DELTA Course Module 1
DELTA Module 1 is the theoretical foundation that transforms a competent teacher into an expert teacher. It’s the most analytical of the three modules and, for many candidates, the most intellectually demanding: it requires deep knowledge of how English works, how it is learned and how it is taught, with academic rigour.
International House Colombia prepares you for the official Cambridge Module 1 exam with a structured programme, frequent mock exams and feedback from tutors who hold their own DELTA and have experience preparing candidates.
What is Module 1 about?
It’s not a “memorise definitions” exam: it requires you to apply your theoretical knowledge to language analysis, materials and teaching sequences.
Module 1 assesses your professional knowledge in five areas:
Theory and principles of English language learning and teaching.
Language analysis (grammar, vocabulary, phonology, discourse).
The four skills and sub-skills and how they are taught.
Methodological approaches and their historical evolution.
Assessment, materials and resources.
Content and assessment areas
Language analysis
Identifying and describing form, meaning, pronunciation, use, register and likely difficulties for the learner. One of the most demanding components, where unprepared candidates most often fail.
Learning and teaching theories
Behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, task-based approaches, communicative language teaching, SLA principles.
Methodology and approaches
Communicative, task-based, lexical approach, content-based instruction, CLT, traditional approaches (grammar-translation, audiolingual) and their evolution.
Assessment, materials and resources
Validity, reliability, formative and summative assessment, authentic assessment, criteria for selecting and adapting materials.
Cambridge DELTA Module 1 exam structure
The exam consists of two papers of 1.5 hours each, taken at an official Cambridge centre.
📊 Paper 1: analysis and reflection tasks
Analysis of language fragments, identification of learner difficulties, description of cognitive and learning processes.
📝 Paper 2: pedagogical application tasks
Analysis of materials, teaching sequences, assessment proposals and resource adaptation.
How does IH Colombia prepare you for the exam?
🧑🏻💻 12-16 week structured programme covering all five assessment areas.
🧑🏫 Live sessions with tutors who hold DELTAs and experience preparing candidates.
📈 Past paper analysis and mock exams with detailed feedback.
💻 Platform with materials organised by area.
👏🏻 Personalised tutoring to address your weak points.
🧑⚖️ Logistical support to register the official Cambridge exam.
Format, duration and schedule
Format:
live online with guided self-study.
Duration:
between 2 and 12 weeks, with multiple sessions several times per week at hours compatible with work life.
Schedule:
afternoon or evening sessions depending on intake.
The only DELTA course that adapts to your schedule
100% negotiable and flexible hours based on your time zone and work availability.
Minimum 2 years’ teaching experience with adults.
Prior initial certification (CELTA or recognised equivalent).
C1+ English demonstrable.
Availability of approximately 8-10 hours per week between sessions, reading and mock exams.
Dates of the next DELTA module 1 courses
Duration: 2 weeks
Who is Module 1 ideal for?
Teachers wanting to deepen theoretically without committing to the full DELTA upfront.
Candidates seeking a first advanced credential to apply for senior roles.
Teachers preparing for a Master’s who want to consolidate the theoretical base first.
Teachers in schools that incentivise specific DELTA module passes.
Investment and payment options
Course tuition
Cambridge exam fee
Frequently Asked Questions about the DELTA Module 1
Between 12 and 16 weeks, depending on the intake and cohort pace.
It’s demanding but achievable with serious preparation. Most candidates following the IH Colombia programme pass on first attempt.
Recommended, not mandatory. With another recognised equivalent and solid teaching experience, we can evaluate your admission.
You receive detailed Cambridge feedback on areas to strengthen and can re-take the exam in the next intake.
Cambridge offers the Module 1 exam twice a year, typically in June and December. We synchronise your preparation with the exam date.
Yes. Preparation is live online. The exam can be taken at any official Cambridge centre worldwide.
