DELTA

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Cambridge DELTA: take your English language teaching career to the next level

Cambridge DELTA is the highest-level practical teaching qualification for English language teachers. It is accredited at RQF Level 7 (Ofqual, UK), recognised at the same level as a Master’s degree.

DELTA is designed for in-service teachers working in a wide range of ELT contexts. It is a modular qualification made up of three modules, which can be taken in any order. You receive a certificate for each module you pass; once you have completed all three successfully, you are awarded the full Cambridge DELTA Diploma.

DELTA at a glance

  • Qualification: Cambridge DELTA (RQF Level 7, Ofqual)
  • Structure: 3 modules, flexible order, separate certification per module
  • Delivery: live online courses for Modules 1 and 2 (see dates below)
  • Assessment: Module 1 exam; Module 2 portfolio + observed practice; Module 3 extended assignment (externally assessed)
  • Contact: teachertraining@ihmilano.it
DELTA

Why train with IH Milan | San Donato

Our DELTA Modules 1 and 2 are delivered in a fully synchronous live online format: real-time tutor-led input, guided practice and continuous support throughout the course — ideal if you want structure, accountability and clear exam/assessment focus.

Read more: Exceptional DELTA results.

Who is it for?

DELTA is ideal if you want to deepen your knowledge of ELT methodology, strengthen your classroom practice, and move towards more senior roles (e.g. senior teacher, teacher trainer, academic management).

Modules and dates

You can take each module independently (in any order) or combine modules over time. There is no time limit for completing all three modules.

DELTA Module 1 – Understanding language, methodology and resources

Focus: develop your understanding of ELT across contexts by connecting theory, applied linguistics and classroom practice.

You will work on:

  • teaching approaches and methodology
  • language systems and typical learner problems
  • resources, materials and reference sources for ELT

Exam practice & feedback: You will also complete timed practice using Cambridge-style papers and receive tutor feedback to refine your exam performance. See our results.

Fully synchronous support for a high-stakes exam
Module 1 is assessed by a written exam (two 90-minute papers). Our live online format keeps you on track with tutor-led input, guided exam-task practice and feedback, so you build both knowledge and exam technique over time.

Next live online course: 6/11/2026 – 14/05/2027
Schedule: Fridays, 9:00–13:00 (lessons suspended where relevant for Christmas and Easter holiday periods)

Assessment: written examination (two papers, 90 minutes each).

Next exams (also open to external candidates):

  • 03/06/26 — registration deadline:  22/04/26
  • 02/12/26 — registration deadline: 23/10/26
    Venue: IH San Donato, Via Alfonsine 40, San Donato Milanese (MI)

Fees: €1,065 course | €260 exam | €120/hour consultation booked separately (by arrangement)
Early bird: first 3 places at the 2025 course fee (€1,050). After that, the 2026 course fee (€1,065) applies.

Online payment (Module 1 exam entry)
You can pay the DELTA Module 1 exam entry fee online via our shop (available during the official registration window).
→ Book: DELTA Module 1 Exam Entry (IH San Donato)

Request information / book an interview: teachertraining@ihmilano.it

More about Module 1

Applying for the course? Use the form below. For exam-only entry, book and pay via our shop above.

APPLY FOR THE MODULE 1 COURSE

DELTA Module 2 – Developing professional practice

Focus: the most practice-led module: you develop professional expertise through research, lesson planning, observed teaching and critical reflection, building a portfolio of work.

A course-led pathway with guided planning and developmental feedback
Module 2 is the most practice-led part of DELTA: you develop professional expertise through research, lesson planning, observed teaching and developmental feedback, building a portfolio of work with structured tutor support.

What you will do:

  • research and write assignments on language systems and skills development
  • plan and teach lessons informed by your research
  • receive observations and developmental feedback
  • observe other teachers (minimum 10 hours)

Recommended background: graduate level or an initial teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA) plus at least two years’ recent full-time teaching experience (ideally across levels and contexts). Module 1 is recommended but not compulsory; final decisions are at the centre’s discretion.

Next live online course: 29/10/2026 – 20/05/2027
Schedule: Thursdays, 9:00–13:30 (lessons suspended where relevant for Christmas and Easter holiday periods)

Assessment: portfolio of coursework, including lesson observations (requires attendance on a course run by an approved DELTA centre).

Fees: €2,200 course | €120/hour consultation booked separately (by arrangement)
Included in the course fee: Guided Planning sessions (GPs) and Cambridge fee/entry for Module 2.

Request information / book an interview: teachertraining@ihmilano.it

More about Module 2

APPLY FOR THE MODULE 2 COURSE

DELTA Module 3 – Extending Practice / ELT Management

Focus: specialise through an independent investigation and extended written assignment.

Option 1 – Extending Practice and ELT Specialism
Independent investigation leading to a course programme design. Possible areas include exam classes, Business English, Young Learners, ESP, and teaching learners with special requirements.

Option 2 – English Language Teaching Management
Independent situation analysis leading to a change proposal (e.g. academic management, HR, customer service, marketing). You need access to management data from a relevant language teaching context.

Assessment: extended written assignment (4,000–4,500 words), externally assessed.

Submission date (open to external candidates): 3 June 2026 (deadline 29/04/26)

Fees: €180 submission | €120/hour consultation booked separately (by arrangement)

Online payment (Module 3 submission fee)
You can pay the DELTA Module 3 submission fee online via our shop (available during the official entry window).
If no submission sessions are currently selectable, entries are closed and we will update this page as soon as new options are available.

For Module 3 support and external candidate enquiries, contact teachertraining@ihmilano.it.

More about Module 3

PAY ONLINE: DELTA Module 3 Submission Fee

Module deep dives

Expand the sections below for a more detailed description of each module and the full entry requirements for Module 2.

Module 1 – In-depth overview

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 references for language learning.

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.

Module 2 – In-depth overview

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). Topics 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; observing and evaluating other teachers’ lessons.

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.

Module 2 – Full entry requirements

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.

Module 3 – In-depth overview

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.

 

 

Entry requirements and selection

To join DELTA you should have:

  • English: high C1 (C1+) minimum, ideally C2
  • Experience: at least one year of ELT experience (the more experience you have, the better), ideally full-time and in varied contexts
  • Initial qualification: a recognised initial English language teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA or equivalent)

Admission on evaluation: in some cases, candidates without an initial teaching qualification may still be accepted if they can demonstrate they are likely to complete the course successfully. If you wish to apply for Module 2 without an existing teaching qualification, you will need to be observed by a qualified tutor before you can be accepted.

How to apply

  1. Check you meet the requirements (English level, teaching experience and initial qualification).

  2. Complete the application form and submit it to our Teacher Training Team (DELTA application form PDF).

  3. If your application is successful, you will have a Zoom interview with a tutor.

  4. If the interview is successful, you will receive an acceptance letter with payment terms and conditions. After acceptance, you can also pay online (PayPal, Pay in 3). Payment link (accepted candidates only).

  5. Once the required non-refundable deposit has been paid to confirm your place, we will send you pre-course preparation materials.

Fees and payment options

Fees are listed in each module section above. If you prefer to pay online rather than by bank transfer, we can provide an online payment option after you have been accepted.

  • Pay in instalments: you may be able to pay in three instalments at no extra cost via PayPal (subject to PayPal eligibility).
  • Accepted candidates only: online payments are reserved for candidates who have completed the selection process and received an acceptance letter.

Online payment (accepted candidates only): https://ihmilano.com/product/delta/

Pay exam/submission fees online
Module 1 exam entry and Module 3 submission fee can be paid online via our shop (when entries are open).
Online payments for course fees remain reserved for accepted candidates, as outlined above.

FAQs

Can I take the Cambridge DELTA online?
Modules 1 and 2 are delivered as live online courses. Assessment follows Cambridge requirements: Module 1 includes a written exam; Module 2 is assessed via portfolio and observed teaching; Module 3 is an externally assessed extended assignment.

Do I have to take the modules in order?
No. You can take the three modules in any order, and there is no time limit for completing all three.

Do I get a certificate after each module?
Yes. You receive a Cambridge DELTA certificate for each module you pass. Once you pass all three, you receive the full DELTA Diploma.

How much does the DELTA course cost?
Fees depend on the module. See the module sections above for current course, exam/submission fees and consultation rates.

What level is DELTA?
DELTA is accredited at RQF Level 7 (Ofqual), recognised at the same level as a Master’s degree.

What if I’m unsure whether I meet the entry requirements?
Email teachertraining@ihmilano.it and tell us about your English level, qualifications and teaching experience. We will advise you on the best next step.

Related teacher training at IH Milan

Questions? Contact teachertraining@ihmilano.it.

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