consist of approved papers, from the schedule, to a value of no less than 120 points with at least 72 points at 300-level or above.

Papers

  • LING 111 Language and Its Structure
  • LING 231 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • LING 331 Advanced Topic in TESOL

At least four additional Linguistics papers, of which one may be replaced with an EDUC paper, to make a total of at least 120 points with at least 72 points at 300-level or above.

Note: LING 111 or its equivalent, if already passed, may be replaced by either LING 214 or LING 215.

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) on the advice of the GDipSLT Admissions Committee.

  • Every applicant must either be a graduate, or have obtained a teaching qualification and be able to present evidence of appropriate teaching experience acceptable to the GDipSLT Admissions Committee.

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.0, no individual band below 5.5.
  • TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 80 and a writing score of 20.
  • C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) or C2 Proficiency (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 169 (with no individual band below 162)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 50 with no communicative skills score below 42.
  • LanguageCert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill
  • NZCEL - NZCEL 4 Academic endorsement
  • English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 2 (with no skill lower than Level 1)
  • APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 3 or higher

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