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Qualify as a teacher with the PGCE iQTS from anywhere in the world, a DfE (UK) recognised International Initial Teacher Training course. This is a new initiative from the DfE and will lead automatically to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) which will expand your career prospects and opportunities.
PGCE iQTS at the University of Sunderland is an internationally-recognised course that leads to Qualified Teacher Status in England and Wales. This is recognised as an international gold standard for teaching and learning across the world.
The PGCE iQTS course blends applied teaching theory and practice in two taught modules and two teaching practice and theory modules of 120 days including a second school placement experience. It has been developed so that it can be delivered to primary ‘homeroom’ teachers (all subjects. This must include planning, delivery and evaluation of all core subjects as well as opportunities to plan, deliver and evaluate a range of foundation subjects) and secondary subject specialist teachers. It is a 36-week full-time course, completed in one academic year, which must be undertaken in an international setting.
It is the responsibility of trainees to secure an appropriate school placement prior to commencement of the course. Please note, for employed teachers, this may be the setting in which you are employed providing this meets the placement requirements.
Trainees are required to complete up to 20 days in a second school placement (number of days is bespoke depending upon prior experience). It is the responsibility of the trainee to secure this placement.
Two of the modules are research-based and at master's level, preparing you for further postgraduate study which will qualify you for progression to Stage 2 of our MA International Education or MA Education, both available as distance learning courses.
The PGCE iQTS course is split into two semesters and has four core modules. There are two theory and practice of teaching modules and two master’s modules, which include research methods.
All trainees have the option to study the following age ranges:
We encourage all secondary trainees to teach across Key Stages 3, 4, and where possible, 5.
Within the academic modules, there is the opportunity to explore and develop themes that relate to age, phase and subject. On successful completion, the certificate awarded states PGCE iQTS Primary or PGCE iQTS Secondary – it does not include any age range or subject.
Any reference or supporting letter provided by the University will make it clear in which phase of education you did your training, the curriculum you taught and subjects taught. QTS will be awarded in your specific phase.
We use a wide variety of teaching methods with tasks including required reading, directed activities and self-assessments. There are online discussion forums where trainees are invited to debate current issues relevant to the module content and, if you live close to other students on the course, we encourage you to form a study group.
The teaching experience is work-based and conducted entirely in a school that you have secured a placement at, or are currently working at. This is supported by an in-school mentor (identified by the trainee) and university staff.
We assess both the theoretical and practical elements of the course. Assessment is through written assignments, a profile of evidence of Teachers' Standards and observed teaching.
Researching the various types of teacher training qualifications can be a struggle, so what really is the difference between PGCE and QTS, and which is the most suitable for you? We’re giving you a breakdown of each of these qualifications to help you make an informed decision when choosing your teacher training course.
Read more about the differences between PGCE and QTS
Online distance learning is a flexible way of taking a course without the need to attend traditional lectures at a college or university, with all of the course material being delivered online. Distance learners studying with the University of Sunderland benefit from lectures and support delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment, which is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Learn more about distance learning
Are you thinking about postgraduate study but not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are our top reasons to study a postgraduate degree.
Here's why you should study a postgraduate degree
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| a bachelor's degree |
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
When completing your application, you'll need the consent of your school and a suitable mentor. The University of Sunderland will need to approve the school and designated mentor.
Successful admission will be determined by your potential to teach assessed using both your application and, if successful at application stage, an interview process.
To be accepted onto the course, you'll need:
You'll also need to submit a strong personal statement as part of your application which will be crucial in how your application is assessed.
When completing your personal statement, please consider the following areas:
Essentially, this is a portrait of you as a teacher, a self-reflective statement of your beliefs about the teaching and learning process, and, where appropriate, how you enact or plan to enact these beliefs in the professional school environment.
Your response in the personal statement will be individual to you and reflect and embrace the diversity of your background, the richness of your experiences, and what you'll bring to the teaching profession.
Along with your application, you'll need to submit the online trainee agreement. As part of this agreement, you'll be asked to provide email addresses for two referees, your host school(s) head teacher, and mentor. They'll be contacted for further information and to provide their consent. Please note, all forms must be completed and submitted before being offered a place on the course.
Police checks are to be undertaken by trainees in their country of domicile. In addition, for those trainees who've ever lived or worked in the UK, you must apply for an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC). If you've never been to the UK, you don't need to apply for an ICPC.
To comply with safer recruitment practice, the partner school is required to complete a reference which includes local safeguarding and identity checks. These could include in-person ID checks and local police checks.
If you meet the criteria after submitting your application, you'll be invited for an online interview with the course staff.
The annual fee is £9,535.
A £250 deposit must be paid prior to the start of the course. This deposit is refundable up until the point of enrolment.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
This distance learning degree is ideal for teachers and other people working within international education institutions who want to quickly progress in their careers. It may qualify you for more senior positions in teaching and educational management in international schools.
The knowledge and skills you develop on the PGCE iQTS course will also transfer to many other sectors, particularly education policy and government.
The University of Sunderland is the awarding body for the PGCE iQTS and is responsible for the quality assurance of that award. On successful completion of the course, the University of Sunderland recommends graduates to the Department for Education (DfE) UK for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Since joining the course, my hunger for learning and developing has truly awakened.
