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University of Otago

Dunedin , South Island ,New Zealand

Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching (GDipSLT)

The Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching (GDipSLT) grounds second language teachers in the knowledge and theories of Linguistics. It can be completed in two semesters of full-time, or its equivalent in part-time, study. Although not a formal teaching qualification, it is nationally and internationally recognised as a complementary professional programme of study. It is designed for four groups of students: language teachers in schools and colleges; registered teachers who plan to work overseas; international teachers of English as a second language; and tertiary education staff who teach a foreign language.

Applicants must hold a degree or teaching qualification, or have appropriate teaching experience. They will be enrolled in individually tailored programmes of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework in Education and Linguistics. One of the required papers develops teaching skills through presentations to class members.

Graduates may find employment in New Zealand and abroad as language tutors, or in schools, colleges, private institutions and universities.

Campus Information

Dunedin

The University of Otago main campus is located in Dunedin. The Dunedin campus includes: Central administration Four academic divisions: Business, Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

We encourage all students – including International students – to make use of the career resources available on our website. From exploring your career options to specific job search strategies, you’ll find the information you need to establish your future career. You’ll also find information on this page specifically targeted at International students.

Get help with:

Career planning: Explore your career and study options
Job Applications: CV and cover letters, interview skills and applying for work
Gaining Experience: Get the ‘right’ skills, enhance your Otago experience… and volunteer.
Finding Employment: Job search strategies, career events and looking for work
Speak to a career adviser one-on-one if you need further assistance.

Enhance your employability
The graduate job market is competitive – good grades alone may not be enough to get your ideal job. You’ll also be expected to possess excellent English language skills, and be able to demonstrate a range of work-related skills and personal qualities relevant to the job. Develop the required skills through:

Work experience – gain part-time work, voluntary work, summer placements, or internships
Extracurricular activities – get involved in activities outside your course such as student societies and sporting clubs
Academic activities – show your capabilities by, for example, leading a group project or being a student representative for your course

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

A postgraduate diploma can be taken at any time after the completion of a bachelor’s
degree. It is usually undertaken in the same area of study as the major subject pursued
for a bachelor’s degree, or in a related discipline, and requires achievement at a
satisfactory academic level.

IELTS

Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)

IELTS Indicator test

This is an online version of the regular IELTS test, made available due to COVID-19 testing centre restrictions.

Paper-based TOEFL

Score of 587 (TWE 4.5).

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition

This is an online version of the regular TOEFL iBT test, made available due to COVID-19 testing centre restrictions.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAE)

Minimum of 176 (with no individual band below 169)

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Score of 110

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57

  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
  • Duration: 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 28512 NZD
    Annual Cost of Living: 20000 NZD
    Application Fee: N/A
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