Should I do an MA TESOL or Delta?

If you're looking for a qualification to take your ELT career further, you might think about an MA TESOL or the Cambridge Delta. But which one? Here are some thoughts and some useful links (below). Hope this helps :)

MA or Delta
MA vs Delta - extensive blog post from the Wayfaring Humans
Russ Mayne's experience (spoiler alert - he preferred the MA)

Or both
Interesting post by Lizzie Pinard on her experience of the MA at Leeds Beckett Uni which includes the Delta.

Info on an MA
MA information - is it worth it?
Link for the MA I worked on at Warwick University (no bias there, then!)

Info on the Delta
Tips and advice on doing the Delta from Sue Swift
Many useful blog posts from Sandy Millin on Delta
Tips for the Delta from Lizzie Pinard
Quizlet cards for Module 1 revision - free
Advice on studying for Module 1 from Sally Hirst

Taking the Delta vs taking the Trinity Diploma

[LKH]

I'm currently doing a MA in Applied Ling, I've got CELTA and a college Specialization Degree in TESOL. But I want to take the DELTA later on. Also I want to do a MBA as I mostly teach BE. Also also, at some point I have to sit the C2 exam as I'm a non-native. Besides that I've been doing a number of short-term courses on things like teaching pronunciation and course design.

I spent the last four years studying and learning non-stop. I still got 18 months till I finish the MA and I'm looking at around 5 more years of study after that. But honestly, I'm tired and I feel like I need a break from all of this studies. I want to take some time to just teach and not keep studying while I work.

[wunderseltsame]

I also have both. I did an MA TESOL after I'd been teaching for about 7 years and was teaching TESOL at the same university where I did my MA. Scholarships and fee-help meant it was also cheaper for me to do the MA at that time. It was a great experience and got me the stability of a permanent teaching position. I did the DELTA nearly a decade later, as a single parent of 2 when I'd been teaching for about 20 years. It was grueling, expecially module 2, but it was fastastic for refreshing and invigorating my teaching practice. I'm glad that it's over with ;) but I do feel I will be benefitting from the DELTA for years to come. I agree that some employers may be happy to see applicants with the DELTA, because pretty much know exactly what it means. My country's borders are pretty much closed these days due to the pandemic, which has been devastating for the TESOL industry. So I'm doing an additional qualification in Educational Design to widen my skill base in case my job is no longer secure in the future. 6 more months then it is time for a prolonged study break!!!

[huyenle-zgpt]

This is exactly what I've been askin around for months! Thanks for your kind sharing

[ahmadalghamdi]

Thank you sooo much. It is a really informative video and to the point.

[selintalay]

Thank you very much for sharing this useful tip! I have started studying MA TESOL, but I will try to take DELTA later. I did a Google research as you recommended and found beneficial information. Please keep sharing your insights with us <3

[marlaroo]

Thanks very much, indeed. This is exactly what I've been wanting to know.

[dinamarie]

Thank you so much! The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curveball in so many people's lives, myself included. I got stuck abroad for long and while there, I decided to do a TESOL certificate program. I really enjoyed the program especially the observation and practicum (I took mine in the English Language Institute of a college that ran ESL classes from beginner to advanced learners). My students were awesome and came from Afghanistan, Albania, Pakistan, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Brazil and so many other countries! The experience has been so wonderful that I am thinking of going further on and, currently, I'm deciding whether to take an MA or a DELTA. Your advice and links have been so helpful! Thanks again!

[rsenglishschool]

Thank you so much! I've been wondering which I should take. You made the points very clear and now I made a decision to take DELTA. (But I have to improve my English first. :D)

[JuanCarabajal]

Well, I took my Celta course nearly three years ago. Been teaching since then, and I really want to do the Delta. You've convinced me, Jo!

[beijingrich]

Literally just talking about this 5 minutes ago XD perfect timing on the video!

[jasmineshrub]

Thank you so much for the tip of advice. Seemingly, there are few universities in the UK which provide MA TESOL online teaching, apart from Glasgow University and another one. Therefore, I was wondering whether Warwick University offers Online MA TESOL. Many thanks once again!

[DraynorManor]

What is the difference between MSed Tesol and MA Tesol with both leading to initial certification in K-12?

[paulzagaglioni]

Thank you very much for sharing your insight. I was wondering if you had any advice on the DELTA preparation courses offered by Bell, Nile, IH, and Distance DELTA as mentioned on the Cambridge site. I'm interested in taking one but not sure which company to choose. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!

[randomuser]

One peculiar question regarding DELTA
Why are some certificates divided into 3 parts (1 per module) and other have the 3 modules in one certificate?

[English--Iraq]

How long does it take to finish ( Delta) ????

[ni]

I have done the DET and CELTA but whenver I apply for ESOL teaching they say i need more experience. How will i get experience if i dont a chance?
Any tips please

[englishteacher]

Thank you for your great video.
My B.S is agriculture. I have been teaching more than 11 years and I got my Celta. Can I study for Master degree in teaching?

[onestopacademyenglish]

can one do Ph.D. after CELTA if the person a degree in some other subject such as Biology, psychology etc

[elbouhlinouhaila]

which universities do u recommend to get a MA in Tesol pleaaase