It is the highest-level practical teaching qualification for English language teachers and is a widely recognised and highly regarded qualification for teaching English. It is accredited at Level 7 of the UK government’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF), by the Office of Qualification and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual – the exams regulator of the UK government). Ofqual has confirmed that Cambridge ESOL’s Delta qualification for teachers is at the same level as a Master’s degree or a professional diploma in the European Union, making it the only English language teaching diploma currently included at this level.
Having obtained the Delta, you will be able to take on more challenging roles with confidence and it is a foundation for senior teachers, teacher trainers and managers. It is in fact a requirement for senior academic management roles at certain schools.
The Delta requires you to have an advanced level of English: C1+ on the CEFR and have a minimum of 1 years’ teaching experience, though we advise having as much experience as possible before embarking on this course. Test your English level.
The Delta consists of three different modules and it is flexible: You can decide whether you would like to take each module independently at different times (and in no particular order), or simultaneously. There is no time limit in which you have to take the three modules. All the modules include a focus on theory and practice. You will receive a Cambridge Delta Certificate after successful completion of each module. You need to complete all three modules to receive your full Cambridge Delta Diploma.
International House Milan and San Donato offers you the chance to take the any/all of the modules included in the Delta course.
How to enrol: download and fill in the enrolment form; you will then be contacted for an interview with a Teacher Training Coordinator
This module focuses on extending and developing candidates’ knowledge, and understanding of teaching and learning English in a range of contexts. It focuses on the background to teaching, the theory that underpins it, practical applications and how these are informed by applied linguistics and language learning theories. Topics include, for example, different teaching approaches and methodologies, language systems and learners’ linguistic problems and knowledge of resources, materials and reference sources for language learning.
Next online course: 23/10/2025 – 7/05/2026 with attendance on Thursday from 9am to 1pm (Lessons suspended on the two weeks of Christmas holidays and the Easter holiday).
Assessment: written examination – two papers – each 90 minutes long. You can find sample tests in the Delta Handbook for tutors and candidates. These sample tests show you what a full test paper will look like and the types of questions that will appear. The examination report describes how candidates performed in these tests and offers you guidance on how to prepare for your examination. For more detail, you can download the summary of how each module is assessed.
Next exam: 4/6/25 at IH Certificazioni, Via Mecenate 90/b, Milan. The exam is also open to external candidates. Registrations must be received by 12/04/25.
Prices: €1,050 course | €260 exam | €120/hour consultations.
This module focuses on developing awareness and expertise in the principles, and professional practice of teaching English in a range of contexts. This is the largest part of your Delta and it has the greatest impact on your professional career. It is where you create a portfolio of your teaching and essays to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of English, of the learners, the materials and methodology. You will research and write essays on English language systems and skills development, and plan and teach lessons based on your research. During the course you are observed and will receive developmental feedback on your planning and teaching and you will also observe the other teachers (there is a minimum requirement of ten hours’ observation – this is incorporated in the Teaching Practice). Topic include: preparation for teaching; managing and supporting learning; lesson preparation and teaching; the language learner and the language learning context; evaluating, selecting and using resources and materials for teaching purposes; observe and evaluate other teachers’ lessons.
Requirements: It is recommended that a Delta Module 2 candidate should either be a graduate or have a previous teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA), plus at least two years’ full-time teaching experience (i.e. 1,200 hours) within the past five years. Ideally, this teaching experience should include a range of levels and contexts. It is also recommended that the candidate has successfully completed Delta Module 1. NB: Candidates may still be accepted who do not strictly meet the entry criteria but who demonstrate they would be capable of completing the course successfully. Decisions on entry are at the centre’s discretion.
Next online course: 24/10/2025 – 15/05/2026 with attendance on Friday morning from 9am to 1pm (Lessons suspended on the two weeks of Christmas holidays and the Easter holiday).
Assessment: a portfolio of coursework, including lesson observations. Module Two requires attendance on a course run by an approved DELTA centre so that your teaching can be supported and assessed. For more detail, you can download the summary of how each module is assessed.
Prices: €2,180 course | €120/hour consultations
Next submission date: 2/12/2024. Open to external candidates. Application deadline: 6/11/2024. Contact teachertraining@ihmilano.it for more information.
Option 1: Extending Practice and ELT Specialism. You will carry out an independent investigation, leading to the design of a course programme. Some of the specialisms include teaching exam classes, business English, teaching young learners, English for specific purposes, teaching English to learners with special requirements.
Option 2: English Language Teaching Management. You will carry out an independent situation analysis, leading to the design of a change proposal looking at an area of management. The change proposal would be in one of the following specialisms: academic management, human resource management, customer service, marketing. To successfully complete this module, you will need to have access to management data from a relevant language teaching context.
Assessment: extended written assignment (4000-4500 words) externally assessed. For more detail, you can download the summary of how each module is assessed.
Prices: €180 presentation | €120/hour consultations
To take the Delta course the following specific requirements are essential:
Before contacting the centre, please check you meet the following criteria:
N.B. The centre may still accept you on to the DELTA course without an initial teaching qualification if you can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete a course successfully, for example by giving evidence of previous successful study. If you are interested in applying for Module Two and you do not have an existing teaching qualification, then you would need to be observed by a qualified course tutor before being accepted onto the course.
This module focuses on extending and developing candidates’ knowledge, and understanding of teaching and learning English in a range of contexts.
It focuses on the background to teaching, the theory that underpins it, practical applications and how these are informed by applied linguistics and language learning theories. Topics include, for example:
About the next course
This module focuses on developing awareness and expertise in the principles, and professional practice of teaching English in a range of contexts.
This is the largest part of your Delta and it has the greatest impact on your professional career. It is where you create a portfolio of your teaching and essays to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of English, of the learners, the materials and methodology.
You will research and write essays on English language systems and skills development, and plan and teach lessons based on your research. During the course you are observed and will receive developmental feedback on your planning and teaching and you will also observe the other teachers (there is a minimum requirement of ten hours’ observation – this is incorporated in the Teaching Practice).
Topic include:
Further Information
NB: Candidates may still be accepted who do not strictly meet the entry criteria but who demonstrate they would be capable of completing the course successfully. Decisions on entry are at the centre’s discretion.
About the next course
To successfully complete this module, you will need to have access to management data from a relevant language teaching context.
To take the Delta course the following specific requirements are essential:
Before contacting the centre, please check you meet the following criteria:
N.B. The centre may still accept you on to the DELTA course without an initial teaching qualification if you can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete a course successfully, for example by giving evidence of previous successful study. If you are interested in applying for Module Two and you do not have an existing teaching qualification, then you would need to be observed by a qualified course tutor before being accepted onto the course.
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