Frequently Asked Questions
- Diploma in ELT Management Skills

Applications are now being taken for the next starting date
for these modules, which is July 7th.
Closing date for applications is June 27th.

Who is this programme intended for?

The programme is designed for:

Those considering a move into academic management as their next step on the career ladder
Existing middle managers who wish to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to consolidate their current management practice and develop experience for future career movement
Existing middle managers who wish to acredit prior learning and knowledge of ELT management, theory and practice
Existing middle managers who wish to provide cascade training for different staff members and disseminate knowledge within their organizational context
Existing middle managers who wish to wish to equip themselves with knowledge and skills before applying for more senior positions

How much would I have to pay in fees?

The fee per module is £220.00, plus a marking fee of £50.00 per written assignment. Thus the total Diploma costs £1,350.00. You do not need to pay for the full Diploma programme in advance, providing your enrolment for each module falls within the dedicated teaching periods.

I'm worried that working on-line, I might feel a bit isolated; will I get help?

The modules are designed so that you work interactively with other course participants. Your tutor will also log on every day and is available to help and guide you through the module. You can communicate directly with your tutor through the on-line Message facility and with other course participants. If you are logged on at the same time as another course participant, you have the opportunity to chat with them. Although you are not working with fellow participants in a classroom setting, we run this module as a course with a dedicated tutor and lots of interaction and support. The participants on the modules work through the materials at the same time in a weekly format which also helps deal with any feelings of isolation you may have.

I've never done an on-line course before; will I need a lot of technical and IT know-how?

Once you�re enrolled on the programme, you will be sent full instructions about how to access the on-line modules. The week prior to the start date is for you to work through the Orientation Module which familiarizes you with Moodle, the VLE [Virtual Learning Environment] we will be using. This week also allows you to get to know your tutor and the other course participants. Previous course participants have commented that Moodle is easy and straightforward to use, once you have worked through the Orientation Module. However, your tutor is always available if you have any problems or questions.

How long does each module last?

Each module lasts for 8 weeks from the start date for that module, including the time to complete and return the assignment. The Orientation Module lasts for 1 week prior to your module start date.

How much time am I expected to spend per week on the module?

We anticipate that you will spend a minimum of 6 hours per week. This time includes the time you spend on-line, associated reading and research tasks which may be set as part of the module you are following, and posting to the Discussion Forums [as well as reading and responding to the postings of your co-participants]. You may, of course, choose to spend more time than this, but it is unlikely that you will spend less. We would strongly advise you to log on at least three to four times a week so that you can participate fully in the discussions and also support your co-participants.

Do I have to log on at specific times?

No, the times you log on are entirely up to you. There are no fixed times when all participants are expected to be on-line, as many of you will be working in different time zones from each other and your tutor. However, when you log on you can see on the right hand side of your screen if any of your co-participants are also logged on, and you have the facility to chat to them in real time.

Can you tell me if there is a limit to the number of modules I can do at one time?

Feedback from previous participants indicates that it would be unwise to undertake more than one module at a time. While 6 hours a week may not sound like a lot, in fact it can be quite hard to fit this into a busy professional and personal life; and this is also a minimum figure, not a maximum figure. Of course you know your own circumstances best, but we would advise you to restrict yourself to following one module at a time, and sticking as closely as possible to the timetable set out.

Is there an examination?

No, there is no examination.

Will I be given a 'certificate' at the end?

Participants completing the modules and submitting all the written assignments, including the final Extended Assignment for assessment, set and marked by IH London, will be awarded the International House Diploma in Educational Management Skills This Diploma is credit-bearing towards the MSc TESOL offered by Aston University, which is also a Distance Learning Programme. This is equivalent to a full module on this Masters programme.

What does the academic programme look like?

The programme dates are set out in the Course Description and Information Document. Each module, and its assignment, is deemed to take 8 weeks. It is anticipated that 8 weeks would be normal for input, discussion, research and writing. The extended assignment is given 4 weeks, although many participants will have begun initial planning and research before the 'official' start date.

Frequently Asked Questions- Diploma in ELT Management Skills