What is a PGCE degree?

What is a PGCE degree?

PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education and is one of the UK's most popular teacher training programmes. It's an academic qualification available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, designed to help you gain the skills needed to work in education. If you're in Scotland, this is the equivalent of a PGDE.

The PGCE is a route towards gaining your QTS (qualified teacher status). QTS is a requirement for teaching in the UK and you'll need to complete certain assessments to qualify. While a PGCE isn't the only route to your QTS, many choose the option of a PGCE with QTS.

Getting a PGCE without QTS means you won't finish your training as a qualified teacher, although some schools will employ you as a teacher without QTS. You also won't be entitled to the same benefits during your training and career as a QTS with PGCE.

Types of PGCE courses

You will choose whether to study a:

• PGCE with QTS
• PGCE without QTS

You can get QTS with a PGCE in primary school or secondary education and your course will involve both school placements and academic theory

How long is a PGCE?

A PGCE course is one year for graduates who already hold a first degree. For example, a graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry would take one year to complete a PGCE to become a Chemistry teacher.

Full-time PGCE courses typically run from September to July. It's possible to study for a part-time degree over two years.

What level is a PGCE?

A PGCE is a 60-credit postgraduate qualification and is a level 7 qualification. The credits are earned at a Master's level and can be transferred to a Master's of Education if you wish later.

Is a PGCE a Master's?

A PGCE isn't a Master's degree, but can count towards one. A Master's degree requires 180 credits so the 60 credits from a PGCE could contribute towards your Master's. There will be a required level of further study to gain the credits and the Master's qualification.

How is a PGCE assessed?

You'll have several lesson observations while completing your school placements as part of your PGCE. These observations will be done by both your teaching mentors and university lecturers.

You'll also submit academic essays and end up with a pass or fail for your PGCE. If your course includes QTS accreditation, you will be marked against the Teacher's Standards to be awarded this.

PGCE entry requirements

Entry requirements will vary depending on the university you're applying to. It's most likely that you will need to already hold a first degree in a subject related to the area you want to teach.

Work experience is also key - PGCE course providers want to see that you already have some kind of experience working or teaching young people. This could be volunteering at the local school, helping out at a school's sports club, tutoring, or being part of a mentorship program.

You'll need to complete a DBS check too. This is to check you don't have an existing criminal record and can work with children.

Having an interview for your PGCE is common. You may be asked to plan a short lesson or bring resources to discuss based on a brief. There'll also likely be a group task to demonstrate your teamwork, communication and listening skills. You'll also have a formal interview with a panel to ask you more about your previous studies and motivations for applying.

How to apply for PGCE

Take some time to search for PGCE courses to find the perfect fit. You can then apply through your UCAS Hub account. You'll need to provide information about your existing qualifications and a postgraduate personal statement.

How many PGCE courses can I apply for?

You can apply for up to three PGCE courses in the UK. You'll need to rank them in order of your favourite and apply as quickly as possible, as places on the popular courses will fill up quickly.

If you change your mind about a course, you can change this within 7 days of submitting your application but this can only be done once - take your time before making your decision.

PGCE funding

There are a variety of funding options available to cover your fees and living costs as well as extra financial support and training bursaries. We break down these options further in our guide to PGCE funding.

PGCE bursaries

The government will generally offer bursaries up to £22,000 if you're studying to teach a specific in-demand subject. These subjects may change but are usually:

• Chemistry
• Computing
• Maths
• Physics

You can also receive additional funding if you've studied a Master's or PhD. This funding could be between £7,000 and £10,000 and is usually awarded to students studying biology, classics or languages.

PGCE scholarships

PGCE scholarships are offered by professional subject associations and will grant students additional benefits through networking events, continuing professional development advice and access to better resources.

What happens after a PGCE?

In the final months of your PGCE, you can start searching and applying for NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) positions. To continue teaching in state schools, you must pass your NQT year. You can complete your NQT year in a permanent position or a fixed-term year-long post, such as a maternity cover. Many students looking to study a PGCE look for universities that have strong links to the local schools and have a great record for helping to secure students in placements for their NQT year.

You can't complete your NQT year as a supervisor, TA or supply teacher - you must pass your NQT as you passed your PGCE and it's only possible to meet all the standards through demonstrating long-term planning, relationship building, assessment and progress in your classes.

As part of your NQT year, you'll have extra time off-timetable to hone your skills and perfect your lesson plans. You'll also be assigned a mentor and have extra lesson observations to support you throughout your NQT year.