Second Language Teaching

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) on the advice of the GDipSLT Admissions Committee.

• Every applicant must either be a graduate, or have obtained a teaching qualification and be able to present evidence of appropriate teaching experience acceptable to the GDipSLT Admissions Committee.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching (GDipSLT) grounds second language teachers in the knowledge and theories of Linguistics. It can be completed in two semesters of full-time study. Although not a formal teaching qualification, it is nationally and internationally recognised as a complementary professional programme of study. It is designed for four groups of students: language teachers in schools and colleges; registered teachers who plan to work overseas; international teachers of English as a second language; and tertiary education staff who teach a foreign language.

Applicants must hold a degree or teaching qualification, or have appropriate teaching experience. They will be enrolled in individually tailored programs of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework in Education and Linguistics. One of the required papers develops teaching skills through presentations to class members.

Graduates may find employment in New Zealand and abroad as language tutors, or in schools, colleges, private institutions and universities.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study for the graduate diploma shall consist of approved papers, from the schedule, to a value of no less than 120 points with at least 72 points at 300-level or above.

Papers

• LING 111 Language and Its Structure
• LING 231 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• LING 331 Advanced Topic in TESOL

At least four additional Linguistics papers, of which one may be replaced with an EDUC paper, to make a total of at least 120 points with at least 72 points at 300-level or above.

Note: LING 111 or its equivalent, if already passed, may be replaced by either LING 214 or LING 215.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding