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

Study level: Undergraduate
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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

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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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.
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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:

  • 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.

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)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

  • This module offers a chronological introduction to the spoken and written word through time, from the ancient world to contemporary language and literature. It prepares you to think about the historical, intellectual, linguistic, social and cultural conditions of the use of language and production of literature. You will study a range of non-fiction and literary texts.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to the major conceptual-theoretical frameworks, thinkers and debates that you will need to understand in order to succeed on your chosen degree course. The module encourages an active and engaged approach to questions and ideas in the disciplines of English, Languages and TEFL.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces you to the range of methods and tools that will support your individual and group research projects throughout your degree course. This includes the Library’s physical and digital holdings and services; how to search the internet and online databases; how to design research questions; and how to make notes and manage time effectively.

    Compulsory

  • This module develops your awareness of the structure and organisation of ‘discourse’, i.e. language in use. It considers language in use in a range of contexts including everyday conversations, social media, comedy, and politics, looking beyond literal meaning to consider how interactions are manipulated and identities constructed.

    Compulsory

  • The aims of this module are to respond to the so-called ‘spatial turn’ in literary and cultural studies by introducing you to a range of theories of place and spatiality, and to cognate ideas of languages and literatures. You will be encouraged to apply these abstract ideas/contexts to a range of literary and other cultural works (such as films or art).

    Group Project:

    You will publish an online ‘zine enabling you to showcase your first year work using the skills and knowledge you have acquired along the way. The content for the ‘zines might include short critical pieces, reflective essays or videos, pedagogical reports, comparative cultural and/or linguistic analyses, poetry or flash fiction. Workshops will help you to develop the necessary skills to successfully record and edit film and audio and create attractive online publications.

    Compulsory

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: language and society, teaching language online and language in new media, amongst others.

Modules

  • This module allows you to explore in more depth 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.

    Compulsory

  • This module complements Principles and Practice of TEFL 1 and allows you to further develop your competencies as teachers of English. While continuing to study the principles underlying the teaching of English as a Foreign Language, the emphasis will be on delivering increasingly effective lessons in weekly Teaching Practice sessions.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the fundamental concepts in the study of language as a social phenomenon. Topics covered include: language variation in regional and social dialects; notions of identity incorporating gender, ethnicity and age; social functions of languages and varieties; and the ways in which ideologies, cultural ways, speaking and social attitudes affect patterns of language use and their evaluation within institutions.

    Compulsory

  • 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 informed and underpinned by relevant theories of learning, second language acquisition, and pedagogy.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces key issues relevant to the study of language used in digital contexts. Indicative topics include: language attitudes and ideologies towards new media practices; online identities and communities; digital narratives; the language of blogs and wikis; micro-blogging practices and the meaning of hashtags; impoliteness and conflict in digital settings.

    Compulsory

  • In its broadest sense, stylistics is a field of study in which linguistic theories are used to identify and describe the distinguishing features (or style) 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 literary, as well as non-literary, texts. 

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor. 

You will be asked to choose optional modules on top of the compulsory modules, ‘Teaching Young Learners’ and ‘Materials Evaluation and Design in a Multimedia World’, to total 120 credits in your final year.

Modules

  • 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

  • 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 seek to be able to develop professionally by building on the experience gained on previously completed teacher-training modules.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop your awareness of the psycholinguistic processes of language storage and retrieval. It will also look at how artificial intelligence in machines simulates human linguistic behaviour and question whether this linguistic behaviour in machines constitutes true intelligence.

    Optional

  • This module takes a sociolinguistic approach to the study of language and globalisation. Topics include 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.

    Optional

  • The aim of the module is to enable you to take a critical perspective with regard to language, and to recognise how language is instrumental in constructing an ideologically framed view of reality – cultural, social and political. You will, through your examination and deconstruction of texts, aim to acquire the tools to unravel the complexities inherent in language as it is used as a medium of communication and as a means of giving definition to experience.

    Optional

  • This module surveys Gothic literature and cultural production, from its eighteenth-century origins to the film, television and video games of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. You will gain a lively appreciation of the Gothic’s enduring relevance in times of climate crisis, geopolitical unrest, and rapid technological change. 

    Optional

  • This module provides an opportunity for you to exercise independent learning and research skills in the final semester of your degree. You will be able to conceive, plan and carry out an individual programme of discipline-specific research under the supervision of a member of staff, leading to the ultimate submission of a final project in the form of a dissertation, portfolio, or artefact, as appropriate.  

    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

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. 

Terri-Rhiannon Anguish, BA (Hons) Spanish and TEFL graduate of 2020
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 to include English
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 29 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Request fee information
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)

  • 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.

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 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

  • 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 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. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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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