Program Overview

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Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Key Facts

• Level: PostgraduatePG
• Duration: Full Time: 1 year
• Starting: January
• Fees International 25/26 >: £9,535
• Location: UON Satellite venue/ online (Bangkok, Thailand)

Overview

The PGCEi (iQTS) is a high-quality professional education programme designed for educators teaching outside the UK, leading to International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) and Master’s level credits. This PGCEi (iQTS) course is for trainee teachers of primary education ages 5-11 years.

Highlights

• iQTS is a UK Government-backed international teaching qualification which will be recognised by the Department for Education as equivalent to English Qualified Teacher Status; suitable for candidates who wish to train to teach and qualify outside the UK.
• Supportive learning environment encompassing aspects of in-person training in Bangkok, live online sessions, and recorded asynchronous materials to facilitate independent learning.
• Study pathway for primary age phase (5-11 years) to develop a global community of primary educators.
• A Personal Academic Tutor who is your main contact throughout the course, supporting you both personally and academically.
• UON trained mentor based in the school where you are training working alongside a UON-based Moderation Tutor
• Adaptations to local context using 13 years of experience in the area

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry requirements:

• Hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent from a United Kingdom or non-United Kingdom institution of higher education from a recognised institution, as assessed by UK ENIC.
• To verify your qualifications meet the standard of a UK degree, refer to UK ENIC , where you can apply for a statement of comparability.
• Achieve a standard equivalent to grade 4 in GCSE examination in the subject of mathematics.
• Achieved a standard equivalent to grade 4 GCSE examination in a science subject (e.g. biology, chemistry, or physics).

Equivalency tests:

• We accept third-party GCSE equivalency tests at grade 4 or better. The current approved providers are:
  • A Star Equivalency for mathematics or science (combined or Biology) but NOT for English or
  • Equivalency Testing for English, mathematics or science (combined or Biology).
  • If you wish to use a different provider or already have an equivalency exam from another provider, please contact Admissions, and we will consider it.

English Proficiency requirements:

• If English is not your first language, you need to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English to undertake the course. You must meet the following English proficiency requirements:
  • Achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other band, completed within the last two years.
  • Alternatively, an equivalent score in another English language testing system is acceptable. Equivalent qualifications are considered.

Other Entry Requirements

• Demonstrate the capacity to meet current professional standards for teaching.
• Successful interview held remotely by the University (see FAQs)
• Be deemed suitable to train to teach in England and in the country in which you will train to teach.
• Have day-to-day access to appropriate Information Technology to access the online course resources and regular access to a classroom context.

Location and residency requirements

• Both UK and non-UK citizens are welcome to apply for the iQTS course. However, to secure a place, it is essential that applicants reside in Thailand or Southeast Asia for the entire duration of the course, as we specialise in this specific region.

Safeguarding and Health requirements

• As part of our recruitment process for the iQTS course, candidates will undergo several safeguarding checks. These checks will be initiated if you are successful at the interview stage and may include:
  • Prohibition List checks: Where appropriate, we will conduct Prohibition List checks via theTeaching Regulation Agency. For applicants who are already teaching, we will verify that they are not subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State for Education in England (the ‘Prohibited List’) through theTeaching Regulation Agency.
  • Physical and Mental Fitness: You must provide evidence of your physical and mental fitness to teach. This includes undergoing a successful Occupational Health Screening to determine your health and physical capacity to train to teach and complete the course.
  • Criminal Record checks: Entrants must meet the requirements for clearance regarding criminal convictions and maintain good standing in this area. Offers are contingent upon passing all relevant background and safeguarding checks, with DBS requirements depending on your current residence. Additional requirements include criminal records checks for overseas applicants, prohibited list checks, and/or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records checks and children’s barred list information or their equivalents within the local context, guided byKeeping children safe in education.
  • This includes additional checks for applicants from outside the UK. If you have previously lived or worked in the UK, an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) and/or Letters of Good Conduct will be required. If you have never been to the UK, you do not need to apply for an ICPC.
  • Police checks: Trainees must undertake police checks in their country of domicile. This includes obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (Local Safeguarding Check).
  • Applicants are responsible for obtaining their own overseas checks or DBS equivalents required by their respective country.

Verification checks

• To verify the authenticity of your qualifications and identity, in-person checks will be conducted after enrolment. These checks will be carried out by the Course team, Head Teacher or Leadership Team member, and our Placements office.

How to apply and Interview information

We value your potential as a teacher and review each application individually. We seek applicants who show enthusiasm and dedication to becoming outstanding educators.

Application Details:

• As part of the admissions process, please provide the following information on your application form:
  • Name and address
  • Date of birth
  • Country of residence (You must be resident in Thailand or Southeast of Asia for the course duration)
  • Provide a copy of your in-date passport.
  • A personal statement.
  • Evidence of your qualifications.
  • Evidence of English language ability (where English is not the first language)
  • Change of name document, if your application and certificates are in different names
  • CV including details of your employment/training history.

Two satisfactory professional references:

• A ‘safeguarding’ reference from the school where you will be completing your iQTS, demonstrating your suitability to train to teach and work with children.
• A reference from a relevant previous or current employer (where applicable), relating to work with children. If you have recently graduated, a reference from your university confirming your suitability to train to teach and work with children.

Ensure you include evidence of your qualifications and other requested documentation when completing your application.

Personal Statement:

• A strong personal statement is crucial for assessing your application. When writing your personal statement, consider addressing the following:
  • Why do you want to pursue this course?
  • What inspired you to become a teacher?
  • What character and personality traits will you bring to the teaching profession?
  • What skills and abilities will you contribute to the teaching profession?
  • What is your philosophy for teaching and learning?
  • What do you hope to achieve upon completing this course?

Your personal statement should reflect your beliefs about teaching and learning, and how you plan to implement these beliefs in a professional school environment. It should be unique to you, showcasing the diversity of your background, experiences, and what you will bring to the teaching profession.

Interview:

• We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who can work in ways that promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. The interview process will assess the suitability of applicants for working with children and young people. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the course team to demonstrate their commitment to the course. Successful admission will be based on your potential to teach, evaluated through both your application and the interview process.

Course Content

Course Details

• University of Northampton’s iQTS course is an international teaching qualification designed for UK and non-UK citizens living outside England. This is suitable for:
  • UK citizens currently working abroad who wish to start teacher training or develop their teaching career.
  • Non-UK citizens who wish to improve their employability in England and internationally with a UK government-backed and approved professional qualification.

Our iQTS course blends applied teaching theory and practice in two taught modules and three teaching practice modules of 120 days, typically including a second school placement experience. The course is designed to be delivered to primary phase educators based in Thailand. It is structured to include a blend of taught content including live online synchronous sessions, in-person training in Bangkok and online asynchronous material. Carefully sequenced school-based training, and dedicated periods of intensive training and practice (ITAP) enable application of theory into practice. Typically, all trainees are expected to complete a second shorter placement in a different school. This course focuses on local and global education priorities, enabling you to develop your subject knowledge, skills and competence in the classroom in your role as a global educator.

Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

School Based Placements

• There are three block placements during the programme which enables you to fully immerse into the life of the school and to develop your role as the teacher.

Securing an appropriate school placement for on-placement training modules 1 and 3 prior to commencement of the course is the responsibility of the trainee. If the trainee is currently employed in the placement school, this is acceptable provided that this meets the placement requirements.

It is typically the responsibility of the trainee to secure the second on-placement training school. However, the University of Northampton may be able to facilitate this placement on the trainee’s behalf.

Teaching and class responsibilities gradually increase with each placement module, leading to 80% of these responsibilities by the third placement. This incremental approach prepares you effectively for the next stages of your career.

Alongside your placements, there are two Masters’ level modules: The Global Teaching Professional and The Curriculum for the Global Context. These modules are worth 60 credits at Masters’ level and may contribute to the MA in Education andMA in Special Educational Needs.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fee

• Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
  • Full Time: £9,535

2024/25 Tuition Fee

• Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
  • Full Time: £9,250

Staff

• Head of Education
  Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)
• Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
  Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)
• Senior Lecturer in Education (Maths & Professional Studies)
  Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)
• Senior Lecturer in Education
  Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Careers and Employability

Our PGCEi (iQTS) course will equip you with valuable transferable skills like critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, pedagogical expertise, and digital proficiency. When you successfully complete this course, you will be recommended for the English qualified teacher status (QTS) with no further fees or training. QTS is recognised all over the world as a gold teaching standard and will also qualify you to teach in England.

Related Courses

• Primary Education 5-11 (QTS) BA (Hons)
• PGCE (Top-Up) Primary/Early Years/Secondary
• Education MA
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Autism Pathway) MA