Teaching English as a Second Language
Certificate (Cert)
30 credits
Note: Admissions to this program are suspended for the next academic year. No applications will be accepted.
Program overview
This 30-credit undergraduate program is offered to expert speakers of English who have a completed undergraduate degree and an interest in teaching ESL. The program does not lead to provincial certification but it provides an excellent training in TESL for those who wish to teach overseas or in private language schools.. The certificate can be completed within one academic year of full-time study, starting in the fall term.
Note: This program does not lead to a brevet d’enseignement, the credential required to teach in primary and secondary schools in Quebec.
The TESL Certificate is designed primarily for those who wish to teach overseas or in private language schools. It is also appropriate for certified teachers who would like to know more about the teaching of English as a second language and perhaps teach ESL in addition to another subject such as history or math. It consists of 10 core courses from the B.Ed program.
The program consists of 10 core courses; 2 courses in English Composition taken in the English department, TESL courses which form the core of the B.Ed. program are: TESL 231-Modern English Grammar for Teachers, TESL 331- Teaching English Grammar, TESL 221- Teaching and Learning English Pronuntiation, TESL 341- Second Language Acquisition, Adult Education courses, and TESL 326 – Introduction to ESL Pedagogy, a practicum course which is conducted with adult ESL learners.
- Apply for Admissions online. You can also submit your application by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account.
- External applicants: Fill out the Undergraduate Application online. There is a $100 fee. Then continue with the steps below.
- Internal applicants: Read and follow the instructions for a degree transfer. There is a $46 fee. Then continue with the steps below.
- Fill out the Additional Information form / Renseignements Complémentaires and upload this document online using the document type ‘Teaching English as a Second Language Application’. You can also upload your documents by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account.
- Obtain 2 referees
- Download Reference form (English) / Téléchargez formulaire de référence (Français)
- References should be one academic and one work or volunteer related
- Referees must email the forms to: application.support@concordia.ca
*Please ensure you allow sufficient time for your referees to send their letter of recommendation and reference form.
Student ID #
The Concordia Student ID is ONLY generated when an admission application is “submitted and finalized”. You will find it on the confirmation email the University sends you acknowledging your application submission.
If you haven't submitted or finalized the application, please use your application number.
We give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| Fall term deadline | |
| All applicants, including international students |
March 1 |
| Winter term deadline | |
| Canadian citizen or permanent resident | N/A |
| International students | N/A |
Learn more about the application assessment period and academic timetable.
Graduates are prepared to teach in adult settings and private institutions. They may also take on challenging positions as teachers, researchers and administrators in the public and private sector.
The program does not lead to the provincial teaching diploma (brevet) but it provides an excellent training in TESL.
The Department has several specialized facilities that support student engagement in the practical application of their studies. The TESL Resource Centre supports the development of skills required for the program in the Teaching of English as a Second Language.
Computers are integrated into all aspects of student life at the graduate and undergraduate levels and every seminar room is designed to support computer use by faculty members and students alike.
Students also benefit from the resources and support of the TESL Student Association.
Learn more about student resources & facilities.