The University of Sunderland is one of only six UK providers selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to offer the brand new PGCE iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status) course. An internationally recognised teaching qualification, the iQTS will be delivered via online distance learning, commencing in September 2022.

The iQTS course combines applied teaching theory and practice and has been developed so that it can be delivered to primary, secondary and post-16 teachers, and to any subject specialism. It is a 36-week full-time course, completed in one academic year which can be undertaken in international settings.

One fantastic benefit of the course is that once you have gained your iQTS, you will automatically be eligible for QTS, meaning that you will be qualified to teach in England as well as internationally.

Please read the information by following the relevant links on this page in order to understand the course and to check your eligibility to apply. If you feel that you're eligible, complete the form at the bottom of this page to formally register your interest.

Find out more about the current Education courses we offer here at Sunderland.

What is iQTS?

iQTS is a new, UK government-backed international teaching qualification, which is recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) as the equivalent to English qualified teacher status (QTS). iQTS is currently only delivered by six DfE-approved providers, working in partnership with excellent schools and selected in-school mentors around the world.

Please note that each of the selected pilot providers can only offer a maximum of 30 places for the 2022 intake.

Find out more information about the iQTS here, or read more about the course content and required standards.

A student independently studying on a laptop

Who is the iQTS for?

The PGCE iQTS is suitable for those beginning their journey towards becoming a qualified teacher, rather than those who already hold a PGCE. You can find out more about who the iQTS is suitable for here.

If you already have a PGCE then the Assessment Only Route to QTS which we also offer internationally, may be an appropriate alternative. If you don't require QTS or iQTS then our PGCE Education (DL) may be more suitable.

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold an honours degree or international equivalent. All applicants will also need a GCSE Grade 4/Grade C in Maths and English with Primary applicants also needing a GCSE Grade 4/Grade C in Science.

For those without a first degree studied in the medium of English, Academic IELTS is required (a minimum Academic IELTS band score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing and no less than 6 in Reading and Speaking and Listening).

Find out more information about the iQTS entry requirements here.

Register your interest below to receive more information, further application guidance (when available) and invitiations to online information sessions.