Program Overview

PGCE iQTS (DL) PGCE

Overview

The PGCE iQTS course 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.

Why us?

• The University of Sunderland is at the forefront of International Initial Teacher Training.
• The PGCE iQTS course provides guidance from expert tutors who have many years of experience as both teachers and academics.
• iQTS tutors will make on-site quality assurance visits or use live streaming observation so that all trainees will have the opportunity to engage in dialogic professional development with experienced practitioners.
• Graduate from a UK university which has been training teachers for over 100 years.
• Complete an iQTS course that allows you to automatically receive QTS once you have graduated.

Course structure

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:

• Primary (5-11 years) EINTQTPFT
• Secondary (11-16 years) EINTQTSFT
• Business Studies trainees (14-19 years) EINTQTSFT

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.

Course modules

Primary route:

• Emerging Professional Practice in International Primary Education (30 credits)
• Professional Practice in International Primary Education (30 credits)
• Professional Learning in International Primary Education (30 credits)
• Subject Research Study in International Primary Education (30 credits)

Secondary route:

• Emerging Professional Practice in International Secondary Education (30 credits)
• Professional Practice in International Secondary Education (30 credits)
• Professional Learning in International Secondary Education (30 credits)
• Subject Research Study in International Secondary Education (30 credits)

Facilities

This distance learning course can be studied from anywhere in the world. You'll need internet access to use our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will access specially designed learning materials, e-books, e-journals, relevant websites and multimedia.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• a bachelor's degree
• to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade 4 in GCSE mathematics
• to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade 4 in a GCSE science subject (biology, chemistry, or physics) if teaching children aged 5 to 11 (equivalent to an English primary school)
• any previous school experience isn't a requirement for successful admission to the PGCE iQTS course
• for those without a first degree studied in the medium of English, Academic in person IELTS is required, achieved within the last two years. (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)

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:

• What made you want to be a teacher?
• What character and personality traits will you bring to the teaching profession?
• What skills and abilities will you bring to the teaching profession?
• What's your own philosophy for teaching and learning?

School requirements

• to be able to satisfy the practicum and mentor requirements, trainees are required to find a placement school (if not already employed as a practising teacher) and second school placement experience that'll provide a teaching experience for a total of 120 days
• please note that teaching in Language Centres, Learning Centres, or similar cannot be used to complete this course; teaching must take place in an international school, state school, or similar that follows a recognised curriculum
• this course requires teaching in either a primary or secondary school
• if you wish to teach in early years (kindergarten), you'll need to apply for PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)
• it's a requirement of the course that all teaching placement hours use English as the language of instruction to deliver whole-class teaching (not small groups, interventions, or one-to-one support)

Trainee requirements

• as part of your online application, you'll need to agree to 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

Safeguarding and health requirements:

• 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

Fees and finance

• 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

Career ready

• 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)