This non-regulated professional qualification has been developed in partnership with Oxford School of Advanced TESOL Studies, a research institution that supports the global community of English teaching practitioners through rigorous research, online professional education and ample networking opportunities. The course is intended for teachers who want to gain general knowledge or upgrade existing skills in the area of TESOL methodology related to teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to professionals working in law, finance or business management.
What you will study
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- Areas of English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
- The language learning process
- Language systems and uses
- ESP and language skills: speaking, reading, listening, writing and vocabulary
- Objectives in teaching ESP and the roles of ESP teachers and administrators
- Needs analysis and course design in ESP
- Methods of teaching ESP: teacher-centred methods, active methods, student-centred methods
- Materials selection and development for ESP
- Classroom language assessment and test construction for ESP
- Technology and ESP
- Classroom communication, management and facilitation
- Evaluating courses and quality improvement
Candidates will be able to select an optional Professional English language course* from the following list to complete their qualification:
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- Business English
- Legal English
- English for Finance
The selected Professional English language course must be completed during the first four months of the studies. Double Professional English specialisations** are available. The specialisation(s) will be indicated in the certificate.
* The 3-month optional Professional English language courses have been designed specifically for English language teachers to help them revise vocabulary in their chosen area and to demonstrate how online technologies can be applied in teaching practice. The optional courses are free as they form part of this qualification. You will be sent details about registration for an optional course after you start your studies with us.
** Candidates may opt for two Professional English specialisations if they can manage a double workload. Completing a Professional English language course, developing ESP materials related to one’s specific specialisation and writing an article on ESP teaching methodology for TESOL Practitioner’s Magazine – all these elements form an integral part of the course. So, instead of 12 hours per week, candidates will need to devote about 18-20 hours per week to their studies. Both specialisations will be indicated in the certificate.
Key features of the course
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- Flexibility to suit your needs – allowing you to study anytime, anywhere
- An emphasis on professional development through independent learning
- Relevance of topics and practical examples to the context of your own professional practice
- Guided independent study, directed research and reading as well as tutor-marked assignments, including a portfolio of evidence and a published article, to reinforce learning
This course can be taken alongside your professional studies elsewhere or as part of your informal career development programme. It will be of particular value to educators teaching business management, finance, tax law and professional English in further education establishments or delivering continuing professional development courses to tax, accounting and finance practitioners.
You will be encouraged to relate the content of the module to your own professional experiences. Therefore, you will need access to formal or informal educational settings to apply the ideas in practice and carry out observations. Non-teachers will be asked to look back on their experience as students.
Awards
Upon successful completion, students are awarded professional qualification certificates from two Schools: Professional Certificate in Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) from London School of Finance and Law and Oxford Certificate in English for Specific Purposes Instruction from Oxford School of Advanced TESOL Studies.
Learning outcomes
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- Knowledge and understanding
- Key skills
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
Career relevance
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- Professional training
- Further education
- Educational management
- Management consultancy
- Government offices and NGOs
- Coaching, mentoring and counselling in finance, tax advisory and business management
- English for Specific Purpose (ESP) teaching
Study method
Online learning with tutor guidance and support
How long it takes
5 months (240 hours)
You need to be able to spend approximately 12 hours per week on studying this module.
Teaching and assessment
A tutor will guide you throughout the study process and mark and comment on your written work. You and your tutor will primarily communicate with each other through email.
The course work includes tutor-marked assignments, an online Professional English language exam and end-of-module assessment. The end-of-course assessment for the qualification consists of a portfolio of devised ESP materials and an article on ESP teaching methodology submitted to TESOL Practitioner’s Magazine which is published by Oxford School of Advanced TESOL Studies. You must use the online VLE-system to submit your tutor-marked assignments and end-of-module assessment as well as take an online professional English language exam.
The Pass mark for the module is 50%. Upon successful completion, students are issued professional qualification certificates from London School of Finance and Law and Oxford School of Advanced TESOL Studies.
Study materials
All study materials are provided on the module website.
Microsoft Office presentations and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of study material are available.
A computer with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Functionality may be limited on mobile or tablet devices.
If you have a disability or particular study requirements, please tell us as soon as possible.
Fees and funding
Course fees for the 2025/2026 academic year: £1,522
* Course fees for an additional Professional English specialisation: £535. An additional invoice will be sent to the candidate willing to opt for two specialisations after the initial registration and payment via the standard application form.
Course fees cover registration, course materials, tuition and assessment.
LSFL course fees depend on the level and duration of courses: check all tuition fee rates for the current academic year here.
You may be eligible for tuition funding.
Registration
Next term start date: 20 September 2025
The module website will be available to registered students three days in advance of the module start. Module sessions will be opened every week or every two weeks to enable tutor-led, gradual progression through the study materials and continuous assessment.
Course registration is open, but please be aware that due to the increased demand it may take us longer to respond than usual.
Registration closes 10 September 2025 (places subject to availability)
Registration for current students:
Registration for new students:
You have to register as an LSFL student to study this course.
Future availability
Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) starts three times a year – in January, May and September.
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