Teacher Training and Education

Play a vital role in helping children and young people develop and fulfil their potential. Make a positive difference to their lives as they progress through their education. Enjoy excellent job prospects and a rewarding career when you study for a teaching or education degree.

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Welcome to Education

We've been training teachers for over 100 years and offer a wide-ranging provision of undergraduate and postgraduate Education courses aimed at both aspiring and practising teachers, as well as those who wish to work in other areas of the education sector. Find out more about the different areas of study within Education to see which courses could be suitable for you.

Some key strengths of our teaching and education courses are strong communication and positive relationships between the University and its partner schools, and the commitment of trainers in partnership schools to the all-round development of our trainees. Our comprehensive degrees will give you the skills needed to make a real difference in educating the next generation, as well as thrive on a personal level with a rewarding career.

Our location

Our Education students are based in Wearside View, one of our recently renovated buildings at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. Wearside View features a number of spacious classrooms for teaching and learning, as well as a newly refurbished social space with its own balcony.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's is positioned right next to Sunderland's scenic riverside, and is just a short distance from both the city centre and beaches. The campus benefits from a variety of brilliant facilities, including its own library, IT resources, and several eating and drinking options.

Why study for a teaching or education degree?

Being a teacher is a challenging but incredibly rewarding career where you’ll play a significant part in developing children’s learning and becoming somebody they look up to and, in many cases, remember for the rest of their lives. There’s always demand for qualified teachers, so unlike a lot of other degrees, there will likely be sufficient job prospects available to you when you graduate.

Funding for trainee teachers is also better than it’s ever been before, and you may be eligible for a scholarship or tax-free bursary to help you with your teacher training at university. Read our funding article to find out more.

As well as all of this, working in the education sector offers excellent career progression, the chance to feel part of a warm and friendly community, and the opportunity to really make a difference.

Why us?

We’re proud to be shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024

2nd

Our Education courses are 2nd in the North East to Durham for Graduate Prospects Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2024)

650

We have partnerships with over 650 schools, colleges and other educational establishments across the North East and beyond

Top 50

Our Education courses are in the top 50 in the UK

Guardian University Guide, 2025
£250m

Major investment will see the University spend over £250 million in the next 10 years and transform our facilities with a particular focus on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's

Our Teacher Training and Education courses

Take a look below to find the right course for you.

Undergraduate courses

Primary school children taking part in a maths activity
Full-time

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

This three-year course provides Initial Teacher Education for people who would like to teach at primary level. Gain both an honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and develop your critical understanding of effective teaching and learning within a primary school context.

Find out more about Primary Education with QTS
A teacher and primary school pupil sitting at a table together
Full-time

BA (Hons) Primary and SEND Education with QTS

This three-year SEND course provides Initial Teacher Education for people who would like to teach at primary level. Alongside this you will specialise in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Gain both an honours degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and develop skills for working in SEND.

Find out more about Primary and SEND Education with QTS
Secondary school pupils taking part in a task
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Mathematics Education with QTS

Complete an honours degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) within three years, saving you time and money compared to traditional routes into teaching. This course develops your knowledge in mathematics so that you are confident in your mastery of the subject, and forms part of our suite of Initial Teacher Education for people who would like to teach at secondary level.

Find out more about Mathematics Education with QTS
Two students taking part in a karate class while other students watch
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Physical Education with QTS

BSc (Hons) Physical Education with QTS is a fast-track route into teaching, taking just three years to be a fully qualified PE teacher in secondary education. You'll develop your skills and knowledge to teach in a creative and imaginative way, using a variety of different approaches. Through exploring your understanding of teaching and learning, you can apply your subject knowledge and expertise to planning and teaching.

Find out more about Physical Education with QTS
A teacher in a classroom pointing at the board
Full-time/Part-time

BA (Hons) Education Studies

If a career in a wide range of educational contexts with young people and adults, such as teaching, support, training, administration, and research interests you, then this course is for you. Gain an in-depth understanding about the aims and values of education in society today with a rigorous academic approach.  

Find out more about Education Studies
A student looking at something off camera
Part-time

BA (Hons) Education Studies (In-service)

If a career in a wide range of educational contexts with young people and adults, such as teaching, support, training, administration, and research interests you, then this part-time, in-service Education Studies course is for you. Gain an in-depth understanding about the aims and values of education in society today with a rigorous academic approach.

Find out more about Education Studies (In-service)
A teacher helping a primary school pupil with their work
Full-time

BA (Hons) Education Studies with Integrated Foundation Year

This is a four-year version of our popular BA (Hons) Education Studies, with an integrated foundation year. If a career in a wide range of educational contexts with young people and adults, such as teaching, support, training, administration, and research interests you, then this course is for you. Gain a depth of understanding about the aims and values of education in society today with a rigorous academic approach.

Find out more about BA (Hons) Education Studies with Integrated Foundation Year
A student holding an open book
Part-time

Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service

Are you already working as a teacher or trainer in Further Education and want to advance your career with a professional qualification? Develop an understanding of learning and learners and improve your teaching skills while benefitting from national and international educational research and development work of our academics.

Find out more about Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service
Students sitting in a lecture theatre
Full-time/Part-time

Customised Awards Scheme

Pick and choose the modules you want to study to build a tailor-made course. Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this course allows you to gain a qualification that closely matches your particular needs.

Find out more about Customised Awards Scheme

Postgraduate courses

Student teacher in a classroom teaching pupils
Full-time/Part-time

PGCE Primary Education with QTS

Become a primary school teacher and help children get the best possible start in life. Undertake a range of school placements and cover the knowledge and skills that are required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Find out more about Primary Education with QTS
A primary school teacher holding up a display with a pupils hand up in the foreground
Full-time

PGCE Primary Education with QTS (School Based)

Learn on the job with our PGCE Primary Education with QTS (School Based) route into teaching. Develop first-class teaching skills on a course with a strong element of practical experience in schools where you can work alongside experienced practitioners.

Find out more about Primary Education with QTS (School Based)
A secondary school pupil writing with a marker pen
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Mathematics with QTS

Empower generations of young people as they learn and apply new mathematics principles – knowledge that they will use throughout their academic and professional careers. Generous bursaries are available for you to train to become a maths teacher.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Mathematics with QTS
Models of skeletons and skulls
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Science with Biology with QTS

Use your expertise in biology to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, and help them to achieve their potential. Take advantage of generous bursaries from the Government to teach a subject where teachers are in high demand.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Science with Biology with QTS
A student teacher with pupils in a secondary school chemistry lesson
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Science with Chemistry with QTS

Share your passion for chemistry and inspire a new generation of scientists. Make the most of bursaries of up to £27,000 and utilise your physics background to enjoy a rewarding career in secondary education.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Science with Chemistry with QTS
A student teacher with two secondary school pupils in a science lesson
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Science with Physics with QTS

Help to shape and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Make the most of bursaries of up to £27,000 and utilise your physics background to enjoy a rewarding career.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Science with Physics with QTS
A smiling student behind a computer screen
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Computer Science with QTS

Help children develop new ways of thinking and new ways of being creative with code. With computer science being a priority subject, attractive financial incentives are available to encourage talented programmers like you to become secondary school teachers.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Computer Science with QTS
A lecturer stood up surrounded by a classroom of students
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in English with QTS

Share your passion for English with young people and inspire them to fulfil their potential. English is a core subject in the National Curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4 so there will always be a need for effective and committed English teachers.

Find out more about Secondary Education in English with QTS
Students sitting facing the front of a classroom
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Geography with QTS

Guide generations of young people and share your passion for human geography, physical geography and the environment. Take advantage of financial incentives available for those who train to teach geography including bursaries of up to £25,000.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Geography with QTS
Three students sitting at a table smiling
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in History with QTS

Share your passion for history. Help young people achieve their potential. Become a confident and innovative history teacher. Be part of the new generation of secondary school teachers.

Find out more about Secondary Education in History with QTS
Students in a lecture theatre
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Business with QTS

The PGCE Secondary Education in Business has been designed to train teachers to practise as a subject specialist teacher of 11-16 year olds. You're assessed against the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) across this age range. This course will also cover vocational qualifications such as BTEC. This one-year course blends theoretical knowledge with carefully supervised teaching experience. You'll attend placements in a variety of educational settings to gain a broad understanding of the realities of secondary level teaching.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Business with QTS
Group of students on campus smiling
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Religious Education with QTS

This course qualifies you to teach Religious Education (RE) at secondary level in any state-maintained school in England and Wales. The one-year course blends expert theoretical knowledge with carefully supervised teaching experience, combined with the subject knowledge required to develop confident and innovative teachers who will make this vital subject accessible to all learners. 

Find out more about Secondary Education in Religious Education with QTS
Student in a lecture
Full-time

PGCE Secondary Education in Modern Foreign Languages with QTS

Share your passion for languages and help young people achieve their potential. Become a confident and innovative teacher. Be part of the new generation of language teachers.

Find out more about Secondary Education in Modern Foreign Languages with QTS
A student sitting cross-legged on the ground with a laptop, outside next to a leafy plant
Full-time

PGCE Education (DL)

Qualify as a teacher from anywhere in the world with this International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course in Education. Gain a globally recognised qualification. Expand your career possibilities.

Find out more about Education (DL)
Primary school children sitting on the carpet
Full-time

PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)

Enrol on our PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree and qualify as an Early Years Teacher from anywhere in the world. This International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course allows you to develop an expertise working with young children. Expand your career possibilities.

Find out more about Early Years Teaching (DL)
A student independently studying on a laptop
Full-time

PGCE iQTS (DL)

Qualify as a teacher with the PGCE iQTS from anywhere in the world, a DfE (UK) recognised International Initial Teacher Training course. The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years.

Find out more about iQTS (DL)
Hands turning the page of a book
Full-time

Assessment Only Route to QTS

If you are an experienced graduate teacher and would like to complete a formal qualification to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is a requirement for those who wish to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales, this route is one of the fastest ways to gain QTS. 

Find out more about Assessment Only Route to QTS
Two students sitting side by side at desks and smiling at each other
Full-time/Part-time

MA Education

Build on your professional skills and educational leadership. Learn advanced research and study skills while acquiring master's level knowledge that's shaped by your personal interests and career aspirations.

Find out more about Education
A student sitting at a laptop
Part-time

MA Education (DL)

Become a specialist in Education and develop your professional practice. Acquire advanced research and study skills whether you are in the UK or overseas. Enhance your understanding to equip you for various roles within teaching and educational management.

Find out more about Education (DL)
A student sitting at a table reading a book
Part-time

MA International Education (DL)

Become a specialist in international education. Boost your career prospects. Learn from anywhere in the world with flexible distance learning.

Find out more about International Education (DL)
A primary school boy in class
Full-time/Part-time

MA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion

Become a specialist in SEND Education by studying issues around Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in a way that suits you.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion
A trainee teacher sitting with primary school children while doing a maths activity
Part-time

MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)

Study for the MA SEND from anywhere in the world and explore issues surrounding Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities via flexible distance learning.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)
A student teacher helping two school pupils with an activity
Part-time

PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)

Study from anywhere in the world. Enhance learning and teaching for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Develop your communication with colleagues, other professionals, parents and carers.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)
A lecturer teaching
Full-time

PGCE Further Education and Skills (FES)

Qualify to teach in the Further Education and Skills sector, which includes sixth form colleges, Further Education colleges, vocational training and adult education. Equip yourself to educate adults and young people, sharing your knowledge and helping others fulfil their potential.

Find out more about PGCE Further Education and Skills (FES)
Students chatting and smiling
Part-time

Mentoring and Coaching (DL)

This Level 7 Mentoring and Coaching course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals who want to develop their careers with a Mentoring and Coaching qualification. You will gain knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills that you can apply to your own teaching position to enhance your career.

Find out more about Mentoring and Coaching (DL)
A male teacher standing at the front of a primary school classroom with children's hands in the air
Part-time

PgCert in Professional Development for International Early Career Teachers (DL)

This Postgraduate Certificate will help you develop your professional skills, knowledge, and pedagogy to make an effective transition from novice to expert teacher. Study from anywhere in the world via flexible distance learning and accelerate your career and expertise.

Find out more about PgCert in Professional Development for International Early Career Teachers (DL)
A student sitting listening in a classroom
Part-time

ProfGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-Service

Prepare yourself for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is a key qualification for teaching in further education and can be gained in the year after you finish the course. QTLS is relevant to vocational training, adult education, and teaching in sixth-form colleges.

Find out more about Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service
Students sitting at laptops in a classroom
Part-time

PGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) Pre-Service

This part-time PCET course will put you on the right track to becoming a teacher in the post compulsory education and training sector. Combine study with work and family commitments. Study a range of relevant topics and benefit from the opportunity to design, deliver, and evaluate teaching and learning in real-world classroom settings. Improve your teaching skills as you gain a recognised university qualification.

Find out more about Post Compulsory Education and Training Pre-Service
Two students working at a table in a classroom
Part-time

ProfGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) Pre-Service

If you want to teach young people and adults this part-time ProfGCE PCET course will provide you with the necessary qualifications to teach in the post compulsory education and training sector. Combine study with work and family commitments. Study on a course directly informed by the national and international research of the teaching team and benefit from its direct link to SUNCETT, our Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training.

Find out more about Professional Graduate Certificate in Education in PCET
A student working at a computer
Full-time/Part-time

MA Education via Study Centres

Build on your professional skills and educational leadership. Learn advanced research and study skills while acquiring master's level knowledge that's shaped by your personal interests and career aspirations.

Find out more about Education via Study Centres
A student typing at a computer
Full-time/Part-time

MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion via Study Centres

Become a specialist in SEND Education by studying issues around Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in a way that suits you.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion via Study Centres
A smiling student in a lecture theatre
Part-time

PGCE Higher Education

This PGCE Higher Education is aimed at academic staff working in higher education and covers contemporary approaches to teaching and student learning. You'll be introduced to academic practice with an overview of learning theories, practical classroom teaching and learning approaches, and develop insight into the theory behind pedagogical approaches to learning and teaching.

Find out more about Higher Education
A full lecture theatre of students
Part-time

Master of Education (Higher Education)

This Master of Education (Higher Education) is aimed at academic staff working in higher education. The course provides initial teacher preparation for staff new to education, with modules covering teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum design. Later modules cover leading course provision and dealing with student success, retention, attainment, and managing complex issues.

Find out more about Master of Education (Higher Education)
Gloved nurses hands inserting a cannula into a manikin arm
Part-time

PGCE Health Professions

This PGCE Health Professions course has a strong focus on developing practical skills around teaching and assessment. Examine a range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment including virtual, augmented and immersive technologies.

Find out more about PGCE Health Professions
Four healthcare students gathered around a bed in the mock hospital ward
Part-time

Master of Education (Health Professions)

This Master of Education (Health Professions Education) course enables you to study a wide range of topics relevant to educating tomorrow’s health professionals. The course provides initial teacher preparation for staff new to education, with modules covering both teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum design. On completion of this course, you can expect to find employment at higher education institutions, or clinical teaching roles within the public and private sector (subject to meeting the role specification requirements).

Find out more about Master of Education (Health Professions)
A medical educator and four students stand at the anatomage table during a practical session. The educator is showing the students the different parts of the heart.
Part-time

PgCert in Medical Education

Medical students are now learning clinical sciences alongside disease aetiology, treatment and management. Medical education is also at the forefront of developing robust, reliable and valid student assessments. This Medical Education PgCert is aimed at academic staff looking to develop their career in medical education. On completion of the course, you'll have developed your skills and knowledge as a teaching professional and will be able to offer student-centred teaching and learning experiences. 

Find out more about PgCert in Medical Education
Three first year medical students are standing listening to a doctor who is talking and looking towards two Foundation doctors in their scrubs
Part-time

Master of Medical Education

This Master of Medical Education is an internationally recognised higher degree in medical education with a major emphasis on developing you as a contemporary educator in medicine. The course has a strong practical focus both through its taught and research/project components ensuring that you are able to transform your practice in the classroom, clinical setting and in simulated environments.

Find out more about Master of Medical Education
Student in the library
Full-time/Part-time

MPhil Master of Philosophy

Take your education to the next level. Choose the areas you want to study, and which questions you want to research. Take the initiative while we support you with advice, guidance and facilities.

Find out more about MPhil Master of Philosophy
Medicine
Full-time/Part-time

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Refine your own agenda and do what you find interesting every day. Develop mastery of research methods that are appropriate to your chosen field. Discover things that no-one else has ever discovered.

Find out more about PhD Doctor of Philosophy
A book
Part-time

PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work

Take the fastest route to a PhD. Convert your previous research outputs into a qualification which will increase your employability and open up new opportunities. Progress your academic career and add credibility in applications for research funding.

Find out more about PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work
A stack of books
Part-time

Higher Doctorate

Take your academic career to the highest level. Make a very significant and sustained contribution to your subject. Gain an elite qualification that will mark you out as an outstanding contributor to your field.

Find out more about Higher Doctorate

Research courses

Partner Centres

A primary school teacher holding up a display with a pupils hand up in the foreground
Full-time

PGCE Primary Education with QTS (School Based)

Learn on the job with our PGCE Primary Education with QTS (School Based) route into teaching. Develop first-class teaching skills on a course with a strong element of practical experience in schools where you can work alongside experienced practitioners.

Find out more about Primary Education with QTS (School Based)
A student sitting listening in a classroom
Part-time

ProfGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-Service

Prepare yourself for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is a key qualification for teaching in further education and can be gained in the year after you finish the course. QTLS is relevant to vocational training, adult education, and teaching in sixth-form colleges.

Find out more about Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service
A student holding an open book
Part-time

Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service

Are you already working as a teacher or trainer in Further Education and want to advance your career with a professional qualification? Develop an understanding of learning and learners and improve your teaching skills while benefitting from national and international educational research and development work of our academics.

Find out more about Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) In-service
A student working at a computer
Full-time/Part-time

MA Education via Study Centres

Build on your professional skills and educational leadership. Learn advanced research and study skills while acquiring master's level knowledge that's shaped by your personal interests and career aspirations.

Find out more about Education via Study Centres
A student typing at a computer
Full-time/Part-time

MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion via Study Centres

Become a specialist in SEND Education by studying issues around Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in a way that suits you.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion via Study Centres

Online

A student sitting cross-legged on the ground with a laptop, outside next to a leafy plant
Full-time

PGCE Education (DL)

Qualify as a teacher from anywhere in the world with this International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course in Education. Gain a globally recognised qualification. Expand your career possibilities.

Find out more about Education (DL)
Primary school children sitting on the carpet
Full-time

PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)

Enrol on our PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree and qualify as an Early Years Teacher from anywhere in the world. This International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course allows you to develop an expertise working with young children. Expand your career possibilities.

Find out more about Early Years Teaching (DL)
A student independently studying on a laptop
Full-time

PGCE iQTS (DL)

Qualify as a teacher with the PGCE iQTS from anywhere in the world, a DfE (UK) recognised International Initial Teacher Training course. The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years.

Find out more about iQTS (DL)
A student sitting at a laptop
Part-time

MA Education (DL)

Become a specialist in Education and develop your professional practice. Acquire advanced research and study skills whether you are in the UK or overseas. Enhance your understanding to equip you for various roles within teaching and educational management.

Find out more about Education (DL)
A student sitting at a table reading a book
Part-time

MA International Education (DL)

Become a specialist in international education. Boost your career prospects. Learn from anywhere in the world with flexible distance learning.

Find out more about International Education (DL)
A trainee teacher sitting with primary school children while doing a maths activity
Part-time

MA Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)

Study for the MA SEND from anywhere in the world and explore issues surrounding Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities via flexible distance learning.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (DL)
A student teacher helping two school pupils with an activity
Part-time

PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)

Study from anywhere in the world. Enhance learning and teaching for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Develop your communication with colleagues, other professionals, parents and carers.

Find out more about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL)
Students chatting and smiling
Part-time

Mentoring and Coaching (DL)

This Level 7 Mentoring and Coaching course is ideal for teachers or other educational professionals who want to develop their careers with a Mentoring and Coaching qualification. You will gain knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills that you can apply to your own teaching position to enhance your career.

Find out more about Mentoring and Coaching (DL)
A male teacher standing at the front of a primary school classroom with children's hands in the air
Part-time

PgCert in Professional Development for International Early Career Teachers (DL)

This Postgraduate Certificate will help you develop your professional skills, knowledge, and pedagogy to make an effective transition from novice to expert teacher. Study from anywhere in the world via flexible distance learning and accelerate your career and expertise.

Find out more about PgCert in Professional Development for International Early Career Teachers (DL)