English Language and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) BA (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: QX31
International Code: AHU030

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement
Flexible part-time

Start date

September 2022

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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Teaching English as a foreign language can be fun, challenging, hugely rewarding, and can enable you to see the world and meet new people.

  •  You will have opportunities to develop skills through authentic teaching practice, teaching English to young learners (primary and secondary), and teaching English online.
  • This course can equip you with vital skills in English language, linguistics and practical teaching so you can provide an immersive and engaging educational experience.
  • There are opportunities for working with charities and NGOs in the developing parts of the world, and there are also opportunities in the UK, as more and more people come from around the world to study, work and live here.
  • Graduates from this course have gone on to teach in China, Thailand, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and South Korea – as well as in the UK.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

Our course provides you with the opportunity for the following:

  •  Upon successful completion, gain a teaching qualification by the end of the second year: Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) or the Cambridge Assessment English accredited Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT). These qualifications allow you to apply for positions in particular countries overseas or in the UK as an English language teacher.
  • Develop a thorough grounding in English language and linguistics, critical thinking, and skills in analytical, written and spoken communication, which is key in almost any career.
  • We currently have significant links with a wide variety of employers such as secondary schools, magazines, newspapers and local charities, many of whom may offer professional experience opportunities.
  • Gain authentic experience of teaching learners of English. A large component of the assessment in Year Two is centred on teaching practice with learners attending specially arranged classes at the university. In addition, in Year Two you will have the opportunity to try teaching online, and in Year Three.
  • Apply for a year’s work placement for an optional enhancement year, which has led previous students to work as English teachers with the British Council in Spain and France or at partner universities in China, for example.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

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Cambridge Assessment English

This course has been designed in line with the criteria for accreditation by Cambridge Assessment English, which enables students to gain the award of a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) or the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) at the end of the second year subject to meeting specific criteria.

This course (including modules 5030HUM and 5031HUM) is accredited by Cambridge English Language Assessment. If the accreditation of this course and/or the modules on this course change, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

I have developed skills such as: leadership, patience, team-building and the ability to improvise and adapt to different situations outside of my comfort zone. Definitely seize the opportunity, it is life changing.

Terri-Rhiannon Anguish, BA (Hons) Spanish and TEFL graduate of 2020
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What you'll study

During the first year, we examine the theories of learning and second language acquisition (SLA). We focus on learners and their contexts; the reasons people have for learning English and the needs and expectations they bring to the classroom. We’ll consider the roles of teachers, leading into the study of classroom management and standard teaching techniques.

Modules

  • This module aims to bring together theories of language learning and acquisition to the practice of language teaching, and the methods and materials used by teachers and learners in language classrooms.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Presentation, coursework

  • The aim of the module is to give you an introduction to the principles and methodology of EFL teaching, and to a range of materials and activities used in classrooms. The module begins with a focus on learners and their contexts; the reasons people have for learning English, their experiences with it, and the needs and expectations they bring to the classroom.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The aim of this module is develop your understanding of the grammar (morphology and syntax) and sound system (phonetics and phonology) of English, and to apply this knowledge to analysis of written and spoken text in the language.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module looks at the use of language in a range of social contexts and moves beyond literal meaning to consider the role of pragmatic processes in the manipulation of interactions and construction of identities. The module also considers how more and more discourse has moved into the digital world and how this medium shapes and alters the conversations and transactions we have.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Exam, coursework

In your second year, you’ll continue to develop your teaching skills through weekly practice sessions, teaching members of the wider community who want to learn English and who attend specially arranged classes at the university. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to choose an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that does not have to be related to your degree.

 

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the fundamental concepts in the study of language as a social phenomenon. We will explore language variation via dialects, discourse analysis through analysing constructed identity, gender, ethnicity and age. Finally, we will investigate ideologies and social attitudes, and how they affect the ways people use language.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Presentation, coursework

  • This module allows you to explore the principles underlying the teaching of English as a Foreign Language, and provides opportunities for you to apply those principles in weekly Teaching Practice sessions. You will also observe lessons taught by experienced teachers. The basic teaching methodologies and techniques introduced in the first year module ‘Introduction to TEFL’ are further built upon, along with theoretical perspectives on language learning and teaching. You will develop your understanding of language learning and teaching to a level appropriate for an initial post as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, teaching

  • This module follows on from Principles and Practice of TEFL 1 and allows you to further develop your competencies as a teacher of English. The module emphasises on delivering effective lessons in weekly Teaching Practice sessions. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate published teaching materials (standard EFL coursebooks), and deepen your understanding of the rationale behind the language and skills practice activities that are presented in coursebooks. You will be encouraged to adapt published teaching materials to better suit the needs of the learners you are teaching, as well as to design your own materials.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, teaching

  • This module aims to develop your writing skills in several ways. First it will ensure you have a solid grasp of the basic conventions of academic writing. Second, by drawing on what you have learned about syntax, you will be able to identify what can go wrong in the formal construction of written sentences. You will be encouraged to examine your own writing carefully and critically.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module aims to train you in the use of online tools for language teaching, and to develop your understanding of how effective practice is influenced by relevant theories of learning, second language acquisition, and pedagogy.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, teaching

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Exam, coursework

    • Language and New Media - 20 credits

      This module introduces key issues relevant to the study of language used in digital contexts. Drawing on sociolinguistic, discourse-analytic, and ethnographic approaches we explore the use of language and other semiotic resources in digital media, focusing on identity performance, social engagement, and aggression and conflict.
      Assessment: Coursework 

    • Stylistics - 20 credits
      Stylistics is a field of study in which linguistic theories are used to identify and describe the distinguishing features of a text. The aim of this module is to equip you with an understanding of the linguistic models and analytic techniques that can be used to describe, analyse and interpret a range of texts.Assessment: Coursework 

    Optional

After the end of the second year, you have the option to take either a Professional Placement year* (in the UK, or abroad) or a Study Abroad year*, and if you do so, you will take a non-credit bearing module which will help you learn from and reflect upon your experiences.

In your third year, your studies will finish in a dissertation or professional portfolio through which you pursue and research an idea or issue that fires up your own interests. Past students have chosen exciting topics like the use of WhatsApp (and other apps) for teaching English, or the influence of teacher motivation on the learners’ motivation.

Modules

  • The aim of the module is to enable you to take a critical perspective on language, and to recognise how language is instrumental in constructing an ideologically framed view of reality. Ideology and power are fundamental concepts in this module as it examines representations of social groups and individuals in the media and beyond. We will discuss the impact how different representations change our understanding of the world.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module aims to encourage you to develop and refine your own writing style, including writing for academic purposes and key skills you would need after graduation. You will develop a sense of 'style' by gaining a deeper understanding of a text’s purpose and audience.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • This module aims to explore the field of materials evaluation and design incorporating multimedia. You will gain an understanding of learning frameworks for materials evaluation and design underpinned by relevant theoretical frameworks. You will take an active part in the learning process and will evaluate and design materials using emerging technologies as part of the assessment.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework

  • The aim of this module is to introduce the key principles underlying TYL (Teaching Young Learners) including the needs and expectations of learners, teaching approaches and methodologies and materials. You will also be able to develop professionally by building on the experience gained on previously completed teacher-training modules. There will be opportunities to develop lessons and materials with the support and guidance of experienced English Language teaching practitioners.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework, exam

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Exam, coursework

  • (Undertake a Final Year Project OR study Language in the Mind and the Machine and Language and Globalisation modules):

    • Final Year Project - 40 credits - The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to combine research and reflection on your own professional practice in the form of a portfolio of work and commentary. Or if you choose the dissertation option, you can explore one particular aspect of your course in greater depth.  
    • Language in the Mind and the Machine - 20 credits -  The aim of this module is to develop your awareness of the psycholinguistic processes of language storage and retrieval. You will learn the difference between the brain and the mind, and will become familiar with the processes and modules of the brain/mind that help us to store language, comprehend it and produce it.
    • Language and Globalisation - 20 credits We explore topics such as: language attitudes and ideologies, bilingualism and multilingualism, identities in a globalised world, the politics of English as a lingua franca, language globalisation and social media, tourism discourse, food and lifestyle discourses, linguistic landscapes and workplace communication, among others.

    Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Coventry was one of the first UK universities to embed Cambridge Assessment English teaching qualifications into the second year of study. Students who achieve a result in TEFL above the average grade in their first year, and meet our own criteria, are given the opportunity to study for the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). Students who do not achieve the above result and do not meet the criteria can opt for the Cambridge Assessment English accredited Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT).

Your course will be taught through lectures, seminars and practical workshop classes. For example, you could investigate various linguistic phenomena in a corpus of texts. In addition, your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you (upon request) and will be available for advice.

Our excellent industry links enable us to host an exciting programme of guest speakers covering topics such as the impact of the internet and social media on language and how it is used. Please note, guest speakers are subject to availability and change.

Your weekly teaching practice sessions gives members of the local community the opportunity to improve their English language skills. Some of these members currently come to us through our Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre connections, while others are people who’ve come to live, work and study in Coventry. You’ll also have the opportunity to go on exciting fieldtrips*. Past trips have included visits to the Language Show Live in London, the Harry Potter Studios and the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

Assessment 

Assessment methods include:

  • essays
  • reports
  • critical commentaries
  • oral/poster presentations
  • blog/vlog/online forum posts
  • digital tests and portfolios
  • teaching practice.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in language teaching and linguistics to be an effective teacher of English in the communities you go on to work in.
  • Use your understanding of theories of language learning and pedagogy to evaluate, select and adapt teaching materials in order to meet learners’ needs.
  • Utilise digital tools and technologies to create bespoke materials in offline and online formats that enhance both classroom-based and online teaching and learning.
  • Communicate effectively in professional, academic and social contexts, and across a range of mediums including in person, on paper and online.
  • Step into a range of roles that complements your aspirations. Whether that is related to post-graduate study, employment in teaching or working in creative, business or digital industries.
  • Meet challenges with confidence in the skills, resourcefulness and professionalism you have developed over the course.

International experience opportunities

This course is focused on supporting your skills development so you are able to teach English all over the world. Our curriculum explores a range of different cultures and contexts through modules such as Language and Globalisation and Language and Society.

You will be given opportunities to engage with international students at home and abroad through online projects with students at international partner universities, and in person through field trips abroad.

We strongly encourage you to broaden your theoretical, cultural and practical references, and we provide opportunities for you to live, study and work abroad on a placement year. For example, you can study English at Limoges in France, or teach English in Spain or China.

There are volunteering schemes available were you can mentor overseas students in Coventry and be their ‘English buddy’. You may also be able to attend scholarly talks by overseas visitors, which have previously included academics from China, France and Spain. We also offer a range of short visits and field trips abroad*. Recent field trips have included a visit to Spain to meet students who had collaborated with Coventry University students on an online project.

You can enjoy a whole host of cultural and multilingual activities, such as the international film club and the French and Spanish conversation clubs. You can also learn another language through the university’s Add+Vantage Scheme or the World Languages programme.

Entry requirements

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Additional requirements may apply

Haven't met the entry requirements or don’t have the right qualifications? You may still be able to progress onto a degree you’d love by studying a foundation or access course.

View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. You can also explore our International foundation year courses.

Explore our foundation courses

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £15,300 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

FAH redevelopment

Building Redevelopment

We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public, as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.

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The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Students’ Union.

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Confucius Institute

The School of Humanities is home to the Confucius Institute. This is a collaboration created through a partnership with Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, which aims to promote an understanding of the Chinese language and culture.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be in a position to start applying immediately to a range of potential employers, including commercial language schools, education and development organisations, government departments, multinational companies, The British Council and a whole host of international volunteer organisations and NGOs.

Alternatively, if you decide not to teach, successfully completing this course should have prepared you for any career that involves the use of language and particularly those professions where communication dominates: the media and cultural industries, primary and secondary education, public relations, marketing and advertising.

Our Talent Team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course-specific industries. Our dedicated enterprise officers also offer valuable assistance on how to begin as a freelancer/entrepreneur.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates of the course have gone on to work for language service providers abroad as well as in the UK, and some have trained as school teachers through Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes. After two years of successful full-time teaching experience, you may wish to consider the opportunity to take the higher level Diploma in English Language Teaching (DELTA) or an MA course in English Language Teaching.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study

The English panel and principal were happy with my performance! I just want to say thank you to the teaching staff at Coventry – I used the teaching techniques and tips that they taught me during the lessons that were not common in Hong Kong; the principal was surprised that I was able to carry out different language activities even though I haven't studied PGCE.

Chun Wong, English and TEFL BA (Hons) graduate of 2017 and now a teacher at a primary school in Hong Kong.
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How to apply

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Student life
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  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).