Key differences between Trinity DipTESOL and Cambridge DELTA

If you are an experienced teacher, you may be considering taking a more advanced qualification in ELT. For many teachers, this means considering the Trinity DipTESOL and the Cambridge DELTA.

Trinity and Cambridge-accredited courses are of equal recognition and are world-renowned as high-quality teacher training. So, having a Trinity DipTESOL or Cambridge DELTA is one of the best ways you can develop your teaching career and compete for some of the best jobs in ELT.

Both courses are suitable for teachers in any context, working with any age range – young learners, teenagers or adults. In addition to this, you also have the opportunity to focus on a specialist area of study.

A comparison

Trinity DipTESOL vs Cambridge DELTA

Trinity DipTESOL

The Trinity DipTESOL consists of four units, which you can also take together or separately, in any order, within three years. This makes it a very flexible course. You can study at your own pace, and take the practical elements online or in an approved centre.

Qualification level: 7 (60 credits). Equivalent to a Master’s degree in depth of study (not in length).

Number of modules: 4. You will need to take and pass all four units in order to gain the qualification.

Typical length: Usually one year. You will need to take and pass all units within 3 years.

Assessment:

Unit 1: Written exam (1 paper, total 3 hours, externally assessed)
Unit 2: Coursework portfolio (3 projects internally assessed and externally moderated)

Design an observation instrument
Teach and reflect on a series of lessons related to an area of developmental interest
Small scale action research or other independant research.

Unit 3: Phonology focussed interview with an examiner (30-minutes, externally assessed)
Unit 4: Five assessed lessons (5 hours, internally and externally assessed)

Exam fees: €569 (2024)

Total fee for all units: Oxford TEFL fee is €2700 + €569 exam fees

Cambridge DELTA

The Cambridge DELTA consists of three modules, which you can take together or separately, in any order and at any time. The flexibility of the course will depend greatly on the course provider and format.

Qualification level: 7 (60 credits). Equivalent to a Master’s degree in depth of study (not in length).

Number of modules: 3. You can take each one separately and gain a part of the qualification, if you wish.

Typical length: Varies as modules are usually taken separately. Module 1: 6 weeks – 6 months. Module 2: 6 weeks – 9 months. Module 3: 6 weeks – 9 months

Assessment:

Module 1: Written exam (2 papers on the same day, total 3-hours 30 minutes, externally moderated)
Module 2: Four assessed lessons with accompanying background essays. One professional development assignment:

Reflect and action plan at four distinct stages of the course.
Research, teach and reflect on a single lesson in something which is experimental for you as a teacher.

Module 3: Course design assignment or Education Management assignment. (externally assessed).

Exam fees: €476 (2024)

Total fee for all three modules: Varies, usually around €3400 + €476 exam fees

What makes the Trinity DipTESOL with Oxford TEFL stand apart from other course providers?

25 years empowering language learners and teachers

In 2023, we are proud to be celebrating 25 years as a leader in TEFL teacher training worldwide with over 5000 graduates.

Video Observations

We are proud to be one of the only courses with the option to submit video observations remotely from your own workplace. This adds more flexibility and convenience.

Blended or Online

Study part-time online for 6 months (about 10-15 hours per week) followed by 4 weeks face to face (in Barcelona, Cádiz or Hong) Kong) or 4 weeks online. Wherever you are in the world, you can take this course.

Professional

Learn from world-class tutors, including Lindsay Clandfield, Scott Thornbury, Andreia Zakime and Adrian Underhill, who will pass on to you their vast amounts of knowledge accumulated over the years

Practical

Emphasis throughout the course on developing teaching skills and applying insights to your classroom. We make sure that what you are learning is relevent to your teaching contexts.

Phonology

Emphasis on teaching pronunciation is unique to the Trinity DipTESOL course and highly valued by our graduates. Become an expert in phonology by the end of the course.

Flexible

Study at times to suit your weekly schedule and attend live sessions convenient for your time zone. Choose from 3 dates for the unit 1 written exam and submit your unit 2 portfolio when you are ready.

Supportive

Receive unlimited support via email and Zoom from our Course Director. We will help you overcome any challenge. Our level of support is unique to our course.

Transformational

Develop your teaching skills and improve your chances of finding some of the best positions in ELT via our careers service. Our graduates are making waves in ELT.

Recognised

Impress emplyers by gaining a Trinity-accredited, prestigious and internationally-recognized qualification in ELT. Stand out from the crowd with this qualification.

What do graduates say?

"The Trinity DipTESOL led directly to a position as a teacher trainer and ultimately to teaching jobs in two prestigious universities"

"I was particularly impressed by the fact that I got to learn from some of the most eminent professionals in ELT today."

"The online Trinity Diploma gave me the flexibility I needed to work and study.”

"While doing the course I felt I was under a deep process of deconstruction as a professional."

"The course has been extremely helpful in developing my teaching skills and getting into teacher training."

"The video observations were really useful because I could record one of my regular lessons, so it didn't take extra time."

"Completing the Diploma has been one of the best decisions I have made in terms of professional growth."

"Increased confidence, job prospects and industry respect…..it was worth every penny and every minute."

UPGRADE YOUR SKILLS

Fully online Trinity DipTESOL

Wherever you are in the world, you can gain a Trinity DipTESOL (Delta equivalent) qualification with us. We offer flexible, highly supportive online courses for any time zone from the comfort of your home.