About the Delta Modules qualification

• What is it and who is it for?
• What are the modules?
• What order should I do the Modules in?
• What’s the difference between Delta Modules and an MA in Applied Linguistics?

What is it and who is it for?

This is a further qualification in practical teaching and methodology for teachers already have an initial teaching qualification and some years of experience (we recommend 2+ years’ full-time experience).

Teachers who take the Delta are typically people who have decided that English language teaching is a long-term career for them, who feel in need of further development of their teaching skills, who are interested in promotion within academic management or who are interested in becoming a teacher trainer.

What are the modules?

The qualification is made up of 3 modules which can been taken separately, over a short or long time and each has a separate certificate. When you have completed all three module, you can apply for an overall Delta certificate.

Module 1 consists of an exam testing candidates’ knowledge of methodology, language, discourse and teaching issues. The exam is made up of two 90-minute papers and can be taken at any Cambridge English exam centre in June or December each year (always the first Wednesday). Candidates do not have to take a preparation course but it is wise to do so in order to familiarise yourself with the format and requirements and the input sessions for both Modules 1 and 2 review the terminology and concepts.

Module 2 is course-based and requires attendance of a course with at least 65 hours of input and an estimated 200 study hours (this could be quite a conservative estimate). Candidates are assessed based on a portfolio of assignments which includes at least 5 observed lessons and 6 substantial pieces of written work.

The course covers areas such as lesson planning, materials analysis, presenting and practising grammar, lexis and functions, developing the four language skills, methods and approaches, pronunciation and language awareness.

Module 3 consists of an extended written assignment (4500 words plus appendices). This focuses on a researching a specialism within ELT and, with a specific relevant group of learners, carrying out a needs analysis, designing a course and designing methods of assessing the outcomes of the course. This does not require attendance of a formal course and candidates mostly work independently with a tutor supervising to provide advice and read up to 2 drafts. The assignment is submitted electronically via a Delta centre and the submission dates are in June and December each year.

What order should I do the Modules in?

You can do the Modules in any order. However, we recommend taking Module 2 first and combining it with Module 1. Modules 1 and 2 cover a very similar syllabus, so the input sessions for Module 2 are also relevant to the Module 1 exam and completing the assignments for Module 2 gives you knowledge and awareness that is useful for Module 1. This is why we combine Module 2 with preparation for Module 1. Module 3 tests different areas of knowledge from Module 2 but also requires the writing skills that are developed when writing the shorter written assignments for Module 2.

What’s the difference between Delta Modules and an MA in Applied Linguistics?

The UK qualifications regulation body, OFQUAL, categorises the Delta Modules as a Level 7 qualification, the same level as a Master’s degree. The Delta requires a similar ability to carry out research of the relevant literature and to use this to write academic essays making reference to the literature. Many MA ESOL/Applied Linguistics courses will give credit for the Delta, usually it is worth 60 credits, and some MA ESOL/Applied Linguistics courses include the Delta as part of the course. However, the Delta Modules is a more practical teaching qualification, particularly Module 2, while an MA is usually more theoretical and many do not include teaching at all.

For more detailed information see the Cambridge English website: here.