Learn the skills for a career teaching English to speakers of other languages
Teaching English to non-English speakers is a complex undertaking for those in the education sector. Despite the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and tech tools, professionals who develop the interpersonal teaching techniques to engage and effectively train learners will be sought-after worldwide.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in TESOL designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to create a sustainable and rewarding career as a teacher of English as a second language. You’ll develop effective instructional and interpersonal skills so that you excel in this dynamic field of education. Because UNE has extensive experience training adults for changes in the workplace, our TESOL courses focus on incorporating emerging technology and language learning theory into teaching to ensure you are future-fit and able to adapt to changes and advancements in the field as they occur.
Most of our students opt for online education, where they become part of a community of adults who pool their life and work experiences to form networks for the future. Those who study on-campus enjoy accommodation, athletics facilities and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as a teacher of English to non-English speakers, whether you pursue a career in a school environment or prefer to work with adults, in a local or global context. Our commitment to creating future-fit ESL teaching graduates is reflected in our student success. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the TESOL courses on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to become a teacher in your island home with your family and community, UNE’s Associate Degree in Teaching (Pacific Focus) is your ideal course. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become a qualified early childhood, primary or secondary school teacher, with the flexibility to study online.
Bring your unique understanding of your community to the classroom, with the goal of helping Pacific Islander students to develop and learn. Learn from UNE's tight-knit specialist Pacific Island team. Build your confidence as a teacher, ensuring you make a meaningful contribution to your students. At UNE, we help make your Pacific Island teaching goals a reality with a qualification that is both in demand and rewarding.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Online
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow as an in-demand education professional. Upskill and enhance your on-the-pulse skills for the benefit of your career, your students and the profession at large. Stay relevant and pave the way for a successful teaching career in a supportive, flexible environment.
Please note: those studying music must pass an audition or be granted an audition waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and is designed to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. In this course you will have the opportunity to specialise in subject areas that interest you most and gain experience in teaching to a wide range of age groups, culminating in sought-after skills to future-proof your education career.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
If you are a Pacific Islander looking to build on your teaching skills with a high-level qualification, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Pacific Focus) is the degree for you.
Gain the knowledge and skills to teach early childhood, inclusive education, and primary and secondary education in your Pacific Island home. Study online in a timeframe that suits your other commitments. You will be learning from UNE's specialist teaching team that has decades of experience in Pacific Island education.
This course is the next step from our Associate Degree. Our Bachelor’s degree will further your career options and deepen your knowledge to make a difference in your classrooms and community with advanced skills.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Online
UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher.
Develop your teaching skills in a supportive, flexible environment. Learn how to create open and encouraging learning environments that put your students' individual learning styles at the forefront.
By studying at UNE, you will become an in-demand secondary teacher who makes a difference.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
This flexible non-teaching education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in a flexible and supportive environment. Hone your skills to be transferable across a range of contexts and future-proof your career.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
What could be more exciting than landing in a foreign country and immediately being able to speak the language and connect with the local culture? In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant, and our Bachelor of Languages is designed to help you develop proficiency in one or more languages.
The degree caters to anyone with a passion for languages, whether you studied a language at school or not, and includes majors in Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese and Spanish. The degree is interactive and immersive, and includes two trimesters studying in the country or countries of your chosen language/s.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a sought-after teacher who makes a valued and rewarding contribution to children’s abilities and development. Create an open and supportive learning environment to engage students with diverse needs and make a real difference in primary schools by helping children develop, grow, and build their confidence.
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Pivot your career and develop new skills in the field of education with our Graduate Certificate in Education Studies. This postgraduate course has been crafted to help build expertise in one or more subject areas while developing the critical thinking skills that are valued and transferable across a range of workplaces. You can mix and match subject areas (Schedule A), or specialise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, in Schedule B). With this flexible course, you'll be expanding your career opportunities.
- 0.5 years full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
Neuroscience is one of the fastest-growing areas of human physiology today, and it plays an increasingly vital role in guiding educational practices. With UNE's Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Education, you will deepen your understanding of education's role in contemporary society, how the brain facilitates learning and thinking, and the importance of neuroscience in modern education.
- 1 trimester full-time
- Up to 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.
Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
There is a close connection between how the brain works and how we learn. As a result, neuroscience and education are becoming increasingly intertwined, and employers are looking for graduates with skills and knowledge in both areas.
UNE’s Graduate Diploma of Neuroscience and Education, designed by our leading experts and researchers, places you at the centre of human physiology's fastest-growing field and its increasingly crucial role in education.
Whether you're new to either or both fields, or have prior knowledge or experience, our flexible postgraduate course allows you to tailor your program to the topics and areas that interest you most.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations. You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances and context of language and intercultural communication – invaluable skills in an increasingly interconnected world, and especially important when teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Upgrade your skills in educational practice with the post-graduate UNE Master of Education (Coursework). In addition to a flexible program pathway with a wide range of curriculum options, you can build your expertise with one of four specialisations. Deepen your knowledge in a range of educational disciplines and engage your students with contemporary practice and theory.
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
The field of neuroscience is one of the fastest growing in human physiology, and there is increasing interest in applying neuroscience to learning processes within the educational field.
As a Master of Neuroscience and Education student at UNE, you will gain a specialised understanding of the specific neurobiological processes that underlie different kinds of behaviour within educational settings.
As you explore evidence-based research on the application of neuroscience to learning, you will be equipped with hugely valuable skills in this emerging field. Once you graduate, you may also apply for research-based higher degrees and other doctoral programs.
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online in a flexible timeframe that suits your lifestyle. Be positioned at the forefront of educational expertise to make your education career goals a reality.
2024 Teaching scholarships
Starting one of UNE's Teaching courses in 2024? You can get up to $40,000 toward your studies. For more information about the range of teaching scholarships available, register your interest now.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- On Campus
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.
When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
Expand your knowledge of contemporary education while making a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of knowledge. With a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the education profession today, UNE’s Master of Education (Research) provides you with the opportunity to build on your expertise and develop advanced research skills with the support and guidance of our renowned School of Education. Future proof your career in education with advanced research skills, specialist knowledge and transferable skills in communication, thought leadership and critical analysis.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.
You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award with UNE will help you to achieve.
Studying a Non-Award means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1
- Trimester 2
- Trimester 3
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units from any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
Why study with us?
![Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63320803472/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445005/e=never/k=805b79a7/Greg-Kemmett-1.jpg)
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Greg KemmettFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in TESOL
With demand rising for teachers with professional qualifications, UNE’s TESOL study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to the global education industry. Strengthen your position as a language teacher. Explore your options now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in web-based teaching and learning will help you safeguard your place in a dynamic education sector.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-fit yourself with practical and effective teaching and analytical skills in anticipation of advancing tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach English and…
Future-fit yourself with practical and effective teaching and analytical skills in anticipation of advancing tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach English and literature to secure your place in the education sector.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Master of Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Arts | Major | Postgraduate |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Develop practical teaching skills for working effectively with people who have disabilities and learning challenges. UNE’s expertise in teaching special education will develop your technical and communication skills to secure your place in the…
Develop practical teaching skills for working effectively with people who have disabilities and learning challenges. UNE’s expertise in teaching special education will develop your technical and communication skills to secure your place in the dynamic education sector.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Future-fit your career and learn to use the latest interactive multimedia tech to communicate with school students from various cultures whilst engaging them in language learning activities. UNE’s experts will develop your teaching skills and secure …
Future-fit your career and learn to use the latest interactive multimedia tech to communicate with school students from various cultures whilst engaging them in language learning activities. UNE’s experts will develop your teaching skills and secure your place in the education sector.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching…
Ensure you are future-fit with practical teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education technology and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Develop your technical and interpersonal skills to secure your future in teaching English as a second or other language.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Master of Education | Specialisation | Postgraduate |
Graduate Certificate in Education Studies | Specialist Course | Postgraduate |
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Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in TESOL
By studying TESOL with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure teaching roles in a wide range of careers and industries. With people frequently moving around the world for employment and lifestyle reasons, the need for expert language instruction is set to rise. Professionals with skillsets in TESOL can find work in a variety of settings.
- Teacher
Teach English to non-native speakers in schools, language institutes, or as private tutors, helping them improve their language skills. - Program Coordinator
Oversee and manage TESOL programs within educational institutions, ensuring effective language instruction. - Curriculum developer
Create TESOL teaching materials, lesson plans, and curriculum content tailored to the needs of diverse learners. - Language assessment specialist
Develop and administer language proficiency tests to evaluate students' English language skills and provide feedback for improvement. - Online English instructor
Teach English to non-native speakers through online platforms, providing flexibility in location and scheduling. - English language consultant
Offer language consulting services to businesses, government agencies, or individuals who need English language support for specific purposes, such as international business communication. - Content writer
Create or edit English language learning materials, textbooks, and online resources for TESOL learners. - Cross-cultural advisor
Provide cultural orientation and sensitivity training to individuals or groups, preparing them for cross-cultural interactions.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Languages and International
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.