The Cambridge DELTA

The Cambridge DELTA, the “benchmark qualification for British Council accreditation, vital to secure senior posts in ELT”, splits into 3 modules as from September 2008.

David Albery is a teacher and trainer with years of experience of the old style DELTA, and he has had more than a hand in the redesign of the new style modular qualification. We asked him all about it.

As someone who has been instrumental in the upcoming changes to one of EFL’s most prestigious qualifications, Cactus would like to ask you your opinion about the nature of DELTA and the changes it is about to undergo.

Some of the burning questions teachers may ask about DELTA are the following:

As an EFL teacher, do I really need a DELTA? What extra advantages will it bring me?

I think if you're looking to progress your career, perhaps take on a greater range of teaching, move into teacher training or management, Delta is a really important qualification to have. It'll teach you a lot more about the theory of language and learning and really broaden your range of approaches, methods, procedures and techniques.

Is it better to do an MA or a DELTA?? Why?

It depends on what direction you want your career to take. For some management posts and for academic posts, institutions often ask for an MA. But for teaching, training and also most language school management posts, Delta is the one to go for.

Why did they decide to change DELTA?

Because Cambridge realised the nature of ELT was changing. People wanted a more flexible qualification that really addressed their needs and their learners’ needs in specific and real teaching contexts.

What are the main differences from the candidates’ point of view?

There should be less stress during a course leading to Delta than there was before. There's a real emphasis on continuing professional development and candidates can choose a specific context or group of learners for some of their assessment (e.g. Young Learners, Business English and so on). Also, you can decide to take one module at a time, two together or all three - this is very different from the current DELTA where you have to take all three parts at once.

What are the modules?, is there one for TP (teaching practice)?

Module One: Understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching
Module Two: Developing professional practice
Module Three: Extending practice and English language teaching specialisation

Module Two has an assessed teaching component.

Is there the same amount of emphasis on teaching practice?

The focus on teaching practice remains, so this popular aspect of the current DELTA doesn't really change. Delta is known for its practical nature and this is very important in the new syllabus.

Will candidates still have to do the whole course?

For Modules One and Three, you're not required to do a course. For Module Two, you'll need to because of the assessed teaching. Many centres will probably run courses for all three modules together but there will probably also be courses in Modules One and Three if you want to follow one. This is up to individual centres, though. You can find Delta centres on the Cambridge ESOL website - Cambridge ESOL doesn't provide courses itself. For Cactus DELTA courses click here.

Is it likely to cost any more to qualify?

The cost of assessment for each module adds up to pretty much the same as the current DELTA. Individual centres decide on the price of a course and you'll need to contact them to find that information.
(Cactus charges you the same as the centre does – ed.)

Will it take any longer to qualify?

Many centres will offer all three modules together so it'll take exactly the same amount of time as it does now. It really depends on whether you choose to do only one Module at a time or all three together - and that's up to you, really. The good thing is that some people want to do Delta over a longer period and the new modular course allows you to do that.

Does the official piece of paper come at the end of the three modules, or...?

Each Module gets a separate certificate - so, if you do decide to do only one Module at a time, you'll still get the recognition when you pass.

Will it be more difficult to qualify?

No, the standards are the same as the current DELTA. All three Modules are at level 7 on the national framework.

Can I take the course online?

Yes, there's an online course available at www.thedistancedelta.com and there may be more added once the new syllabus starts in September.

Can I retake a module if I fail it? How many times?

You can take a Module as many times as you like so retaking a Module if you don’t pass it is no problem at all.

Can I take as long as I like over finishing?

Yes, Cambridge ESOL has set no time limit for completing all three modules. However, individual centres may give you a time limit to fit in with their courses.

Is there still an Exam? Is it the same?

Yes, Module One is assessed through 2 written exams of 1.5 hours. And there's a 30 minute break between the papers. Module Two is assessed through a portfolio of coursework, including observed and evaluated lessons. Module Three is assessed through an extended written assignment.

Many parts of the exam are very similar to the current DELTA but there are some really valuable additions and changes. You'll be able to see a sample paper on the Cambridge webite very soon.

Will the course be held at the same centres?

I expect so, yes. But there will probably also be new centres offering courses because it's so much more flexible now.

Will it have the same (or better) recognition? By all bodies?

New Delta is still level 7 on the UK national framework for qualifications and recognition will be exactly the same as before. But I also think that individual ELT institutions will be very happy with new Delta because now candidates can specialise in a particular area. This is really appealing to centres with Young Learners or Business English or Exam classes (or whatever type of courses they offer).

Is it credit-bearing towards other qualifications and if so which, and at which Universities?

Yes, each Module gains you 20 credits which can be used towards other qualifications such as an MA. You should be able to find information on which Universities accept these credits on the Cambridge website.

Thank you, David!