About this Diploma
The Graduate Diploma in English Communication Teaching (ECT) provides the pedagogical foundation for current and aspiring educators to enhance their teaching competencies so as to be able to pursue a career in diverse educational settings worldwide. A selection of courses is offered for students to deep-dive into specific areas of interest, enabling them to emerge with competencies that address areas of specialization relevant to respective educational contexts.
Application
Applications must be submitted online. There is a non-refundable fee of SGD$109 (inclusive of GST) for each application. Refer to the application period below:
| Outcome Release | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time & Part-time | July to September 2026 | October to November 2026 | January 2027 |
| Programme | Full-time & Part-time |
| Application Period | July to September 2026 |
| Outcome Release | October to November 2026 |
| Intake | January 2027 |
Admission Criteria
Applicants should have:
- A good Bachelor’s degree (at least an average grade of B or equivalent)
Candidates who have not studied in a university where the medium of instruction is English must offer proof of English Proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT). Candidates with other qualifications and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fees
The total programme fee for AY2026/2027 is SGD 35,316*. Tuition fees are charged on a per-course basis, at SGD 5,886* per 4unit-course.
Candidates shall pay a SGD 5,886* non‑refundable deposit upon acceptance of the offer of admission. This deposit will be offset against the course fees payable upon successful matriculation.
Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) and International Students (non-alumni) will receive a 10% discount on the total programme fee. NUS Alumni, irrespective of nationality, will receive a 20% discount on the total programme fee.
Students are also required to pay other miscellaneous student fees as decided by the University.
*inclusive of 9% GST
Programme Structure
Graduate Certificate in English Communication Teaching
Courses:
- ES5102 Evidencing Learning in English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)
- ES5103 Principles and Pedagogical Approaches to Course Design (4 units)
- ES5104 English Pedagogic Principles and Strategies (4 units)
- ES5204 AI and Technology in English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)*
- ES5207 Assessments for English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)*
Requirements:
Completion of any three courses (12 units). Grades and credits earned may be transferred to the Graduate Diploma and Master's programme within five years of completing the certificate.
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Graduate Diploma in English Communication Teaching
Courses:
- ES5102 Evidencing Learning in English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)
- ES5103 Principles and Pedagogical Approaches to Course Design (4 units)
- ES5104 English Pedagogic Principles and Strategies (4 units)
- ES5202 Multimodality for Teaching and Learning (4 units)*
- ES5203 Rhetorical Perspectives in Instructional Communication (4 units)*
- ES5204 AI and Technology in English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)*
- ES5207 Assessments for English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)*
Requirements:
Completion of any six courses (24 units). Credits earned at both the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma levels can be transferred toward the Master’s degree, again within a five‑year window.
Master of Arts in English Communication Teaching
4 Core Courses (Compulsory):
- ES5102 Evidencing Learning in English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)
- ES5103 Principles and Pedagogical Approaches to Course Design (4 units)
- ES5104 English Pedagogic Principles and Strategies (4 units)
- ES5105 Practicum (4 units)*
10 Elective Courses:*
- ES5202 Multimodality for Teaching and Learning (4 units)
- ES5203 Rhetorical Perspectives in Instructional Communication (4 units)
- ES5204 AI and Technology in English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)
- ES5205 Feedback Literacy for English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)
- ES5206 English for Specific and Academic Purposes (ESAP) (4 units)
- ES5207 Assessments for English Language Teaching (ELT) (4 units)
- ES5208 Independent Research Study I (only available in semester 2) (4 units)
- ES5209 Independent Research Study II (available in both semesters) (8 units)
- ELC5255 Second Language Writing (Cross-listed course from ELTS) (4 units)
- ELC5207 Second Language Acquisition & Processing (Cross-listed course from ELTS) (4 units)
Requirements:
Students must complete a total of 40 course units, they should take either:
- 10 courses of 4 units each OR
- 8 courses of 4 units each + ES5209 Independent Research Study II (8 units)
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*Courses are not offered for AY2026/27 semester 2 (January 2027)
Stackable Pathway
The stackable pathway offers flexible progression to the Master's in English Communication Teaching (MA in ECT). Students may start with the Graduate Certificate and stack credits toward the Graduate Diploma and/or Master’s or enter at the Graduate Diploma level and progress directly to the Master’s.
To be eligible for credit transfer at all stages, students must maintain an average CAP of at least 3.00 for the courses they wish to transfer. Any remaining courses must then be completed to meet the MA in ECT graduation requirements.
