English and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) BA (Hons)
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.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Flexible part-time
Course code
QX31
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
This course can equip you with vital skills in English language, literature and authentic teaching practice so you can provide an immersive and engaging educational experience.
- You will have opportunities to develop skills in teaching English to young learners (primary and secondary), teaching English to adults as well as teaching English online.
- You may have opportunities for working with charities and NGOs to help improve the English skills of those coming to the UK to study, work and live2.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
Our course provides you with the opportunity for the following:
- The opportunity to gain a teaching qualification by the end of the second year: The Cambridge Assessment Accredited Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) or Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT). These qualifications allow you to apply for positions in particular countries overseas or in the UK teaching English as a foreign language.
- Develop a thorough grounding in English language and literature, 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 opportunities2.
- 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.
- Apply for a year’s work placement or an optional enhancement year, which has led previous students to work as English teachers with the British Council in Spain and France or at participating universities in China, for example2.
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What you'll study
This course has a common first year.
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).
Common first year courses
- English Language and Literature BA (Hons)
- English and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
- English Language and TEFL BA (Hons)
- English Literature BA (Hons)
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
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2.
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10-12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods can include:
- Phase tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Individual Assignments
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
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.
There may be opportunities to engage with international students at home and abroad through online projects with students at international collaborating universities.
We strongly encourage you to broaden your theoretical, cultural and practical references, and we aim to provide opportunities for you to live, study and work abroad on a placement year2. For example, you can study English at Limoges in France, or teach English in Spain or China.
Please note that all UK and international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements and are therefore not guaranteed2.
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.

Entry requirements
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 course.
View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,250 per year | Request fee information |
EU | £9,250 per year with EU support bursary** £16,800 per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £16,800 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
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.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU support bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
Students will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

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.

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.

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 able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in language teaching and learning to be effective teachers of English in the communities they go on to work in.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of literary works from selected periods, geographic regions and genres
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the history, evolution, spread, and nature of the English language
- Analyse and critically assess a range of theoretical approaches used in literary, language and pedagogy studies
- Identify, apply and critically evaluate a range of teaching materials in order to meet learners’ needs.
- Interrogate and critically analyse the arguments of others and to formulate and construct critical arguments of their own.
- Reflect critically and analytically on their own and others' teaching practice in order to continue developing classroom-related skills.
- Research subject-based materials to an advanced standard using specialist digital tools and methods
- Communicate effectively in professional, academic and social contexts, and across a range of mediums including in person, on paper and online.
Once the course is successfully completed, 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. (Talent Team and enterprise officers are subject to availability).
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.
Further study
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).
You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics MA or the English and Education Management 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.
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International codes:
AHU105Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
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.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due 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.
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 2023/24 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.
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