Most TESOL graduates share the same question when they complete their studies:

“How can my qualification be recognised internationally, making it easier to find a teaching job—and even allowing me to work abroad legally?”

While many TESOL programmes only provide short-term certificates, the TESOL UK Bachelor’s Degree offers something far more substantial: it not only qualifies you to teach professionally but also meets the eligibility requirements for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) – the UK’s official public teaching licence – and the Skilled Worker Visa for international teachers, which requires a minimum of RQF Level 6.

With its competency-based structure, government recognition, and academic credibility, the dual-award TESOL UK Bachelor’s Degree is more than just a qualification — it is a “global career key” that enables you to transform your passion for teaching into a sustainable, internationally recognised profession.

1. Understanding the TESOL UK Dual Award

TESOL UK, developed by UKeU® in collaboration with SIMI Swiss, integrates two key qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts in TESOL – an international academic degree awarded by SIMI Swiss.
• OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning – a UK National Qualification regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.

This combination allows graduates to hold two forms of recognition:

• An academic bachelor’s degree representing higher education achievement and eligibility for teaching positions in international schools or language institutions.
• A nationally regulated RQF qualification demonstrating professional teaching competence in line with UK standards and officially equivalent to a UK bachelor’s level qualification.

2. Applying for Teaching Positions in the UK and Switzerland

When applying to schools, language institutions, or international education organisations, graduates can submit both qualifications together:

• The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL from SIMI Swiss as proof of academic foundation.
• The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning as proof of pedagogical and professional competence.

In the UK, employers and visa assessors prioritise candidates holding qualifications listed under the RQF, recognised by Ofqual. These qualifications can be verified by UK ENIC and are officially benchmarked against UK degree standards.

3. Meeting the Eligibility for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

To legally teach in state-funded schools in the UK (primary, secondary, or higher education), teachers must hold QTS — the professional teaching licence issued by the UK Department for Education (DfE).

Graduates holding the TESOL UK dual award can follow one of two recognised pathways:

1. Enrol in a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) after completing the degree.
2. Apply through the Assessment Only Route if they already have practical teaching experience.

Both pathways accept the RQF Level 6 Teaching and Learning Diploma as evidence of pedagogical competency. Once QTS is granted, teachers are authorised to work in UK public schools and their qualification is recognised in several Commonwealth countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

4. The Skilled Worker Visa Pathway

Since 2023, English teachers have been classified as a priority occupation under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa (occupation code 2314 – Secondary Education Teaching Professional).

Graduates holding the TESOL UK dual award can use:

• The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL from SIMI Swiss as academic proof.
• The RQF Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning as proof of professional competence meeting the visa’s skill requirements.

Once issued a Certificate of Sponsorship by a licensed school or education provider accredited by the DfE or Home Office, applicants can apply for the visa and legally teach in the UK — with the possibility of long-term settlement.

Conclusion

The TESOL UK Bachelor’s Degree is not merely an academic qualification — it is a long-term career strategy for aspiring English educators seeking to teach professionally and legally worldwide. Combined with the QTS or Skilled Worker Visa pathway, it empowers graduates to expand opportunities, strengthen their credentials, and position themselves as globally recognised educators.

References:

• Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). (2024). Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). UK Government.
• Department for Education (DfE). (2024). Apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. UK Government.
• Home Office. (2024). Skilled Worker Visa: Eligible Occupations and Requirements. UK Government.
• UK ENIC. (2023). Recognition and Comparison of International Qualifications.
• TESOL International Association. (2023). Global English Teaching Careers Report.

TESOL UK – A collaboration between UKeU® and SIMI Swiss.