PGCE for International Trainees (fully online)

Program Overview

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PGCE for International Trainees (fully online)

Course Overview

The PGCE for International Trainees offers teachers outside the UK, without formal training, a programme of professional development online.

Start and Duration

• Sep, 37 weeks

Level

• Postgraduate

Qualification

• PGCE

Campus

• Online

School

• School of Education

Fees

• UK: £4,500
• INT: £4,500

Application Deadline

• 15 July 2025

About the Course

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education for International Trainees offers teachers based in schools outside the UK, who have not undergone a period of formal training, the opportunity to participate in a structured programme of professional development online. The course is adapted from our very popular Independent PGCE.

Course Content

The PGCE for International Trainees is a 37-week school-based course, during which time you will work under the guidance of your in-school mentor. Each week you will be observed by your mentor, reflect on your practice and have a one-to-one meeting with your mentor to review progress and set targets.

Course lectures, will take place on Thursdays (14 weeks) and will complement the weekly programme of course online resources. In addition, there will be two induction days in August to attend.

You will be assigned a university tutor who will meet you regularly (approximately once a month) to assess your progress and guide your development.

Training

Attendance for all training is mandatory. Training will delivered on Zoom.

• Thursday, 21 August 2025: Induction 1 | 09:00 – 13:00 (UTC +1)
• Friday, 22 August 2025: Induction 2 | 10:00 – 13:00 (UTC +1)
• Thursday, 18 September | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC +1)
• Thursday, 25 September | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC +1)
• Thursday, 2 October | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC +1)
• Thursday, 16 October | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC +1)
• Thursday, 13 November | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 20 November | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 27 November | 11:30 – 14:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 15 January 2026 | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 22 January | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 29 January | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 12 February | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 26 February | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC)
• Thursday, 12 March | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC)
• Thursday 21 May | 11:30 – 13:30 (UTC +1)

Entry Requirements

• You must have a university bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Please check on UK ENIC which provides advice on comparability & equivalency. We will need to see your original degree certificate.
• You must be employed as a teacher in an international school abroad that teaches English National Curriculum subjects or the International Baccalaureate (IB) and be in sole charge of a full-size class for a minimum of 10 hours a week.
• International applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English. Full details are available on our Postgraduate Language Requirements page.

In addition, you must:

• Obtain a commitment from your school to provide a suitable mentor.
• Show the physical and mental fitness to teach.

The employing school must be able to fully support a candidate through the course, enabling them to demonstrate all of the English Teachers’ Standards and releasing them for the compulsory live online lectures on Thursdays.

How to Apply

Please use the ‘Apply Now’ button or contact The Faculty of Education on +44 (0) or email:

Before we can accept you, you will need to supply:

• a copy of passport photo page (and visa/work permit where necessary)
• copies of your qualification certificates – UK Bachelors Degree or equivalent (an ENIC statement of comparability will be required for all qualifications awarded outside of the UK)
• a head and shoulder style photo for your University identity card

Some courses are limited in terms of numbers and we operate a first-come-first-served system. Applications can take at least 6 weeks to process. Please consider school holiday closures and ensure applications are submitted in good time to avoid disappointment.

Program Outline

• The program provides participants with the opportunity to engage in professional development and specialize in various areas of education.
• To develop participants' understanding of the English National Curriculum and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
• To enable participants to specialize in specific areas of education, such as SEND, Leadership, Coaching, and more.

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Description:

• The program is a 37-week school-based course that combines online training with practical experience in the classroom.
• Participants work under the guidance of a mentor and receive regular feedback from a university tutor.
• The program utilizes a blended learning approach, with online resources, live training sessions, and individual meetings with the university tutor.
• Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a Level 7 PGCE qualification with 60 credits.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The PGCE program focuses on the fundamentals of teaching and learning, including:
• Lesson planning and delivery
• Assessment and feedback
• Classroom management
• Curriculum development
• Educational technology

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Structure:

• The program consists of online modules, eight live training sessions, regular individual meetings with the university tutor, and weekly reflection sessions.
• The live training sessions are held online and cover topics such as:
• Understanding the English Education System
• Creating a Positive Learning Environment
• Developing Effective Teaching Strategies

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Course Schedule:

• The program runs from September to May each year.
• The live training sessions are held on specific dates throughout the academic year, with a detailed schedule provided upon enrollment.

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Individual Modules:

• Participants can choose from a variety of modules to specialize in specific areas of education, including:
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Boarding School Education
• Leadership in Education
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Philosophy of Education
• International Education
• Each module includes online resources, reading materials, group discussions, and individual assignments.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate participant learning, including:
• Three written assignments
• Online quizzes and tests
• Practical observations in the classroom
• Portfolio of professional development activities

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Assessment Criteria:

• Participants will be assessed on their:
• Understanding of educational theory
• Ability to apply knowledge to practice
• Reflective skills
• Professional development
• Teaching skills and strategies

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program employs a blended learning approach, incorporating online modules, live training sessions, individual tutoring, and practical classroom experience.
• The online modules are designed to be interactive and engaging, with a variety of resources and activities.
• The live training sessions are delivered by experienced educators who provide expert guidance and support.

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Faculty:

• The program faculty consists of experienced and qualified teaching professionals from the University of Buckingham and international partner institutions.
• Each participant is assigned a university tutor who specializes in their chosen area of education.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers personalized support through individual tutoring and weekly reflection sessions.
• The focus on specialization allows participants to tailor their learning to their individual interests and career goals.
• The online delivery format provides flexibility for busy professionals who may be located anywhere in the world.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• The PGCE for International Trainees prepares participants for a variety of careers in education, including:
• Classroom teacher
• Subject specialist teacher
• Head of Department
• Educational consultant
• Curriculum developer

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program are eligible to teach in schools that follow the English National Curriculum or the International Baccalaureate.
• They may also find opportunities in private tutoring, online education, and other educational settings.

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Career Outcomes:

• The program equips participants with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful and effective educators.
• It also provides them with a strong foundation for further professional development and advancement in their chosen field.

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Other:

• The program is open to teachers in international schools that teach the English National Curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
• Participants must be in sole charge of a full-size class for a minimum of 10 hours per week.
• The program is offered in most subjects and to all age levels.
• Participants can expect to gain a thorough understanding of the English National Curriculum and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
• The program is designed to be academically rigorous and challenging, but also rewarding and transformative.

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• StartType1st YearTotal cost
• Sep 2024Full-time (37 Weeks)PGCE, International trainees (Sep 2024)
• UKN/A£4,400
• INTN/A£4,400
• N/A = Not applicable
• Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges.
Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
• The fees for this course will be confirmed in due course.
• Applicants must also pay a £300 non-refundable Registration Fee.
Instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice. To ensure the discount is applied please select ‘COBIS’ from the partnership box on your application form.