What is CELTA?
It gives you a qualification for entry into the field of EFL teaching to adults internationally. The acronym stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. It is validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate who set the guidelines and criteria for centres running these courses.

How long does the course take?
The course is a minimum of 120 contact hours and is full time over four weeks. You attend the school from 9 a.m. till about 5/5.30 and then spend most evenings preparing lessons for the following day. Cambridge recommends that up to 80 additional learning hours for reading, research, assignment writing and lesson preparation is required on a course. This would average out to between 10 and 15 hours a week on top of contact hours. On part time courses run over 12 weeks, the contact times are Saturday mornings from 10.00 to 13.15 and Monday and Wednesday evenings 18.00 to 21.00.

Can I enrol?
Yes, if you are at least 18 years old at the start of the course. It is generally recommended that you are aged 20 and over though. You should also have a standard of education that would allow entry to Higher Education in your country. You should have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables you to follow the course and complete the assignments set throughout the course.

Do I need to be able to speak a foreign language?
No, but it can help you if you have an awareness of another language.

Do I need to have previous teaching Experience?
No. The CELTA course is designed as a pre-service course for people with no previous teaching experience. It is also a popular course with those who have a PGCE and experience in the state sector but who are looking for a change of direction.

What are the course contents?
Input sessions are devoted to methodology, language awareness, phonology and lesson preparation. It is a Cambridge requirement that you observe 6 hours of classes with qualified teachers (3 are of live teaching and 3 can be of videos) and have a minimum of 6 hours observed teaching practice. On our courses here, teaching practice takes place in the afternoons and by the end of the course you will have taught two or three levels of classes.

Where do the teaching practice students come from?
The community. Many of them are working in Edinburgh, i.e. in bars, restaurants or are au pairs, and they pay a registration fee to attend these classes taught by you and observed by tutors.

Is there an examination at the end?
No. You are assessed on 2 components: your teaching practice and written assignments. Cambridge has a set of criteria for each component that you must meet to get the certificate. Towards the end of the course an external assessor comes in to moderate the course and to ensure that assessment is carried out consistently. You will have at least two tutorials during which you will be given an indication of your progress to date.

Is it easy to find a job?
It is more difficult to find a full-time job in Britain, except in the summer months when there are many summer schools operating in Edinburgh and the rest of Britain - particularly in the London area. We therefore recommend that you go abroad after the course. During the course information will be available to assist you in finding employment

Course dates in 2018
Full time courses:
February 26 - March 23
April 30 - May 25
May 28 - June 22
July 9 - August 3
October 8 - November 2
November 19 - December 14

Part time course:
September 15 - December 8