PGCE Education (DL)

Study this course via flexible distance learning. You can qualify as a teacher from anywhere in the world. You'll gain a globally recognised qualification and open up your career possibilities.

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Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1032

Duration36 weeks

Fee(s)View fees

Course summary

Are you a teacher or education professional working internationally? Looking to take the next step in your career? The PGCE Education is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. You can study from anywhere in the world through distance learning.

The course is for both primary and secondary educators, whatever your subject area. It combines practical teaching strategies with key educational theory to support your development. Our expert academics will help you grow into a confident, reflective practitioner.

This qualification can open up opportunities in more senior teaching roles, as well as leadership and educational management positions. The skills you develop can also be used in related areas such as education policy and government.

Two of the modules are research-focused and delivered at master’s level. This gives you a strong foundation for further postgraduate study. When you complete the four modules, you'll graduate with a PGCE. You may, however, take up to three years to fully complete and graduate, if necessary.

If you successfully complete the course, you’ll also have a direct pathway into Stage 2 of our MA Education or MA International Education. Both are available to study through distance learning.

Please note, this course doesn’t lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. However, if you meet the entry requirements, you can combine it with the Assessment Only Route to QTS.

Why Sunderland for Education and Teacher Training

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

PGCE module credits should total 120. If optional modules are available alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

We teach this course online through distance learning. Teaching methods include required reading, directed activities, and self-assessments. You’ll also take part in online discussion forums where you can talk through and debate key issues from your modules. If you live close to other students on the course, we'll encourage you to form a study group.

The course is split into two semesters and includes four core modules. There are two theory and practice of teaching modules. and two master's modules. These include a case study and action research module.

The work-based teaching practice could be in your current workplace, or another school where you can secure a placement. University staff and a mentor will support you with this.

We'll assess you on both the theoretical and practical elements of the course. You'll do this through written assignments, a profile of evidence of teaching standards, and observed teaching.

Entry requirements

To apply, you'll usually need an honours degree or equivalent.

We also require you to teach in either a primary or secondary school. If you want to teach Early Years, please apply for the PGCE Early Years Teaching.

Placements

The course has two teaching placement blocks, one each semester. These will usually be in your own school, but some trainees may need to find an alternative. Teaching must take place in an international or state school that follows a recognised curriculum. You can't use a language or learning centre, or similar.

You must use English when delivering whole-class teaching during placement hours. This doesn't apply to small groups, interventions, or one-to-one support.

You'll also need to have a qualified mentor available at your placement school. We can make you a conditional offer without this, but you'll need to have a mentor in place before you can accept a formal offer and start the course. Please note, securing a mentor and school is your own responsibility.

Read our additional information about the course to find out more about placements and mentors.

Observation of experienced teachers

Where possible, you should secure a reasonable number of teaching observations per week. The observations can be in a school of your choice, usually where you complete your placement.

Before applying

When you apply, you'll need to confirm you agree to the teaching requirements of the course.

We'll need contact details for your placement school, head teacher, and mentor. As indicated above, we can only make a conditional offer if you don't send us these details. You must provide this information before you can formally accept a place on the course.

You must also provide a copy of your degree certificate. We'll need both the original and English translation (if applicable). If a UK university awarded you your degree, you'll be exempt from providing proof of English.

We accept the following as evidence of English language:

Transcript or degree certificate that states you studied in the medium of instruction in English
Letter from your university that states the medium of instruction was English
Academic IELTS. If English isn't your first language, you need to send proof of IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent. This must be a minimum of 6.5 in writing and no other element below 6.0.

Without these documents, we can't offer you a place on the course.

Fees and finance support

You must pay a £250 deposit before you start the course. This is refundable until enrolment.

See all course tuition fees.

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