Retraining with TEFL UK - which course is right for you?

14 June 2023 • TEFL

If you have felt the pull of a career in teaching, a qualification from TEFL UK is the fastest and least expensive way to make your dreams a reality.

50,000 TEFL UK graduates can’t be wrong.

But which course is right for you?

Read our course guide below to help you decide which TEFL UK course is the best way to begin teaching – both in the UK and across the world.

120hr Professional TEFL Course

This 120-hour, 13-module qualification utilises purely online learning, allowing you to study in your own time, from anywhere in the world.

Graduates receive an officially accredited and internationally recognised TEFL qualification, approved by the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) – giving our TEFL teachers the ability to teach anywhere in the world, including China.

Benefits of the 120-hour TEFL Course:

• No laptop? No problem – all you need is a smartphone or tablet and a secure internet connection (4G, 5G or Wi-Fi) to complete your course.
• Study while you work – not everyone can afford a gap in pay and with this course, you don’t have to.
• Accessible for first-time teachers – unlike traditional teaching qualifications, there are no minimum qualifications or experience levels to begin.
• It takes less time than you think – 120-hour courses can be completed in less than 18 full days of study (during your annual leave or over weekends) or in around 1 month if studied part-time (for around 4 hours per day).
• Qualifies you to work with learners of all ages – from the smallest of children to the oldest of adults, to help them all achieve their dreams of learning English.
• Exceptional value qualification – at only £99 (or £33 per month for 3 months with Paypal), you can completely change your life for the cost of a night on the town!

Things to consider with the 120-hour TEFL Course:

Some trainee teachers prefer courses with in-class experience to help boost their confidence – add this on with the additional 20-hour Teaching Practicum, which gives you invaluable classroom time with real ESL students.

140hr Combined TEFL Course

The 140-hour, 14-module course from TEFL UK combines 120 hours of teaching theory and 20 hours of real, in-class teaching practice!

This gives students the best of both worlds, allowing them to study for the bulk of their qualification in their own time, from wherever they choose, but also boosts confidence with the 20-hour practical element.

Graduates from the 140-hour course will receive an officially accredited and internationally recognised TEFL qualification, which is also approved by the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office). This means that our TEFL teachers have the ability to teach anywhere in the world, even in China.

Benefits of the 140-hour TEFL Course:

• TEFL employers value teaching experience – separate yourself from the pack of applying teachers with experience on your CV.
• Includes optional teaching practice with relocating Ukrainian refugees – an excellent way to stand with the victims of war and show your support.
• Gain an additional certificate – The flexible Teaching Practicum gives you an additional TEFL UK certificate to demonstrate practical experience completion.
• Flexible Practicum hours – allows you to gain experience in several ways, including classroom-based student teaching, 1:1 in-person tutoring, online tutoring, either 1:1 or with a group, and teaching observation.
• Best value package – the 140hr course will cost £199, in comparison to the 120-hour course (£99) plus the 20-hour Teaching Practicum (£149) – saving you £49!

Things to consider with the 140-hour TEFL Course:

• Although the 20-hour Teaching Practicum can be completed online, students will get a more rounded experience if they are willing to travel locally to experience a mix of classroom-based student teaching, 1:1 in-person tutoring, online tutoring, (either 1:1 or with a group) and in-class teaching observation.

220hr Specialist TEFL Course

A 220-hour, 23-module course designed to give you a comprehensive and in-depth theoretical teaching qualification, including the teaching of business English.

This extended 70-hour module is designed for English teachers interested in working in adult corporate ESL and covers planning, designing, and delivering a Business English course – both online and in person.

Upon course completion, our TEFL teacher will have the ability to teach in the UK and across the globe, thanks to our officially accredited and internationally recognised TEFL qualifications. All TEFL UK qualifications are also approved by the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) – essential for teaching abroad in countries like China.

Benefits of the 220-hour TEFL Course:

• Inclusion of Business English sets you apart from other candidates and gives an extra revenue stream.
• You can also teach English to children– giving comprehensive skill development for all age groups.
• Newbie teachers welcome – despite the depth of the course, no prior teaching experience or qualifications are necessary.
• The course can be studied around work – 220-hour courses can be completed in just over a month using full days of study (in 7-hour days during your annual leave or weekends) or under 2 months if studied part-time (for 4 hours per day).

Things to consider with the 220-hour TEFL Course:

• For students looking for practical, in-class experience to improve their confidence before they look for their first job, you can add the 20-hour Teaching Practicum, giving you invaluable experience with real ESL students.

240hr Combined TEFL Course

For the ultimate theoretical and practical teaching experience, consider the 240-hour Combined TEFL Course. Made up of 24 modules, including Business English and 20 hours of in-class Teaching Practicum, upon course completion, you will have the skills and confidence you need to teach anywhere across the globe.

Any TEFL teacher who completes this course will have the verification needed to teach anywhere, thanks to our officially accredited and internationally recognised TEFL qualifications. All TEFL UK qualifications are also approved by the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office) – essential for TEFL teaching staff who wish to work in any of the 195 countries of the world.

Benefits of the 240-hour TEFL Course:

• Exceptional value for money - the 240hr course will cost £349, in comparison to the 220-hour course (£229) plus the 20-hour Teaching Practicum (£149) – saving you nearly £30!
• Pay across 3 months using Paypal – spread the cost of retraining!
• Creates the most versatile English teachers – teach business adults and children alike.
• Increase your earning potential - the ability to teach Business or Corporate English across the world can unlock your earning potential, increasing the rates you can expect to receive.
• Classroom experience makes you more hireable – some TEFL employers are actively seeking teachers with practical experience, something you will have already without paying any more.

Things to consider with the 240-hour TEFL Course:

• This is the longest course TEFL UK offer, giving teaching staff the experience and skills they need to embrace teaching. However, it can be completed in just over a month if you dedicate yourself for 7 hours per day (during annual leave or on weekends), or in 2 months part-time.

All that’s left to do now is choose

Before investing in your future, it’s worth spending a little time considering the age of students you want to teach English to – as this will likely narrow down which courses you were choosing between.

If you have any questions or are still unsure which course is best for you, feel free to reach out to our friendly team. You can call us free from landlines and mobiles on 0800 368 9848 or send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.