Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA)
You have opted for the rewarding career of teaching English to speakers of other languages, and now need to consider a higher qualification in order to develop as a teacher and be eligible for new roles.
Updated Delta from September 2008
Following a comprehensive review, we are introducing three Delta Module syllabuses, which will replace the current syllabus from September 2008.
Here is a summary of the benefits.
- Flexible entry points for candidates.
- The Delta Modules can be taken in stages over a period of time that can fit with career and other commitments.
- Opportunity to focus on specialist teaching, e.g. teaching young learners, business English.
- More flexible delivery, e.g. blended learning options.
- Individual modules can be taken as part of a programme of continuous professional development (CPD).
- Certificates for partial achievement, e.g. development as general English teacher.
For more information, download the Syllabus Specifications for Delta from 2008 (PDF 268kb).
What is DELTA?
If you have substantial experience of teaching English to speakers of other languages, and are ready to progress your career, you need the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA). This internationally recognised qualification helps you to:
- deepen your understanding of the principles and practice of teaching the English language to adults
- examine your current practices and beliefs
- apply the results of your learning and reflection to your current teaching position and more senior roles.
How does DELTA relate to TEFL/TESOL?
'TEFL' or 'TESOL' are terms often used to describe qualifications for English Language teachers. DELTA, the advanced TESOL/TEFL qualification for practising English Language teachers, was previously known as DTEFLA and the 'RSA diploma'.
Who is DELTA for?
You may be a graduate, or already hold an initial teaching qualification, and are considering DELTA as a route to further career progression. The qualification is ideal if you wish to extend your professional experience and accept new responsibilities as it not only demonstrates a commitment to the profession, but is also proof of your ability.
You may be looking for an opportunity to increase your understanding of the principles and practice of English Language teaching to help improve your overall performance in the classroom. As part of this process, DELTA courses encourage you to analyse your existing practices and beliefs. They also help you to apply the results of your learning and reflection both to your current professional life and to contexts beyond your present and previous teaching experience.
What does DELTA involve?
You can take DELTA full time (typically two to three months), or part time (from six months to over a year). A Distance Learning programme is also available.
Your course features a balance of theory and practice to enhance your understanding of the English Language, while examining in depth the principles of effective teaching and the practical skills required for teaching English to adult learners.
The course includes:
- teaching practice
- observation of experienced teachers in the classroom
- completion of a range of practically focused written assignments
- an extended assignment
- a written examination.
There are six main units of learning:
- understanding, knowledge and awareness of language
- the background to teaching and learning English at adult level
- resources and materials
- working in the classroom
- evaluation, monitoring and assessment
- professional development.
As part of your course you should expect 120 contact hours with fellow candidates and course tutors and 10 hours of teaching adults. Four of these lessons are supervised and assessed by a course tutor and one is externally assessed. In addition you have 10 hours' directed observation of lessons, with five of these being live lessons taught by experienced teachers. You spend around 300 hours on reading, research and assignment writing.
There are three components of assessment:
Coursework
There are seven coursework assignments. Six of these are internally assessed; the seventh is externally assessed. In addition there is overall external moderation of your coursework by Cambridge ESOL.
Extended assignment
The extended assignment is a case study of a learner. It is supervised by the centre and externally marked.
Written examination
The written examination is externally set and marked.
To be awarded the Diploma, you must pass all three components. There are two grades — Pass and Distinction.
Note to exam centres and teacher trainers
The current DELTA specifications are under review. Revised specifications are now available for implementation from September 2008.
Who recognises DELTA?
DELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English Language teachers. The Cambridge DELTA has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as a Diploma in Teaching ESOL at level 5 (new NQF Level 7) on the National Qualifications Framework. DELTA is also integrated into some MA programmes - we have information on the exemptions offered by some UK institutions. Cambridge ESOL also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of DELTA globally.
Am I eligible to apply?
Ideally you should:
- have at least two years' full time (1,200 hours) experience of teaching English to adults within the past five years
- have a range of teaching experience in different contexts and at different levels
- be a graduate and/or have an initial teaching qualification
- have a standard of English which will enable you to teach at a range of levels.
Centres may still accept you if you do not strictly meet all of these requirements but can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete the course successfully. This is entirely at your centre's discretion.
How do I apply?
DELTA courses are designed by individual centres, based on specifications produced by Cambridge ESOL. They run at over 55 approved centres in 20 countries.
Contact your chosen centre directly for detailed course information.
Apply to become a DELTA centre, using our online application form.
Please note that the following US centres are no longer authorised to run CELTA or DELTA courses:
IH Portland (US034)
IH Santa Monica (US033)
What is the DELTA Extension?
The DELTA Extension is a series of additional modules for teachers seeking full qualification to work in the learning and skills sector in England and Wales.
Resources available
