DELTA (Diploma in teaching English to speakers of other languages)
DELTA is one of the best-known and most popular advanced TEFL/TESOL qualifications in the world. It is a flexible way for experienced English language teachers to progress further in their careers.
Do you have some experience teaching, but want to feel more confident about how you teach and why you do it? Would you like to progress your career by achieving an advanced teaching qualification? Then DELTA is for you!
We offer fully online, part-time DELTA Module 1 and Module 3 preparation courses at the English Language Teaching Centre, which include:
- Forum discussions to interact with other DELTA candidates, learn about other candidates' teaching contexts and develop your understanding of the exam
- Online live sessions with practical advice about how to complete each task in the exam
- Access to past papers and examiners’ reports
- Individual tutorials to discuss your progress on the course and your performance in the mock exams set on the course
- Full University of Sheffield student status which includes access to libraries facilities, online services and student card (UCard).
The ELTC is proud to be working in partnership with NILE — one of the world’s biggest providers of training and development for English language teachers — for Module 2. NILE provides the online content and online tutor and the ELTC provides the local tutor. For further details about the course content and structure, visit the NILE website.
Who can take DELTA?
All DELTA modules are suitable for:
- English language teachers who want to progress into more senior roles (e.g. teacher training, senior teacher or ADoS).
- Experienced teachers who want to extend their expertise and reflect on their practice.
- Teachers working with different age groups, from young learners to adults, and in any context from ESOL to EAP.
In order to stand the best chance of being successful, we recommend that you have:
- at least two years of varied ELT experience.
- an excellent level of English (CEFR C1, IELTS 8.0 or above)
- good digital and academic literacies.
- an undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
- the ability to cope with a level 7 (Master's level) qualification
The course lasts for 26 weeks in total from October to May. There is a 3-week break over Christmas and a 3-week break over Easter.
Weeks 1- 20 focus on understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching and weeks 21-26 are specific exam revision.
In theory, all three modules can be taken concurrently; indeed, there are some courses which prepare candidates for all three modules at the same time. However, If you are working full-time and/or have any other commitments, we would not recommend taking more than one module at a time due to the workload.
Although the modules can be taken in any order, we would generally recommend starting with Module 1, then Module 2, and finally Module 3.
DELTA modules and course information
You can find information about each DELTA module in the drop down sections below, including how the course will be delivered, assessment and upcoming course details.
- Module 1: Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching (20 credits)
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Module 1 focuses on the background to learning and teaching English, and will develop your understanding of language, methodology and teaching resources. It is assessed via a written exam which tests candidates’ knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning English in a range of contexts. The examination focuses on both theory and practice.
There are two papers of 90 minutes each with a 30-minute break in between. Each paper is worth a total of 100 marks.
Paper 1 consists of 5 tasks and Paper 2 consists of 3 tasks. All tasks are compulsory.
There are three passing grades: Pass with Distinction (approximately 150 marks required); Pass with Merit (approximately 130 marks required); Pass (approximately 100 marks required).
According to Cambridge English Language Assessment, the aim of the module is to extend and develop awareness and understanding of:
- 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.
The units were extremely useful in getting acquainted with the nature of the exam, the format of the tasks and the topics featured in Module 1.
Former DELTA candidate
The exam can be taken at any authorised test centre around the world. If you are based in or around Sheffield, you can take the exam at the ELTC.
The exam takes place on the first Wednesday of June and the first Wednesday of December every year.
Results are released by Cambridge approximately two months after the exam date. Certificates are sent to centres one week after results release. We will let you know as soon as we receive your result and certificate.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered purely online and is made up of 20 units, which are released on a week-by-week basis throughout the period of the course with some time for revision in the final weeks.
The asynchronous content in each unit includes a variety of task-types, including self-study tasks; forum discussions; exam practice; analysis of answers; candidate-led research and quizzes.
There is also a synchronous session every two weeks (see the next question below for more information) as well as at least two one-to-one tutorials during the course.
The live session takes place every two weeks on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm UK time. These synchronous sessions are purely exam-focused and include exam tips, strategies and practice based on the content of the previous week’s self-study tasks. Attendance at these sessions is expected, so please let us know if you are unable to attend.
We will also provide you with an online meeting space in case you want to meet with other course participants to discuss your understanding of the units and your teaching practice. This space will be for you to use if you wish and will not be supervised by tutors.
How many hours a week will I need to study?
The course units have been designed to make up approximately 5-6 hours worth of work, including working through the online content, completing the interactive tasks and contributing to the discussion forums.
It is recommended that you also allocate the same number of hours again to self-study, including background reading and research. Every other week, you will also need to attend the live class that can last up to 2 hours depending on the session.
Upcoming course details
Our next fully online DELTA Module 1 course will run from Monday 19 October 2026 to Friday 28 May 2027. If you are interested in applying, please complete the Application Form below.
Applications open on Monday 2 February 2026 and shut one week before the start date and late applications cannot be considered.
On average, you will need to spend 10-12 hours a week engaging with the course materials and your fellow participants to get the most out of the course.
Two hour live teaching sessions will take every two weeks on Tuesday, from 4pm to 6pm.
The exam will take place on the first Wednesday in June 2027.
Tuition fees
The course fee for the October 2026 course is £975.
The course fee does not include the Cambridge examination fee for DELTA Module 1 (currently £150) which candidates will need to pay separately.
The fee includes all synchronous and asynchronous learning materials, tutor support, mock exams and exam preparation.
Enrolling on this course will additionally provide you with full University of Sheffield student status which includes access to libraries facilities, online services and a student card (UCard).
- Module 2: Developing Professional Practice (20 credits)
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Module 2 focuses on planning, delivering and evaluating lessons in relation to learner needs and the learning context. It is assessed via a portfolio of coursework, including internally assessed observed lessons, background written essays and an externally assessed lesson observation.
You will use your current teaching context for the completion of the portfolio and the observations will be spread out over the course. A significant amount of scheduled, time-sensitive, independent work will be needed to complete the portfolio.
According to Cambridge Assessment English, this Module aims to develop your ability in the following areas:
- Working with language learners in a variety of learning contexts
- Preparation for teaching learners of English
- Evaluation, selection and use of resources and materials for teaching purposes
- Managing and supporting learning
- Evaluation of lesson preparation and teaching
- Observation and evaluation of other teachers’ lessons
- Professionalism and professional development
You must have access to real learners for your teaching practice within 50 miles of Sheffield.
Upcoming Course Details
To view details of upcoming DELTA Module 2 courses, tuition fees and application information please visit the NILE website:
- Module 3: Extending Practice and English Language Teaching Specialism (20 credits)
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DELTA Module 3 focuses on needs analysis, syllabus design, course planning and assessment within the context of a chosen specialism.
It is assessed via a 4,500-word extended assignment in which candidates carry out an independent investigation leading to the design of a course programme related to their chosen specialist area.
According to Cambridge English Language Assessment, the aim of the Module is to extend and develop awareness and understanding of:
- A chosen specialism
- Approaches to needs analysis
- Curriculum and syllabus design principles
- Different types of syllabus
- Course design and evaluation
- Assessment of learners.
The assignment can be submitted via any authorised test centre around the world, of which the ELTC is one.
DELTA Module 3 assignments can be submitted to Cambridge at the beginning of June and the beginning of December every year.
More information about the module and the specialisms offered at the ELTC can be found in this sample from our course:
Results are released by Cambridge approximately two months after the submission date. Certificates are sent to centres one week after results are released. We will let you know as soon as we receive your result and certificate.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered purely online and is made up of 10 units, with each unit timetabled to be completed every two weeks.
The asynchronous content in each unit includes a variety of activity types, including interactive tasks, forum discussions, active reading, research and reflection.
You will also receive five one-to-one tutorials with your personal tutor during the course.
We usually hold one live session in the first week of the course to give you the opportunity to get to know each other, the course tutors and the course a little better and to give you a chance to ask any questions you may have (time and day to be confirmed). Other than that, there is no requirement to be online at a specific time and it is up to you to manage your time in a way that works for you.
How many hours a week will I study?
The course units have been designed to make up approximately 3 hours worth of work per week, including working through the online content, completing the interactive tasks, keeping your personal course workbook up-to-date and contributing to the discussion forums.
It is recommended that you also allocate the same number of hours again to self-study, including background reading and research and, of course, completing drafts of your Extended Assignment.
Therefore, you should be prepared to dedicate approximately 6 hours per week to your studies.
Upcoming course details
Our next DELTA Module 3 course will run from 16 November 2026 to 21 May 2027.
Applications open on Monday 2 February 2026 and shut one week before the start date and late applications cannot be considered.
On average, you will need to spend approximately 6 hours a week engaging with the course materials and your fellow participants to get the most out of the course.
Submission to Cambridge will be at the beginning of June 2027.
Tuition fee
The course fee for the November 2026 DELTA Module 3 course is £575.
The course fee does not include the Cambridge DELTA Module 3 examination fee (currently £106) which candidates will be required to pay separately.
The course fee includes all asynchronous learning materials and a dedicated personal tutor.
Enrolling on this course will additionally provide you with full University of Sheffield student status which includes access to libraries facilities, online services and a student card (UCard).
How to apply
Applications open approximately eight months before the start date. To apply for a DELTA preparation course, complete the appropriate application form for your chosen module below:
DELTA Module 1
To apply for our next DELTA Module 1 course in October 2026, please complete the application form. Applications open on Monday 2 February 2026 and close on Monday 12 October 2026. Late applications cannot be considered.
DELTA Module 3
To apply for our DELTA Module 3 course, please complete the application form. Applications open on Monday 2 February 2026 and close on Monday 9 November 2026. Late applications cannot be considered.
Further information
For more information about the Delta Modules, visit the Cambridge Assessment English website.
The full syllabus can be downloaded below.
DELTA Qualification Syllabus (PDF, 234kb)
Any inquiries can be sent to the TEFL Admin Team at tefl@sheffield.ac.uk
Frequently asked questions
- Will I need to work collaboratively with my peers?
Although the tasks and forum contributions do not require group or pair work as such, you should always make sure you read and comment on your peers' posts. You will also have the opportunity to discuss with your peers in live sessions. We hope this interaction will give you a good opportunity to share best practice and learn from each other.
- Do I have to complete the units and forum tasks every week?
It is strongly recommended that you complete the units on a week-by-week basis as they are released. Although the beauty of an online course is that you can manage your own time, we have found that candidates who fall behind with the online units find it difficult to catch up later.
The forum tasks are an important part of the course and have been designed to help you to consolidate your learning, reflect on your practice and learn from your peers and tutors. There is one compulsory forum task every week which must be completed by the set deadline.
- Are the tasks I complete in the online units recorded or checked?
Unfortunately, when you complete tasks via the online asynchronous content, your answers are not recorded or stored. Therefore, as you work through the tasks, we strongly recommend that you make notes on a word document or equivalent on your computer. You may decide to handwrite notes if this works for you!
As the course is not assessed as such, we will not be checking your answers to any of the self-study tasks you complete. Taking self-study notes of key terms, ideas and theories is expected in any Level 7 qualification. We will, of course, comment on your forum tasks.
We will also be offering support and advice on the mock exam tasks and papers you complete including offering your three tutorials during the course.
- Will I be able to access the course once it has finished?
The course will be available for 3-4 weeks after the end of the course. This will enable you to use the content to revise in the week before the exam and also to save anything that will be useful for your future teaching.
- What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?
We will provide you with access to a dedicated help desk which you will need to contact and explain the problem. They will try to help you resolve the problem as soon as possible.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
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