Many people enter the TESOL field out of a love for languages and a desire to help others master English. However, even after completing initial courses and certificates, many still struggle with questions such as:

“Is my qualification recognised abroad?”
“Can I teach in an international environment, or am I limited to local language centres?”

In reality, TESOL learners are not lacking passion – the real challenge lies in qualifications and teaching competence that are not yet strong enough to unlock greater opportunities: teaching at international schools, pursuing postgraduate study, or being recognised as global education professionals.

When the right choice makes the difference – The UK–Swiss Dual TESOL Degree

The Top-Up and Second Bachelor’s Degree in TESOL, developed by SIMI Swiss (Switzerland) and integrated with the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning (United Kingdom), is a unique Dual Award model offering genuine academic and professional value for learners. This article explores the outstanding advantages that this dual-qualification system brings to students – those who remain at the centre of TESOL UK’s educational philosophy.

One Degree – Two Education Systems, Two Recognition Pathways

From a learner’s perspective, holding two international qualifications upon graduation brings a substantial advantage.

• The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL from SIMI Swiss represents the prestigious and high-quality tradition of Swiss private higher education – often regarded as the cradle of European management and pedagogical excellence.
• Meanwhile, the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning is a UK national qualification within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), accredited by Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation under the UK Government.

Thanks to this combination, graduates can use their degrees across both educational systems – the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the UK’s RQF – significantly broadening recognition for employment, further study, or obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). In other words, learners do not just hold an “impressive-looking degree” but a qualification that is truly recognised in practice.

Advantages for Employment and International Teaching Practice

Upon graduation, holders of this dual degree can apply for positions such as:

• International English Teacher (TESOL/ESL/EFL) in international schools, colleges, or universities.
• Lecturer or Academic Advisor in online education institutions, language centres, or global e-learning systems.
• Trainer or Educational Manager, supported by the leadership, curriculum design, and teaching-assessment skills developed in the OTHM Level 6 Diploma.

Compared with those who only hold short TESOL certificates, graduates of this programme are perceived as highly qualified professionals because they possess:

1. An academic Bachelor’s degree (BA) recognised across Europe, and
2. A UK national qualification (RQF Level 6) equivalent to the professional competence of a Teacher in the public education framework.

This means that, to employers, graduates are not only able to teach English but can also demonstrate pedagogical competence aligned with international standards – a decisive factor when applying for positions abroad or at international schools in Vietnam.

Advantages in Professional Profiles and Work Visa Applications

From 2025 onwards, the UK Government requires all Skilled Worker visa applicants to hold qualifications at RQF Level 6 or above (Home Office, 2024). Therefore, graduates of the Dual TESOL Top-Up and Second Bachelor’s Degree already meet the academic criteria for employment visas in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries with equivalent standards.

When applying for jobs or migration, graduates can present:

• The OTHM Level 6 Diploma as proof of professional competence recognised by the UK Government;
• The Bachelor of Arts in TESOL (Swiss degree) as an academic qualification recognised in international credential evaluation systems.

Together, these qualifications form a “dual-profile” that meets both academic and professional requirements – strengthening employability and credibility worldwide.

And here lies the programme’s most refined advantage…

Ready to Switch Subjects or Expand into New Fields

On closer examination, the qualification integrated into the Dual TESOL Top-Up and Second Bachelor’s Degree is not merely a subject-specific degree in English teaching, but a nationally recognised professional qualification in the United Kingdom for the role of “Teacher” – a professional title with broad value across the UK education system.

This reflects the programme’s thoughtful design, based on the understanding that English is only one of many languages, and language teaching is just one of many areas graduates may pursue after completion.

In the UK, the professional framework does not distinguish a specific code for “English Teacher.” Instead, the title “Teacher” is a nationally recognised occupation applicable to all subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, Arts, and others.

Therefore, the UK national qualification for the “Teacher” role (Occupation Code LAR 402) awarded through this programme is not limited to English language teaching. With strong pedagogical foundations and certified teaching competence, graduates can transition to teaching other subjects – from Mandarin to Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or other humanities fields – as long as they possess the relevant subject knowledge.

Long-Term Benefits in a Borderless World

The Dual TESOL Top-Up and Second Bachelor’s Degree is not merely a study programme but a strategic investment in the learner’s future:

• Globally recognised,
• Cost- and time-efficient,
• Opening doors to both academic and professional advancement,
• Allowing cross-subject teaching without retraining,
• Meeting the prerequisite for obtaining a public teaching licence (QTS) in the UK and Europe,
• And enhancing real competitive advantage in professional portfolios.

In an era where professional boundaries are blurred by transnational education, holding the UK–Swiss Dual TESOL qualification does more than allow graduates to teach – it enables them to be recognised, be chosen, and go further.

Learn more about the Dual and Top-Up Bachelor’s TESOL Programme HERE

Source: TESOL UK – The United Kingdom’s TESOL training system with qualifications recognised by the UK Government.