A group of smiling students in a language study class.

Accreditations

Cambridge English Qualifications CELTACambridge authorised exam centre

Course Summary

CELTA is the most internationally recognised initial teacher training qualification to start or further your English language teaching career.

Moderated and accredited by Cambridge Assessment English (UK), the University of Chester runs the CELTA course as part of our PG MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and the UG Work-Based Learning programmes, but it is also open to external applicants.

This gold standard English teaching course provides new teachers, or those wishing to further their teaching careers by gaining a formal qualification, with high quality training in TESOL. A combination of in-person and asynchronous study, teaching practice sessions giving trainees the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned, and individual tutorials ensure trainees develop the skills to become competent and confident teachers.

The CELTA introduces current methodology and techniques for teaching English to adults; will develop trainees’ awareness of and ability to analyse language; will develop trainees’ ability to develop their learners’ skills; will equip them with classroom management and planning skills; and enable them to evaluate and develop teaching materials.

An intensive 6-week course is starting the week commencing 28th April 2025. We have other courses running in 2025: a 10-week part-time course from January 27th (evenings and weekends), a 10-week part-time course in April and an intensive 6-week course will run in July.

Course Dates

  • Course 1: Monday 7th October 2024 (10 weeks).
  • Course 2: January 27th 2025 to 5th April 2025 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings 18.00-21.00 and Saturdays 10.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.00.
  • Course 3: Monday 28th April 2025 (10 weeks).
  • Course 4: July 2025 (6 weeks).

For enquiries, please get in touch with celta@chester.ac.uk.

Book your place

Who you'll Learn from

Eva Lake

Lecturer in EAP
Blank profile picture.

Martin Dobie

Senior Lecturer in English for Academic Purposes
Martin Dobie

Richard Wilson

Head of English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Richard Wilson

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

  • be at least 18 (It is generally recommended that candidates should be aged 20 or over, but candidates aged between 18 and 20 can be accepted at the centre’s discretion)
  • have an awareness of language and a competence in both written and spoken English which will enable them to undertake the course and prepare for teaching a range of levels (The recommended candidate language level is C2 or C1+ on the CEFR.)
  • have suitable computer equipment, a stable broadband connection with ample bandwidth/data allowance and a level of digital literacy which will enable them to easily understand the technical requirements of their course if it contains an online element
  • have the potential to develop the necessary skills to become effective teachers and to successfully complete the written assignments and the assessment of teaching practice.

Candidates should normally have, as a minimum entry requirement, a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education. If formal qualifications are not available, centres may, at their discretion, accept applicants who are considered to be at this level if screening indicates that they would be likely to complete the course successfully.

Your future Career

Job Prospects

CELTA is the most internationally recognised qualification to start or further your English language teaching career. The course opens doors for new teachers wanting to teach English around the world or furthers teaching careers for those without a formal qualification. Gaining a CELTA qualification gives you a significant competitive edge when applying for English language teaching roles.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

How to gethere

Exton Park is centrally located in Chester, and accessible via the M53, A483, A41, A56, and public transport from the city centre.

Find your way around Exton Park

Address

University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ

Cycling

The Greenway Gate, accessible between 7am – 9pm with your University pass, is located at the back of the overflow car park and is the nearest point of access to the Millennium Greenway cycle path that connects to routes throughout the city.

Public Transport

Bache train station is a 15-minute walk from Exton Park and Chester railway station is a 20-minute walk. Arriva 1A and Arriva 1 run frequent services that stop with a short walk to Exton Park. All three Park and Ride routes, PR1, PR2 and PR3 have connections within walking distance to Exton Park.

Parking

Parking on campus is limited, so we recommend using public transport and/or walking if possible.