Diploma in English language teacher training (DELTA)

We are still accepting applications for our 2022-23 course

Flexible study options:

All 3 modules (Integrated course):

Modules 1 & 2 only:

Module 3 only:

What is DELTA?

DELTA is a Level 7 teaching qualification for experienced and practising teachers of English as a foreign or second language. The course is modular as follows:

• Module 1: Background to teaching and learning
• Module 2: Developing professional practice
• Module 3: Extended assignment on a specialist option.

The benefits of the DELTA course are:

• Gain a professional level 7 qualification and develop as an ELT teacher
• Extend your knowledge and understand the principles behind your teaching practice
• Increase the range of techniques you use in the learning environment
• Improve planning and teaching skills through constructive feedback on your teaching practice
• Further your career into academic management, teacher training or materials writing.

Why choose our DELTA course?

We are a Cambridge English Teaching Qualification Centre for the DELTA and have a track record of successfully preparing teachers for this qualification. The benefits of our professional development course include:

• Study at an international college with a worldwide reputation in providing academic and professional courses for over 60 years
• Enhance your teaching skills and achieve your learning goals in our supportive environment
• Benefit from our experienced team of teachers, who are also qualified examiners. Mark Bartram, Carole Robinson, Clare Booth, and Marie Morgan have been teaching DELTA courses in Oxford and elsewhere since 1998. All four tutors are examiners for different Modules of the DELTA qualifications. They are highly experienced in both CELTA and DELTA courses
• Utilise our well-equipped academic facilities and resources. This is available to DELTA trainees on request
• Study the whole course or start at one of our entry points. Modules 1 and 2 are integrated components or join at Module 3
• Progress your teaching skills in small groups
• Study with adults from all over the world to expand your cultural awareness and make friends for life
• Make the most of the academic resources in Oxford during your studies. Immerse yourself in a university city steeped in history and benefit from the world-famous museums, libraries, and art galleries.

Entry requirements

The course is aimed at teachers with a CELTA teaching qualification plus a range of ELT experience at different levels and contexts such as English for Specific Purposes (ESP), exam classes or teaching outside the UK. Cambridge English Assessment specify that you have:

• Achieved a teaching qualification such as CELTA
• Prior experience of teaching at different levels in one or more contexts
• Reached a level of written and spoken English which enables you to teach advanced level students
• The ability to research and present written assignments to the required standard
• A degree is preferred, but not essential.

Application process

Please download our application form and email the completed form to DELTA@stclares.ac.uk. The application procedure includes:

• A pre-interview language analysis task
• An interview with the Course Tutor
• A written assignment
• Classroom observation in your own school.

Course requirements

Candidates for Modules 1 and 2 are required to:

• Attend the whole course and take the final written examination. Also, take part in a mid-course tutorial (1-to-1)
• Teach learners of English, preferably at different levels, and for a minimum of class hours. Some will be observed (+ feedback)
• Complete a minimum number of hours of ‘live’ classroom observations in lessons taught by experienced teachers
• Submit a portfolio of coursework (including your teaching assignments) by the deadline. These must meet the assessment criteria.

Assessment requirements and mode

The assessment framework is outlined below:

• Module 1: A 3 hour written examination which is externally set and marked. This takes place twice a year and is face-to-face
• Module 2: A portfolio of coursework designed by us to meet Cambridge English requirements. Five of the assignments involve practical teaching, which may be carried out and assessed face-to-face or online. These are marked internally and externally
• Module 3: An extended assignment focusing on an area of specialisation chosen by you. This is marked externally.

Submission dates

DELTA resources

Course materials – We have a wide range of course materials, which can be borrowed. The DELTA resource library (a full list of books is available upon request) will be open before, during and after Wednesday’s session and by arrangement.

Syllabus – The DELTA syllabus by Cambridge English Assessment is available from Mark Bartram, Course Tutor.

Reading list – You will be issued with a short pre-course reading list. This includes books which should be bought. On the first day, you will also receive an essential bibliography, which indicates what you should read during the course.

Temporary arrangements during the coronavirus pandemic

It is difficult to predict the situation with coronavirus in September 2022. For this reason, we remain flexible on how the course will be delivered. The most likely scenario is a blended course, with Module 2 taught face-to-face and Modules 1 and 3 taught online.

Cambridge English Assessment are allowing online classes and online assessments for the foreseeable future. This will cover the period of the 2022-23 Delta course, but may revert back to face-to-face teaching and assessment at some point after that. Check for course updates during COVID-19. Check for course updates during COVID-19.

Mark Bartram is happy to answer questions about our DELTA teacher training course. Please get in touch on mark.bartram@stclares.ac.uk