Teaching Phonetics Course Online (60 Hours)

Teaching Phonetics is a 60-hour online course that improves your own pronunciation and shows you how to teach it: phonetics versus phonology, organs of speech and articulation, vowels and consonants, stress, intonation and weak and strong forms. It has four parts, is designed for up to 4 months and costs US$130, £110 or ₹9,000 plus GST.

London College of Teachers graduate holding her teacher training certificate — A London College of Teachers graduate with her certificate.

Who this course is for

English teachers who want clearer pronunciation teaching
Spoken-English and IELTS trainers
Non-native teachers who want to polish their own pronunciation

What you will learn

Use phonetic symbols confidently
Teach vowels, consonants and articulation
Teach stress, rhythm and intonation
Correct pronunciation errors effectively

Why phonetics matters for English teachers

Learners often understand grammar and vocabulary but are not understood when they speak. Pronunciation problems come from sounds, stress and intonation, and they are predictable once you understand phonetics. Teachers who know phonetics can model clearly, diagnose errors and give feedback learners can act on.

What the four parts cover

Phonetics and phonology: the difference and why both matter
Organs of speech and articulation: how sounds are made
Vowels and consonants: the sound system of English and the phonemic chart
Stress, intonation, rhythm and weak and strong forms in connected speech

Who benefits most

Non-native teachers who want clearer pronunciation
IELTS and spoken-English trainers (pronunciation is one of the IELTS Speaking criteria)
Primary teachers teaching phonics and early reading in English
Online tutors who need to correct pronunciation over video

Combine with a TEFL

Teaching Phonetics works on its own or alongside the 120-hour TEFL Certificate. The TEFL Diploma also includes an Advanced Phonetics unit.

A sample phonetics activity

Learners hear minimal pairs such as 'ship' and 'sheep', identify which word they hear, then practise producing the difference with mirror work and feedback. The course shows you activities like this for vowels, consonants, stress and intonation.

Time and cost

The course is 60 hours, designed for up to 4 months, and costs US$130, £110 or ₹9,000 plus GST.

Phonetics for IELTS trainers

Pronunciation is one of the four criteria in IELTS Speaking. Trainers who understand phonetics can explain exactly why a candidate's speech is unclear and how to fix it, rather than only telling them to 'speak clearly'.

Teaching Phonetics syllabus

4 parts: phonetics vs phonology, organs of speech and articulation, vowels and consonants, stress, intonation, weak and strong forms

Fees and study time

The Teaching Phonetics costs US$130, £110 or ₹9,000 + GST. It is designed for up to 4 months of self-paced study. Compare all fees and payment options.

Entry requirements

Good English communication. No degree or teaching experience is needed to enrol, although many countries ask for a degree for teaching visas.

How you are assessed

Each module ends with multiple-choice questions, and the answer key is emailed to you so you can review your work. Tutors review your assignments and you complete a final assignment before certification. The course uses Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).

Teaching practice

Teaching practice is optional but strongly recommended if you have never taught. Arrange sessions with a school or institute near you, and London College of Teachers will provide a recommendation letter for the internship.

Apply for the Teaching Phonetics

Frequently asked questions

Will this improve my own accent?

It focuses on clear, intelligible pronunciation and on teaching it; many teachers find their own pronunciation improves too.

Is it useful for IELTS trainers?

Yes, pronunciation is one of the four criteria in IELTS Speaking.

How long is the Teaching Phonetics course?

60 hours, designed for up to four months of self-paced study.

Will I learn the phonemic chart?

Yes. The course covers English vowels and consonants and the symbols used to teach them.

Is phonetics different from phonics?

Yes. Phonics teaches children to link letters and sounds for reading; phonetics is the study of speech sounds. The course helps with both.

What students say about London College of Teachers

4.9 rating based on 6,848 reviews from London College of Teachers students on Google, Facebook, Instagram & Alumni.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the warm support and guidance that my tutor Ms Sudipta rendered to me. Her constant guidance and kind words have been such great support to me for being able to complete my PG Diploma in TEFL. Since day one my queries, doubts and concerns were catered to immediately and with efficiency. The course material was easy to comprehend and has definitely given a new tangent to my thinking as a teacher of English.
Tanya JayakrishnanIndia · 150-hour TEFL
Extremely happy with LCT. It's clear and accessible. The coordinator was really helpful and guided me to complete the module. I have completed PG Diploma in TEFL/TESOL program. Thank you LCT and tutor team for the support throughout the course.
Divya KohliCoimbatore, India · TEFL / TESOL
It was worthwhile for me to study at the London College of Teachers. The resources were easy to use. When asked for assistance, my tutor was ready to provide it. I had a great time studying at the London College of Teachers.
Winnie FunsaniZambia · TEFL / TESOL
It was a really positive experience. The tutor is really helpful. Academic assistance was very effective and timely. The information was brief and simple to understand. It was really straightforward and self-explanatory. All in all, it was a worthwhile educational experience.
C AmbigaTelangana, India · TEFL / TESOL
Each and every person was very helpful, and my tutor helped me a lot during my assignments and taught me very well. She always knew what to do and was always there for me. LCT, UK, is the best platform if you want to proceed further in your studies.
Parul SharmaMumbai, India · International Teaching Diploma
It's been an exciting and engaging experience. I am glad I chose the London College of Teachers, UK, to refresh my knowledge on the subject. A big thank you to the staff and my tutor for all the support given during the course.
Ruchika KhanduriMumbai, India · International Teaching Diploma
This was one of the most easy to use and straightforward TEFL/TESOL courses I've ever taken. I love that you are able to go at your own pace and the lessons were really thorough. I would recommend this course because the support staff is amazing.
Tristan WareAtlanta, USA · TEFL/TESOL
The course provided excellent study materials. The notes went into great depth for methodology of teaching and examples of the methods. I felt thoroughly prepared for the exams at the end of each section. It was also very affordable compared to other programs.
Nicolas CastApple Valley, USA · TEFL/TESOL
Extremely satisfied with this course. The contents were informative and easy to understand. The support staff was brilliant and responded quickly to my queries. I would recommend this course to anyone that wants to do a TEFL course.
Jonathan Henry TingSydney, Australia · TEFL
Easy to follow, convenient and easily accessible. The coordinators were easy to contact, and my queries were answered quickly. Very informative and interesting course, with downloadable material to keep for future reference. It has given me the qualifications I needed to land my teaching position.
Heena SheikhDubai, UAE · TEFL
The course was straightforward and uncomplicated, which was very much appreciated. I am grateful to have been able to take this course and to have the opportunity to teach overseas.
Elyce NelsonSaint Cloud, MN, USA · TEFL
I had a generally pleasant experience. When I did encounter a problem the staff were quick, efficient, and friendly. The material was informative, and the grades were returned quickly. I enjoyed being able to move at my own pace.
Christiana GoltermannHayes, VA, USA · TEFL
I have learnt a lot and enjoyed the experience. The course material was extremely informative and valuable. The software was user-friendly and the support team was always there to help. Special thanks to my mentor, who made sure I was always focused.
Maria PosaLondon, UK · TEFL
Overall it was a good and challenging experience. Special thanks to the coordinator and mentor for their swift guidance and assistance. Materials provided are very apt for constant learning. I've thoroughly enjoyed my studies.
Gayle KingNew York, USA · TEFL
I appreciated how intuitive the course was. I did have some issues with a couple of chapters where the test questions were not related to the subject of that chapter. However, everything else went very well.
Kevin ChenLos Angeles, USA · TEFL
Thank you so much for your support and guidance all through. Tutors are very good at counselling, encouraging and quick in replying. The course is interesting and very helpful.
Leena KrishnamurthyChennai, India · Teacher training