What is CELTA and who is it for?
The Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an initial language teaching qualification for people with little or no prior teaching experience. It’s a great way to kick-start a career in language teaching, opening up a whole world of exciting opportunities.
CELTA is the most widely recognised qualification of its kind, internationally held in very high regard by organisations which employ English Language teachers and is required by British Council accredited institutions worldwide. It operates under the umbrella of Cambridge English and has been accredited by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) at Level Five on the National Qualifications Framework.
CELTA is suitable for a wide range of people. It is the ideal qualification for those interested in teaching English as a second or foreign language, here in the UK or anywhere in the world. It is also suitable for people who want a career change or break and for those already teaching English who may lack a formal qualification.
Why study CELTA at NTU?
We currently offer CELTA as a part-time course over 26 weeks, from October to May. The course runs on Thursday afternoon and evening from 1 pm to 8 pm (with built-in breaks) at our City campus. Because it only involves attendance once per week, the course is more accessible to those currently in employment or with other commitments which prevent them from attending more intensive courses. We are the only institution offering CELTA in Nottingham, and indeed in the much wider area, on this part-time basis.
The candidates on the course consist of a mix of undergraduate students (who are taking the course as part of their degree in TESOL) and externally recruited candidates. Our experience of operating the course in this way over many years is that it brings together people of a great variety of backgrounds who are able to share a wealth of different life experiences which, in addition to the rich intercultural exchange, really serves to enhance the collective knowledge and skills of the cohort.
The course is run as a face-to-face programme, which means that classes will take place in classrooms on campus rather than online. However, given that online teaching is such a growth industry, the course will normally provide for some training and practice opportunities in this area. Candidates should also be aware, in the current climate, that should government guidelines impose restrictions on the ability to operate in a face-to-face environment, then the course may resort to online teaching.
What you'll study
What does CELTA involve?
The CELTA is a very practical course with an emphasis on classroom teaching.
The Thursday afternoon sessions consist of tutor-led workshops on topics related to language teaching, including the roles of teachers and learners, lesson planning, language analysis and various aspects of classroom management and teaching methodology. These sessions are very practical, involving much small group work with high levels of participation and hands-on practice.
The Thursday evening sessions consist of the Teaching Practice element of the course. We offer free classes to international adult learners who are very keen to learn English and are extremely appreciative of these lessons. Each week, you will be involved in these lessons, sometimes as a teacher (team-teaching with your fellow candidates) and sometimes as an observer, in which case your role is to watch and learn but also to offer feedback to your fellow teachers.
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Course content
There are five main units of learning:
- learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
- language analysis and awareness
- language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
- planning and resources for different contexts
- developing teaching skills and professionalism.
How you’re taught
How are you assessed?
There are no formal examinations. Instead, you will be assessed on two main components:
- Teaching practice: You will compile a portfolio of your various classroom teaching efforts, consisting of your lesson plans, your reflections after teaching and your tutor’s assessment for each lesson.
- Written assignments: You will complete four written assignments across the course relating to various aspects of language teaching and learning. These are short (750-1000 words each) and very practical in nature.
To be awarded the certificate, you must pass both components. There are three final Pass grades — Pass A, Pass B and Pass.
The course is run in a very success-oriented way to provide you with every opportunity to do well. We appreciate that for many candidates this is likely to be a new experience and the dedicated team of tutors provide guidance on lesson planning, detailed feedback on teaching practice to help you improve, tutorial support and advice on the written assessments.
It should be pointed out that a very high level of attendance is expected on the course. Cambridge expect 100% attendance and the certificate cannot be awarded for candidates with any lower than 80% attendance, whatever the reason (even serious illness).
Who are the tutors?
We have a core of highly qualified and dedicated tutors delivering the CELTA course. They have all worked extensively as language teachers and teacher trainers in many different parts of the world and have much experience to share.
James Cooper (Course leader and main course tutor)
Laura Manzie (Course tutor and TESOL subject leader)
Pat Iger (Course tutor)
Rob Hancock (Course administrator)
Staff profiles
Careers and employability
English language tuition is in extremely high demand throughout the world and there are a plethora of employment opportunities open to those interested in pursuing English teaching as a career abroad or here in the UK or as an opportunity to travel and work abroad to more generally broaden their horizons.
CELTA is the most widely recognised initial English language teaching qualification worldwide and is held in very high regard. It is required by all British Council accredited institutions, which may include further and higher education establishments and private language schools in the UK as well as many educational institutions abroad.
More generally, those with CELTA will have an advantage over those without it in the jobs market and will enjoy greater choice and access to better jobs at more reputable schools with better pay and working conditions and more opportunities for professional development.
Our CELTA course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply for and take on English language teaching positions with real confidence.
Entry requirements
You should normally:
- have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education. You may still be accepted onto the course if you do not have formal qualifications at this level but can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete the course successfully. This would be at the discretion of the course team and determined by application/interview.
- be aged 20 or over. We may, at our discretion, accept applicants from age 18.
- have a standard of spoken and written English and an awareness of language which will enable you to undertake the course and to teach English language at a range of levels.
How to apply
How do I apply?
Places on the course are limited so you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
To apply download the Word application form below and return to Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural Communication. You will also need to download the reference sheet separately to send to your two chosen referees. Please instruct them to email these back directly to Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural Communication.
Application forms and reference sheets can also be sent to:
Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural Communication
Nottingham Trent University
DICe Building
Clarendon Street
Nottingham NG1 5JD
F.A.O Robert Hancock
Submitted applications are normally reviewed in the summer. If you are selected for interview, you will be sent a pre-course task to complete, which you will need to bring with you to the interview. The interview usually takes place in September.
If you are offered and accept a place on the course, you will be invited to attend an induction day, where you will have the opportunity to meet the staff and other students and find out about the course in more detail. You will also be expected to enrol and arrange to pay your fees.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
For further information about the CELTA course, please contact:
Robert Hancock, for matters related to administration (dates, application process, fees etc.)
James Cooper, for matters related to course content, assessment etc.
