PGDip in English as an Additional Language at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A part-time postgraduate diploma for working education professionals supporting multilingual learners in national and international sectors, grounding them in English as an Additional Language (EAL) research evidence to inform policy and practice. It is delivered mostly online with a one-week residential in Oxford.

Department: Department of Education | Duration: 12 months part-time | Intake: 23 August 2027 | Study mode: part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A one-week residential induction in August, Module 1 (Building the foundations of research-informed practice for EAL), Module 2 (Supporting EAL learners through research informed practice) and Module 3 (an independent practice-based research project), plus an optional non-assessed research skills module. Themes cover who EAL learners are, school-level EAL policy, classroom practice and approaches to EAL research.

Career pathways

Most students are already employed and use the qualification to enhance professional practice and career development; it is an advantage in international, independent and state education sectors where EAL expertise matters.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or be predicted a first-class or strong upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, with education or languages and linguistics an advantage; this can alternatively be shown by a strong master's degree and/or substantial relevant professional experience. US degrees normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0. Applicants are expected to have some experience of working with EAL learners and access to an appropriate professional context (school, early years setting, youth group, ethnic minority achievement service). Teaching qualifications (QTS, PGCE, TEFL, CELTA, DELTA, HLTA) are not mandatory but may be considered. Publications are not required; no GRE or GMAT scores are sought. English language (standard level, if first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component; TOEFL iBT 100 with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 185 overall and 176 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 155 overall and 145 per component. Test must be taken no more than two years before the course start. Application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 7 January 2027 (12:00 UK time; needed for Oxford scholarship consideration); expected final deadline 2 March 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,835 a year (2027/28). Home fee, per year, 2027-28 Source

International applicants: GBP 11,180 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, per year, 2027-28 Source

Intake: 23 August 2027

Duration: 12 months part-time

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