Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Course overview

The DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a postgraduate level seven qualification awarded by Cambridge English.

It is designed for qualified and experienced English language teachers who want to deepen their understanding of language teaching and develop their professional practice.

The course is suitable for teachers who already hold an initial teaching qualification, such as CELTA, and have at least two years (approximately 1,200 hours) of classroom teaching experience.

Gaining the DELTA qualification can help you progress in your career and lead to several career opportunities, such as becoming an academic manager, English for academic purposes specialist, materials writer or a teacher trainer.

Course structure and dates

DELTA is divided into three modules. You can take modules individually or complete all three as part of the integrated course.

The integrated course, made up of all three modules, runs between 5 January and 7 June 2026.

• Module one: 9 April to 3 June 2026
  Extends and develops your knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning English.
• Module two: 5 January to 10 April 2026
  Develops your awareness and expertise in the principles and professional practice of teaching English.
• Module three: 23 March to 7 June 2026
  Focuses on researching and writing an extended assignment in an area of English Language Teaching (ELT) specialism.

Entry requirements

You should:

• have a minimum two years’ (approx. 1,200 hours) full-time English language teaching experience by the time you start the course
• have an initial teacher training qualification (e.g. CELTA or equivalent)
• be currently employed in an English language group teaching context (minimum five learners per class, face-to-face).

Teaching practice observation will take place in your classes where you are currently employed.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The DELTA course combines input sessions, independent study, practical teaching and written assignments. Across the modules you will develop your understanding of English language teaching theory and apply this in your own teaching context.

Classes include tutor-led input, discussion and practical activities. You will engage with key areas of the DELTA syllabus, including language systems and skills, language learners and learning contexts, teaching resources and materials, classroom practice, monitoring and assessment, and professional development.

Assessment varies across the three modules and includes written examinations, observed teaching, coursework assignments and an extended written project.

Class size

The maximum number of participants in the class will be 18.

Workload

As a postgraduate qualification, you can expect the workload on the course to be very demanding.

In addition to attending the course on a weekly basis, we estimate you will need to spend at least two evenings a week and one full day at the weekend doing coursework.

How to apply

You submit an online application form.

If you fulfil the entry requirements, you will be invited to an interview at UCL.

Following the interview, we will make a decision on your application.

Fees

The course and module fees are:

• Integrated course (all three modules): £3,890
• Module one: £762
• Module two: £2,584
• Module three: £544

These fees include materials used during teaching sessions and access to the Institute of Education library, which includes the DELTA library collection.

In addition, Cambridge English examination entry fees apply:

• Module one: £150
• Module two: £187
• Module three: £106

These fees are valid between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026.

If you teach outside London, you will be asked to pay a £150 supplement to cover your observer’s travel costs.

You accept your offer by paying a £300 deposit, which is non-refundable unless you cancel within 14 days of payment.