What is the Trinity College London DipTESOL?

The Trinity College London Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DipTESOL) is an English Language Teaching qualification rated at a Level 7 on Ofqual’s Regulated Qualifications Framework which makes it comparable to a Master’s degree or any other post-graduate qualification. It is ideal for experienced practitioners wishing to progress to positions in management, teacher education and examining. It’s also suitable for teachers wanting to advance their knowledge and skills for their own personal development, or to support and guide less experienced colleagues. The Trinity College London DipTESOL is accepted by the British Council and other international teaching organisations around the world as a full English language teaching certification.

Why should I do my DipTESOL at CILA?

That’s a good question! Here are 4 reasons why:

  • We have highly-trained professionals. Our course is led by instructors who have completed their Level 7 TEFL qualifications and have more than 20 years of experience in the field. You can get to know them better here.
  • We have well-equipped smart classrooms. Be it teaching practice or input sessions, we have classrooms equipped with OHPs, desktops with active internet connections, and smartboards, allowing you to experience, implement and experiment with modern-age teaching technology.
  • We are the only Trinity College London DipTESOL centre in India. We are the only provider of the Trinity College London DipTESOL and an OFQUAL Level 7 qualification in the country, allowing Indian nationals a chance to fulfil their dreams without leaving the country and providing foreign nationals with the opportunity to experience the wonders of India while doing the same! Find us on the list of official DipTESOL certification providers here.
  • We are located in the heart of God’s own country. Need we say more? CILA is situated in Angamaly, a suburb of Kochi which makes it the perfect place to experience Kerala while also allowing you the right environment to focus on a course this intensive. Attractions like the Athirapally Falls, Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach and Lulu Mall are only 1-2 hours away, should you need respite from your coursework and the area is surrounded by restaurants that offer one the opportunity to sample authentic Kerala cuisine. The airport is only 6 kms away from CILA too, which makes it extremely convenient for those coming from outside.

So, what modules will I be covering if I choose to do my DipTESOL?

All DipTESOL course participants are assessed on their performance in 4 units. Additionally, prior to the course, participants are also expected to complete a set number of pre-course assignments and reading.

Unit Assessment Description
Pre-Course Assignments Not Assessed These include a range of readings and exercises/assignments aimed at recapping all that is covered during the CertTESOL. – basic concepts in grammar, phonology, teaching methodology, language acquisition and classroom management, along with an introduction to research methodology.
Unit 1 – Language, Teaching and Learning

Externally Assessed

  • Section 1: 40% of total marks
  • Sections 2 & 3: 30% of total marks
  • Minimum pass mark: 50% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
  • Distinction: 80% (aggregate of all 3 sections)

Sections 2 & 3 will only be assessed if you pass Section 1

This unit is a 3-hour written exam with 3 sections:

  • Section 1 (Language): This section comprises 5 short questions to test a participant’s language awareness, of which 4 questions are compulsory.
  • Section 2 (Learning and Teaching): This requires participants to write one essay based on teaching methodology.
  • Section 3 (Professional Development): This requires participants to write one essay based on professional development.
Unit 2 – The Teacher as a Developmental Reflective Practitioner

Internally Assessed and Externally Moderated –

  • Each section is scored out of 100
  • Maximum Raw Score = 300
  • Reduced to a final score out of 100
  • Minimum pass mark: 50% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
  • Distinction: 80% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
 The coursework portfolio for this unit must comprise 3 projects. Each of these submissions must be between 27,000 and 33,0000 words in length, excluding the contents page, bibliography and appendices. This word limit can be stretched to 35,000 words, but with a deduction of marks. The 3 projects in this unit are as follows:
  • Observation Instrument
  • Developmental Record
  • Independent Research Project
Unit 3 – Phonological Theory in Classroom Practice

Externally Assessed –

  • Marked out of 100
  • Minimum pass mark: 50% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
  • Distinction: 80% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
 This unit entails a 30-minute interview with a Trinity examiner that has 3 sections
  • Discussion about a piece of classroom material prepared with a phonological focus
  • Phonemic transcription
  • Discussion on application of phonological theory to classroom practice
Unit 4 – Learner Analysis, Preparation, Delivery and Self-Evaluation in Teaching

Internally and Externally Assessed

  • Each lesson is marked out of 40
  • Final mark = Average score of 5 lessons
  • Minimum pass mark: 50% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
  • Distinction: 80% (aggregate of all 3 sections)
 This unit requires participants to plan, deliver and reflect upon a minimum of 5 observed 60-minute lessons. Of these, at least 1 will be externally assessed, while the rest will be internally assessed. Participants will also be expected to submit an internally assessed and externally moderated teaching journal based on internally assessed lessons.

How is the course structured?

The input sessions of the DipTESOL will take 3 months, during which participants will be exposed to the knowledge and skills they will need to attempt the assessments in each of the units.

Following this, they must attempt any one of Units 1,3 or 4 within a year. This can be done in no particular order, in accordance to the participant’s convenience and availability of test dates. After the participant has completed any one of these units, they will have 3 years to complete Unit 2, although at CILA we strive to ensure that the candidate completes the entire course in a much shorter timeframe than this.

How much would I have to pay?

If you wish to take up the DipTESOL at CILA, here are the expenses you will have to take into account:

Individual Expense Description Fee
Training Fee This fee covers the complete 3-month course. It also includes all facilities, materials and resources provided such as reference books needed for the course, library access, access to computers with a Wi-Fi connection, printer access with a provision to print the first 500 sheets for free, tea and coffee whenever you need a bus service to and from the main gate to the institute on working days and an airport or railway station pick-up at any time of the day on arrival. Approximately € 2,518.5
(₹ 2,10,000/-)
Exam Fee The examination fee is to be paid separately and is NOT included in the training fee. It must be paid 2 months before your first submission, so you can take up to 1 month after joining our institute to pay this. € 494
(Approximately ₹ 45,000/-)
Total = 2,55,500/-

Information for International students

If you are accepted on a Trinity College London’s CertTESOL course (OFQUAL LEVEL 5) or the DipTESOL course (OFQUAL LEVEL 7) at Cochin International Language Academy – CILA, India, Kerla, we will provide you with all the documents you need for applying for a student visa. Usually, the visa is granted and you will be given a visa that is longer than the course. After completing the course, you are allowed to travel around India with a student visa. We shall assist you in finding a suitable accommodation for your stay. There are various accommodation options available near to CILA. Please feel free to ask all your questions during the interview. The fee for Trinity DIPTESOL course for the year 2023 will be INR 210000/- (USD 2550, GBP 2100) along with the Triniy Examination fee of Rs.45000/- (USD 550, GBP 450).

Kerala is a sub-tropical paradise and sunshine is guaranteed for most of the year. We are located near Cochin International Airport (COK) so it is easy and convenient to come to Kerala as there are flights from most countries via the Middle East. There are abundant opportunities to explore the beautiful and sunny beaches, waterfalls and you can cool off in the hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad.

CILA is a well-equipped and modern institution so you can use the up-to-date technology and be ready for traditional classrooms as well as digital ones. The students are a joy to teach as they are very motivated and open to learning. Most of them are young adults who are taking international English tests as they want to better themselves, looking for jobs overseas and in India where they are required to use high level English.

People in Kerala are known for their hospitable and kindly approach to people from other countries. Added to that, there is abundant food grown in Kerala as a result of the Monsoon climate and there are three harvests a year. As a result, it is possible to buy delicious fresh produce cheaply. There are also very modern shopping malls, offering both local and international products so a huge range of goods is available.

The staff members at CILA are highly qualified and the Cert and Dip are taught by a mixture of British and Indian staff.

Trinity College London Diploma in TESOL course dates.

Although, it’s ideal to complete both Part 1 and Part 2 together within 3 months, we have divided the full diploma course into 2 parts for candidates who can’t devote 3 months (12 weeks) together for doing this course. Candidates who choose to do the course in two parts should start with Part 1 of the course since it covers tutorials for Unit 2 (There are 3 projects in Unit 2) which usually take a longer time than expected to complete. Candidates who have completed Part 1 can choose Part 2 from any future course within 18 months from the Part 1. It’s mandatory to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 classes before appearing for any external examinations.

Part 1

Start Date

15

May 2023

End Date

23

Jul 2023
Part 2

Start Date

26

Jul 2023

End Date

04

Aug 2023
Part 1

Start Date

14

Aug 2023

End Date

29

Sep 2023
Part 2

Start Date

02

Oct 2023

End Date

10

Nov 2023
Part 1

Start Date

13

Nov 2023

End Date

22

Dec 2023
Part 2

Start Date

02

Jan 2024

End Date

09

Feb 2024
I would like to apply… where do I turn in my application? – Right here!

If you’d like to turn in your application physically you can visit us

INKEL Tower 1, Near TELK, Angamaly South, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India, 683573

Apply for the DipTESOL here

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Do you have any further questions? Here are some FAQs!

About the DipTESOL

If you had to google this question, you’d perhaps get multiple sources stating that, just like the CertTESOL and the CELTA, the key difference between these courses is the awarding body – the DipTESOL is awarded by Trinity College London while the DELTA is awarded by the University of Cambridge – and all other differences are minor, leading participants of both courses to similar outcomes.

Now, this is certainly true for the Level 5 qualifications, but it’s a bit more complicated for the Level 7 qualifications. While the Trinity College London DipTESOL and the Cambridge DELTA both have an equal standing in the world of EFL teaching, the differences in the individual modules should be considered before making a decision.

The DipTESOL has 4 units – an extra unit focused mainly on integrating phonology into teaching. The research element of the DipTESOL, as well as the teaching practice sessions allow course participants more flexibility and autonomy. The DipTESOL has 3 types of research projects – allowing participants complete freedom of choice within the purview of each specific type. Teaching practice sessions in the DipTESOL include constant guidance and feedback from tutors through pre- and post- lesson discussions with facilitators.

On the other hand, with 3 modules, the DELTA does not have a phonology-focused module, and requires only a post-lesson written reflection after every teaching practice lesson, with no pre- or post- lesson discussions. The research element of the DELTA allows for only 1 of 2 types of projects – focused on either course design or teaching management.

While professionally the DipTESOL and the DELTA open similar doors, a participant’s choice should be made based on what they wish to gain from the course – what skills they want to develop and what they feel would benefit them more in the future.

You can read more in detail about the differences between the DipTESOL and the DELTA on our blog here.

You can also look at the articles on the topic by Dublin TEFL here and here, which we believe to be quite insightful.

The DipTESOL opens up positions in management, teacher education and examining – holders are eligible to apply to positions for senior teachers, academic managers, course directors, CertTESOL tutors, etc.

For native speakers of English, the possibilities are endless; the opportunities for non-native speakers are slightly more limited, as some employers prefer hiring native speakers in such roles; however, countries in Asia and South America like Japan, the UAE, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Columbia, Nepal and Ecuador are very welcoming to non-native speaking Trinity College London DipTESOL holders.

It is important to be realistic about the fact that the passport you hold may open or close certain doors for you; however, if you’re open to adventures and taking chances, there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for you, both online and offline.

You are required to hold a degree or equivalent qualification, an initial teaching qualification and have a minimum English language proficiency of CEFR level C1 or above to take the course. However, you may be considered eligible if you have enough professional experience to stand in for the lack of a degree.

An initial TEFL qualification such as the Trinity College London CertTESOL or the Cambridge CELTA is highly desirable but not essential.

The total minimum amount of ESOL teaching experience required is 960 hours (this amounts to approximately 2 years of full-time teaching experience), whether this has been completed full-time or part-time. A minimum of 75% of claimed teaching experience must be with classes while 25% may have been with one-to-one learners. All claimed ESOL teaching experience must have occurred within the five years prior to the interview for the course and the candidate must have had no more than one year’s break from ESOL teaching immediately prior to the start of the course. The teaching of all subjects other than ESOL is normally excluded from claimable teaching experience.

Right here on the official Trinity College London website!

We advise our participants to completely commit themselves to the journey – it is an intensive course and needs your 100%. We recommend that you have no other academic or professional commitments during the time that you choose to take up the course so that you can get the most out of the experience. It is an enriching learning experience and you can have a lot of fun on the way, but you also have to be prepared for the longest roller coaster of your life! Don’t worry though, we have very supportive tutors who will guide you every step of the way. As long as you come with an open mind and no other distractions, you’ll be good to go.

About the DipTESOL at CILA

There are a number of hostels, hotels, service apartments and homestays in the vicinity. You can find out more about these here.

We will provide an airport or railway station pickup for outstation participants on arrival and we have a bus service for all our students to and from the main gate to the institute every working day.

We will not be responsible for your travel beyond this; however, any assistance you may need with renting vehicles, booking a cab, etc. we will be more than happy to provide! All you have to do is ask.

Yes, we strongly recommend that you bring your own laptop for the course as all assignments need to be typed and submitted in print – no handwritten documents will be accepted.

CILA has multiple desktop computers with active internet connections that can be used to complete your assignments, should you need to; however, these will only be available from 9 am to 5 pm and are for the perusal of the staff and students alike – as such, we cannot promise that these will always be available to participants for use as per their convenience.

Right at CILA! You can print up to 500 sheets for free. However, there are several print shops at a stone’s throw from the main gate of INKEL Business Park that are open from Monday to Saturday – you can also visit these if you need anything printed after working hours.

CILA does not provide course participants placements, but we are more than willing to provide participants all the assistance and guidance we can with understanding how to navigate the job market.

If you are interested in working with us after your DipTESOL, we may certainly be able to provide you with a placement at CILA! You can learn more about the current openings at CILA here.
Do you have something else you’d like to know? Leave us a message and we’ll get right back to you!

Course Dates

Initially, I was sceptical about opting the course in CILA but I must confess being a learner there is one of the best decisions of my professional life. Starting from tutors to management to services to infrastructure everything was at par my expectations. I have experienced a noticeable difference in my performance and I highly recommend CILA to everyone who wishes to perform well in his career or in various examinations related to English language.

Poorva Kumra

I truly had a fabulous experience at this course! The entire course is brilliantly designed. The faculty John Duthie and Mayank are amazing and we have indeed learnt a lot from them. They have not left any stone unturned in providing us the best of everything. Sufficient material, practical application made this entire journey a value add! A must for all the English teachers who want to deliver their best!

Dipti Kenia

CILA is one of the best language institutes that I have come across in Kerala. They have partnership with Trinity College London and they do a wonderful job with CertTESOL and Diploma in TESOL. All the teachers are well experienced. I am happy to do my CertTESOL from CILA and it was an incredible journey from the beginning to the end. I would recommend any who are interested in joining their team as a trainer or join the TESOL programs

Carl P. Francis

If you are looking for a certified TESOL course Cochin International Language Academy (CILA) is the place for you. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. The staff at CILA are kind, caring and professional. Wonderful resources too! The course is run professionally and is consistently monitored by Trinity College London. The tutors John Duthie and Mayank Kaushik are awesome. They make the course!

Leena Robert

It was an insightful journey at CILA, completing TESOL certification, the only authentic TESOL certification course in India. Kudos to the team that brought the best in me.

Sowmya Varadharajan

Nice atmosphere. Efficient Management. I did my TESOL here at CILA and had fun the entire time I spent here. You might want to come here and be part of a worthwhile experience with the tutors and students!

Jerome Vadackel

I swear by CILA for the Trinity Tesol course. It was a transformational experience for me. My peers in my batch and I learnt and practised many new teaching-learning strategies during the course. A combination of acquisition of new skills and unlearning outdated practices happened at every stage of the course. My tutors, Mr. John Duthie, Mr. Mayank and Mr. Jaimon were quite warm and extremely supportive throughout the course. Their mentoring was highly effective. If you want to become a learner-centric English teacher who is ready to work hard, get updated and is open to critical feedback, then TESOL at CILA is the right choice.

Meenakshi Muthukrishnan

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