Type of qualification
Level of study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language – GradCertTEAL
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language (GradCertTEAL) is a flexible undergraduate qualification for students from a range of different background experiences.
To enter the GradCertTEAL you must have access to teaching learners of English as an additional language within a formal educational setting. If you are not currently teaching, schools, early childhood centres or language institutions in your area may have opportunities for volunteering. For example, you can contact your local New Zealand English Language Partners scheme. See www.englishlanguage.org.nz for information on your local branch.
Why study with us?
- You will develop the ability to share your knowledge and research.
- You will develop a critical awareness of theory, research and pedagogy that directly benefits your teaching.
- You will be taught by highly qualified, well-regarded lecturers who are supportive and provide a high level of pastoral care.
- You will learn skills to apply to your own professional context.
- Massey University has extensive experience offering online, blended and distance qualifications.
Financial assistance
You may be eligible to apply for a scholarship or award from the Ministry of Education. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
A GradCertTEAL is a good fit if you:
- want to study to fit in with family or employment commitments
- want a professional qualification
- wish to gain theoretical and practical perspectives that will help you teach students that have English as an additional language.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language you will provide evidence that you have access to teaching learners of English as an additional language within a formal educational setting and have:
- been awarded or qualified for a university degree or diploma; or
- completed at least two years of relevant practical, professional, or scholarly experience.
For the purposes of this graduate certificate, a relevant practice situation may be in a school, early years context, tertiary institution or another approved organisation, for example, the New Zealand English Language Partners scheme. This can be in a voluntary capacity.
You will need to please provide the following documents:
- a curriculum vitae
- copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Structure of the Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language is available for part-time study only. It is normally completed in 1 - 2 years.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
60 credits
- Compulsory courses – 30 credits
- Electives from the Schedule – 30 credits
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 257370 Teaching Learners of English as Another Language 15 credits
A reflective approach to developing effective skills in the teaching of English as another language (TESOL), including assessment, planning, and the design of resource materials. Students will explore strategies for facilitating language learning in a range of specific contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 257375 Learning English as Another Language 15 credits
A specialised study of the skills and processes involved in learning English as another language (ESOL) and the factors affecting success. Consideration will be given to the variety of learners in New Zealand; the interrelationship between language, culture and world-view; current theories on second language learning; and the analysis of the spoken and written language of new learners of English.
View full course detailsElective courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 172233 Language Learning Processes 15 credits
An introduction to approaches and theories in applied linguistics with particular focus on language learning processes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 172239 Language and Culture 15 credits
An examination of the interrelationship between/of language and culture through a study of various elements of language, language use and language acquisition in a wide range of cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219304 Intercultural Communication 15 credits
This course compares the communication behaviours of different cultures. Students will develop skills that help them analyse and address intercultural conflicts and issues, and gain skills that allow them to communicate effectively in intercultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 254337 Teaching and Learning with Pasifika Peoples in NZ 15 credits
An examination of the educational experiences of Pasifika peoples in New Zealand in formal and informal settings both in the past and present with a focus on effective teaching and learning practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 269372 Understanding Migrant Cultures in Aotearoa/New Zealand 15 credits
A study of immigrants and immigration in Aotearoa/New Zealand with a focus on developing effective cross-cultural teaching skills.
View full course detailsCareers and job opportunities
Where will your skills take you with GradCertTEAL?
GradCertTEAL can lead to numerous career opportunities, professionally and in voluntary positions in the community as well as overseas. Your skills and teaching knowledge will always be in demand. You can use the qualification to advance your career in teaching English language learners.
Graduates find work or enhance their careers in many educational areas such as:
- adult education, tertiary institutions, schools and early childhood centres
- applied linguistics
- bilingual education
- teaching English as a foreign language
- teaching English to speakers of other languages
- intercultural communication roles
- international teaching positions
- international teaching assistant positions
- reading and writing student support roles
- teacher education.
Accreditations and rankings
QS Ranking - Education
Massey is ranked in the world's top 250 universities for education in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Related study options
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics – PGDipAppLing
Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics will equip you with knowledge and skills aligned with your professional and research needs. You will use theories, methods and problem-based approaches that address real-world language issues.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – Master of Applied Linguistics
Massey’s Master of Applied Linguistics (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) provides in-service development for practising teachers of English as a second language.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz