Program Overview

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Early Years Teaching (DL) PGCE

Overview

The PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree is ideal for people living outside of the UK who already work, or have the desire to work, with children aged 0-5. This International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course allows you to develop an expertise working with young children. Expand your career possibilities.

Why us?

• The University of Sunderland is at the forefront of International Initial Teacher Training and having developed the PGCE Education over 20 years ago, we added this PGCE Early Years Teaching degree 10 years later, operating across the world.
• Graduate from a UK university which has been training teachers for over 100 years.
• Tutors make on-site quality assurance visits or use live streaming observation so you will have the opportunity to meet with them to discuss your ongoing professional development.

Course structure

Studying for the PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree means you can learn from anywhere in the world that has internet access, as learning materials will be e-books, online journal papers and other online resources. There will be online discussion forums where you can debate current issues relevant to the module content.

All academic assignments are marked online (with online feedback). Teaching practices are monitored continuously by your Personal Academic Tutor and you will upload documentation and evidence weekly for feedback. Your progress will be assessed with written assignments and observed teaching.

This PGCE Early Years Teaching course has four modules of applied theory (60 credits at undergraduate level and 60 credits at master's level) which are spread out over the academic year. The four modules of applied theory allow you to examine the context of young children’s learning and development. You will also explore how to assess development and learning, how to construct a curriculum, and how to lead Early Years provision.

Additionally, and concurrently, you will undertake two teaching experiences in an early years setting of your choice – either at your own workplace or with an employer who is willing to provide you with a placement and mentor.

Course modules

Emerging Professional Practice in Early Years Teaching (30 credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to begin to develop purposeful integration between subject knowledge, pedagogical, and theoretical knowledge content taught in both University sessions and in practical sessions in education settings. You'll also start to gain an understanding of the role, responsibilities, and requirements of the professional teacher.

Professional Practice in Early Years Teaching (30 credits)

Building on the Emerging Professional Practice module, you'll further develop and consolidate your understanding of the role, responsibilities, and requirements of the professional teacher, allowing you to put this into practice.

A Critical Analysis of a Curriculum for the Early Years (30 credits)

This module will enable you to develop a critical understanding of the development of an effective early years curriculum. Throughout the module, there will be opportunities to reflect upon your practice and identify what the most appropriate provision is within the early years. You'll also gain an in-depth understanding of using play as a vehicle for learning.

Negotiated Individual Study In Early Years Teaching (30 credits)

Providing you with the opportunity to undertake a piece of independent academic study related to your professional development in leading change, this module will encourage you to engage in intellectual challenge and dialogue. You'll develop both general and specific knowledge and skills, relevant to your chosen project. You'll also identify and develop key skills to enhance your ability to transfer learning to further study and the workplace.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• Qualification: 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 for further advice.

We usually require applicants to hold an honours degree or equivalent.

You must be able to undertake two teaching experiences as part of this course. This can be a setting where you already work or another Early Years setting.

If you're not currently employed as a teacher and will be seeking a placement school, please read our advice to applicants seeking a placement (.pdf) and FAQs before applying.

Before applying

Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:

1. Supplemental Application Documents (.pdf)
2. A copy of your degree certificate.
3. If English isn't your first language, you need to send proof of IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing, and no less than 6 in Reading and Speaking and Listening.

Without these documents, we'll be unable to offer you a place on the course.

Fees and finance

• 2025/26 fees: The annual fee is £8,103.
• 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.

Career ready

The PGCE Early Years Teaching degree is ideal for teachers and other people working with children aged 0-5. It has the potential to qualify you for a range of positions in teaching and learning and educational management, in schools and educational institutions around the world.

The theory and practical elements of the course will help you gain greater satisfaction from your involvement in early years. With up to date knowledge and expertise in child development, early years curriculum and pedagogy you will be in a strong position to make effective applications for jobs as an early years teacher and promoted posts.

Please note that this course does not award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), which you need to teach in any state-maintained school in England or Wales.

Graduate destinations

From our previous cohorts, successful graduates have moved to enhanced job roles, both within and out of their existing workplace settings. Successful graduates from this course have used their master's level credits to gain entry to and accelerate their progress on master's degrees both at the University of Sunderland and other international universities.