Program Overview

Introduction to the CELTA Program

The CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an introductory course for individuals with little or no teaching experience in English language teaching. The program is designed to provide candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective teachers of English as a foreign language.

Entry and Course Requirements

To be eligible for the CELTA program, candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education
• Demonstrate an awareness of language and a competence in both written and spoken English
• Have the potential to develop the necessary skills to become effective teachers
• Be computer literate

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide documentary proof of their current level of English language proficiency, typically through a certificate from an English language competency test such as Cambridge or IELTS.

Course Structure and Assessment

The CELTA course is approximately 120 hours in duration and includes:

• Methodology
• Language analysis
• Lesson planning
• Practice teaching and feedback
• Observation of experienced teachers
• Writing assignments

Assessment is continuous and includes:

• Teaching practice (6 hours)
• Written assignments (4)
• Professional development and suitability

Candidates are awarded the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) if they satisfactorily fulfill all the requirements of the course and the assessment criteria. Certificates are awarded at Pass, Pass B, and Pass A levels.

Course Fees and Payment

The CELTA course fee is 2,065. A non-refundable interview fee of 50 is payable by credit/debit card. A deposit of 500 is payable on the day of the interview, with the balance due within four weeks of being offered a place on the course.

How to Apply

To register for the CELTA program, candidates must complete the CELTA Application Form 2026 and forward copies of their qualifications. Payment of the interview fee and course fees can be made by credit/debit card.

Course Dates

The CELTA program is offered at various times throughout the year, including:

• On Campus Extensive: 10 weeks, Wednesdays and Fridays, 09:00-17:00
• On Campus Intensive: 5 weeks, Monday to Thursday, 09:00-17:00
• Online Intensive: 5 weeks, Monday to Thursday, 13:30-17:45

Please note that courses will only run if minimum numbers are met to form a class. If the course does not run, a full refund will be issued.

Language Centre Contact Information

Main Office, G36, O'Rahilly Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Phone: +353 (0) / 2641 / 2898

University College Cork

University College Cork is a registered charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority, RCN 20003479.