DELTA course

Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages — the elite league for English teachers.

Earn a prestigious Cambridge English diploma and validate your expertise with a globally recognised qualification.

Why DELTA is the best investment in your career

Master's level diploma

Earn an RQF Level 7 qualification, which equates to a Master's degree in the UK and is highly valued within the international educational community.
In-depth theoretical foundation

Systematise your knowledge of linguistics and phonology to back up your classroom experience with a scholarly understanding of modern methodology.
Research-based methodology

Master contemporary ELT techniques and approaches whose effectiveness is backed by up-to-date research.
A pathway to educational management

A DELTA-certified status instantly elevates you from 'Teacher' to 'Expert'. This allows you to apply for roles such as Director of Studies, Teacher Trainer, or Curriculum Designer.

Your DELTA — your rules

DELTA consists of three modules.

You decide the pace and order of your study.

Take modules in any order — choose what is most relevant to you right now
Take breaks between modules with no time limits — your results never expire
Take all three modules at once or focus on one module at a time
Receive a separate international Cambridge certificate for each successfully completed module

Choose your course

EARLY BIRD FEE

DELTA Module One Distance Preparation Course

Enrolment in progress

Course dates: 21 February 2027 — 16 May 2027
Tutors: Chris Reese, Lidiya Simak

Course price: 550450 € Early Bird Fee until 21.01.27

DELTA Module Three Distance Preparation Course

Enrolment in progress

Tutors: Jon de Ath

Course price: 550 €

Plan your DELTA course

Leave your contact details, and we’ll get in touch once new course dates are available.

Choose your DELTA module

Module 1 Module 2 Module 3

DELTA Module 1: Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources

Exam preparation course

This course covers the theory and analysis of language systems. You will gain the essential knowledge of linguistics and methodology required to successfully pass the exam at an authorised test centre and earn your Cambridge English certificate.

The course covers the following topics:

Theoretical perspectives on language acquisition and language teaching
Different approaches and methodologies, including current developments
Language systems and learners’ linguistic problems
Language skills and learners’ problems
Knowledge of resources, materials and reference sources for language learning
Key concepts and terminology related to assessment

More about the course:

Course Delivery

Duration: 10 weeks
Format: Online, distance learning

Tutor-led training

15 hours of intensive group input sessions, along with 4 hours of tutorials with experienced DELTA tutors. We break down challenging topics, ranging from phonology to the analysis of assessment methods.

Exam format and strategies

An in-depth analysis of Paper 1 and Paper 2 structures. You will learn how to manage your time effectively and frame your answers according to Cambridge English criteria.

Practice and Mock Exam

Work through past papers and sit a mock exam, receiving detailed feedback from your tutor.

Self-study and reading

We provide a relevant reading list. Be prepared for a deep dive into theory (there is a lot of reading involved!).

Individual support

Each participant receives personalised recommendations on areas for development and feedback throughout the course.

Assessment & Certification

Written Exam

The module grade is based entirely on the results of a written examination consisting of two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), each lasting 90 minutes, with a break in between.
Exam sessions are held twice a year, in June and December.
Lifelong international certification

Upon passing, you will receive an international certificate that never expires, with one of the following grades: Pass, Pass with Merit, or Pass with Distinction.
Please note: Currently, DELTA exam sessions are temporarily unavailable in Ukraine. You can register for the exam at any authorised Cambridge English test centre abroad.

DELTA Module 2: Developing Professional Practice

Practical module

This module combines in-depth theoretical study with practical application: you will immediately implement new approaches with your students. You will learn to critically analyse your own work, integrate contemporary teaching methodologies, and professionally justify your classroom decisions.

The course covers the following topics:

The language learner and the language learning context
Preparation for teaching English to language learners
Evaluating, selecting and using resources and materials
Managing and supporting learning in the classroom
Evaluation of lesson preparation and teaching
Observation and evaluation of other teachers’ lessons
Professionalism and opportunities for professional development

More about the course:

Course delivery

Duration: 11 weeks
Format: Online
Workload: 120 contact hours + 80 self-study hours

Input sessions and theory

Theoretical and practical sessions led by international trainers, focusing on needs analysis, materials adaptation, and critical reviews of contemporary teaching methods.

Teaching practice (LSA)

You will teach 4 real lessons (45–60 minutes each). Three are assessed by your tutors, and the final one is observed by an independent external Cambridge assessor. Detailed lesson plans are required for each session.

Academic essays (Background Essays)

For each lesson, you will produce an in-depth, 2,500-word research essay, providing the theoretical foundation for your practical teaching.

Professional development (PDA)

Throughout the course, you will also complete a Professional Development Assignment, which consists of two written components:

Reflection & Action (2,000–2,500 words)
Experimental Practice (1,500–2,000 words)

Observation and analysis

In addition to teaching, you will observe your peers' lessons, developing your skills in critical analysis and professional feedback delivery.

Tutor support

Continuous feedback from trainers after each lesson and at all stages of coursework helps ensure you are fully prepared for the final external assessment.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment
Assessment for Module 2 is continuous and takes place throughout the course. Your final grade is based on your portfolio.
- Portfolio components: 4 assessed lessons with corresponding lesson plans, 4 background essays, and two parts of the Professional Development Assignment (PDA)
- External assessment: one of your lessons and its accompanying background essay will be assessed by an external Cambridge English assessor
Lifelong international certification

Successfully completing all components guarantees a Cambridge English certificate with a corresponding grade: Pass, Pass with Merit, or Pass with Distinction.

DELTA Module 3: ELT Specialism / Management

Research-based module

This module focuses on your chosen specialism. You will learn to design bespoke curricula or implement strategic changes in educational management. The outcome of this module is an extended assignment that demonstrates your expertise in a specific ELT niche. Our course will help you structure your work to meet the most rigorous Cambridge English criteria.

ELT Specialism course topics:

Research into specialist areas
Designing syllabus and teaching programmes to meet the needs of learners in the specific context of the selected specialism
Course design and development in the specific context of the selected specialism
The principles and practice of testing and assessment and their application to the candidate’s specialist area
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and quality of courses and programmes of study

ELT Management Specialism course topics:

Research into a chosen management specialism
Methods of situation analysis
Design of change proposals
Implementation of change proposals

Candidates will require access to management information within a relevant language teaching context.

Course delivery

Duration: 12 weeks
Format: Online, distance learning

Specialism selection and kickoff

We help you finalise your topic before you begin writing (includes one 30-minute Zoom consultation with a tutor and coordination via email). You can choose either the ELT Specialism pathway (course design for YL, Business English, exams, etc.) or ELT Management (academic management, marketing, HR).

Literature review and research

We provide tailored recommendations for selecting relevant sources. You will learn how to analyse the needs of students or organisations and justify your proposals based on contemporary educational theories.

Step-by-step feedback

You will receive detailed guidance and recommendations from your trainer for each section of your assignment (M3) as you write it.

Academic style and formatting

We cover academic writing requirements, correct citation formatting, bibliography, and appendices. Before submission, your trainer provides a final review of the completed assignment.

Breakdown of assessment criteria

We break down each section of the assignment according to Cambridge requirements: Grasp of topic, Needs analysis and commentary, Course proposal, Assessment, Presentation and organisation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment
Assessment for Module 3 is based entirely on a single, extensive written piece of work (Extended Assignment).
- Word count: 4,000–4,500 words (excluding appendices)
- Marking: the assignment is assessed by a panel of Cambridge English examiners in the UK. All submissions undergo rigorous plagiarism checks
- Submission: assignments are submitted via an authorised Cambridge English Qualifications centre twice a year, in June and December
Lifelong international certification

Upon a successful pass, you will receive an international certificate that never expires, with a corresponding grade: Pass, Pass with Merit, or Pass with Distinction.

Entry requirements

Age: 20+ (Module 1 — 18+ subject to a successful interview)
Education: higher education degree in Philology, Linguistics, or Pedagogy (Education)
CELTA Certificate: mandatory for Modules 2 and 3 (highly recommended for Module 1)
Experience & English Language Proficiency:
- Module 1: 1+ years of teaching experience, C1/C2 level
- Module 2: 3+ years of teaching experience, C1/C2 level
- Module 3: 3+ years of teaching experience, C2 level

How to apply

Submit your application
Complete the written Pre-Interview Task (required for Modules 1 and 2)
Attend an interview with the course trainer
Secure your spot (by paying a deposit or the full course fee)

View detailed DELTA course terms and conditions. Details

Your DELTA guide: step-by-step tips, exam format, and peer experience on our blog Read the blog

What our trainees say

Olesia Yakhymovych

Private Teacher

The DELTA Module 1 course at Grade was a true revelation for me. Despite my many years of experience, it offered plenty of food for thought and opportunities for professional growth. Beyond covering new material, the course is designed to foster pedagogical thinking, resourcefulness, and an effective, learner-centred approach. My tutor was Chris — a patient and supportive educator who was always ready to help, explain, and provide additional materials whenever requested.

Viktoriia Semikina

Founder & Director of a Language School, English Teacher

I took the DELTA Module 1 preparation course with Lidia and Chris in the spring, and I was thoroughly impressed! The course is exceptionally well-structured, making it always clear what needs to be done, what to focus on, and how to prepare for the exam overall. Chris and Lidiya were immensely supportive, always providing clear, comprehensive answers that left no unanswered questions. After my individual consultations with Lidiya (who was my tutor), I always felt inspired to keep going with my studies. I am incredibly grateful to Lidiya for that!