Janice Lozano
International students can pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the UK. The University of Sunderland, for example, offers a distance learning PGCE course that qualifies teachers to work anywhere in the world. The course is open to applicants with an honours degree or equivalent, and those without a first degree studied in English are required to take the Academic IELTS. Coventry University also offers an International PGCE course for trainee teachers outside of England. This course does not include iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status). To pursue a PGCE in the UK, international students may need to obtain a student visa and pay international student rates, which can be costly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International PGCE course providers | Coventry University, University of Sunderland, The University of Sheffield, The University of Exeter |
| Course type | Postgraduate Certificate in Education |
| Course delivery | Distance learning, online, on-site |
| Course duration | 9 months full-time, 18-24 months part-time |
| Course fees | £8,103 per year, £15,000 on average per year |
| Entry requirements | Bachelor's degree, proof of English language proficiency, criminal record checks, visa requirements |
| Visa type | Student visa, graduate visa, skilled worker visa |
| Additional costs | Visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), tuition fees |
| Career opportunities | Teaching in England or internationally, senior positions in international schools, education policy, government |
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What You'll Learn
International PGCE course entry requirements
International PGCE courses are designed for trainee teachers who want to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education while working or completing placements outside of England. The course is offered at both primary and secondary levels, covering various subjects and age ranges. Here are the key entry requirements for international PGCE courses:
Academic Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree: Applicants must typically hold an undergraduate degree or its equivalent, as assessed by a recognized body such as UK ENIC. Some universities may require an honours degree.
- English language proficiency: For applicants whose first degree was not studied in English, English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are usually required. The minimum IELTS score requirement is often 6.5, with no component less than 5.5 or 6.
- Pre-sessional English programme: If you do not meet the English language requirements, some universities offer pre-sessional English programmes to help you achieve the required level before starting the PGCE course.
Employment or Placement Requirements:
- Employment in a school: Some PGCE courses for international trainees require applicants to be employed as teachers in international schools or schools outside the UK. This employment must meet certain criteria, such as teaching English National Curriculum subjects or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- Placement arrangements: For trainees on a non-employed route, arranged placements within schools outside England or in relevant age phases are necessary. This ensures access to expert practitioners who can provide support and guidance during the course.
Visa and Immigration Requirements:
- Visa sponsorship: If you need a visa to train in England, ensure you have a confirmed offer from a course provider with student or skilled worker visa sponsorship before applying for your visa. Contact your chosen teacher training providers to discuss eligibility and application processes if you don't have settled or pre-settled status.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You may need to pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). However, students can usually claim a refund for this charge.
Other Requirements:
- Criminal record checks: Applicants are typically responsible for obtaining their own overseas criminal record checks, equivalent to DBS checks, for the country in which they are training.
- Tuition fees: International PGCE courses often have specific tuition fee structures, with annual fees and refundable deposits outlined by the respective universities.
- Country-specific requirements: Entry requirements may vary based on your country of origin. Universities usually provide detailed information on their websites regarding country-specific entry requirements for international students.
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International PGCE course fees
- Coventry University: Coventry University offers an International PGCE course, but the tuition fees are not explicitly stated. The university mentions that tuition fees may increase annually and that there may be additional costs such as accommodation, living costs, books, and stationery.
- University of Sunderland: The University of Sunderland offers a PGCE Education (DL) course, which is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. The annual fee for this course is £8,103, with a refundable deposit of £250 required before the start of the course. This fee structure was correct at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
- University of Buckingham: While the exact course fees for the University of Buckingham's PGCE for International Trainees are not mentioned, the university reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation. Additional fees may apply for services such as having a tutor travel from the UK to observe lessons in person. International applicants may also need to demonstrate English proficiency, which could incur additional costs.
It is important to note that course fees are subject to change, and prospective students should always refer to the official university websites for the most up-to-date information regarding tuition fees and associated costs. Additionally, international students may need to consider other expenses, such as visa fees, accommodation, and living costs, when budgeting for their PGCE studies.
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International PGCE course placement
International students can do a PGCE course, but there are some requirements that need to be met. The University of Sunderland, Coventry University, and the University of Birmingham Dubai are some of the universities that offer PGCE courses with international placement options.
University of Sunderland
The PGCE Education (DL) degree at the University of Sunderland is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. This course blends applied teaching theory and practice in three taught modules and one extended teaching practice module. It is a 36-week full-time course, completed in one academic year, which can be undertaken both in the UK and in international settings via distance learning. The course has four core modules: two theory and practice of teaching modules, and two master's modules, which include a case study module and an action research module. The teaching practice is work-based and conducted entirely in a school that the trainee has secured a placement at, or is currently working at.
Coventry University
Coventry University's International PGCE course enables trainee teachers to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education while in employment or on placement in schools outside England. The course is offered at primary level (for trainees teaching pupils aged 5-11) and in a range of subjects at secondary level (for trainees teaching pupils aged 11-16 or 11-18). Trainees train to teach ‘on the job’, learning with the support of expert practitioners in schools. Academic learning takes place online with the support of experienced university lead mentors.
University of Birmingham Dubai
The University of Birmingham Dubai has been appointed by the DfE as an accredited provider for the iQTS Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme. The iPGCE course is a teacher training course for trainee teachers worldwide. This course enables trainee teachers to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education while in employment or on placement in schools outside England.
Requirements
International students who need a visa to train to teach in England must have a confirmed offer of a training place on a course offering student or skilled worker visa sponsorship before applying for their visa. Many training providers can offer support and guidance, but due to rules about immigration, not all will be able to accept applications. International students may also need to meet certain English language requirements and obtain overseas criminal record checks for the country they are training in.
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International PGCE course visa requirements
International students can pursue the PGCE course, which is a formal Initial Teacher Training qualification for trainee teachers. However, visa requirements may vary depending on the university and the student's circumstances. Here are some general guidelines and considerations for international students regarding visa requirements for the PGCE course:
English Language Proficiency:
Some universities may require international students to meet English language requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, you may need to complete a pre-sessional English programme before starting the course. For example, the University of Sunderland specifies a minimum Academic IELTS band score of 6.5, with specific requirements for writing, reading, speaking, and listening sub-scores.
Visa Sponsorship:
To obtain a visa to study in the UK, you must have a confirmed offer from a teacher training provider that can sponsor your visa. If you do not have settled or pre-settled status or indefinite leave to remain, contact your chosen training provider to seek advice on your eligibility and the application process. It is important to ensure that your chosen university is a licensed sponsor with a 'track record of compliance' for visa purposes.
Graduate Visa:
If you are already an international student in the UK, you may be eligible for a graduate visa upon completing your degree. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD students) to work, study, or look for work. This includes the option to pursue teacher training courses, provided your training provider does not sponsor student visas. To be eligible for a graduate visa, you must have completed your previous course successfully and have been sponsored by a Home Office-licensed student sponsor during your studies.
Tuition Fees:
Tuition fees for international students are typically higher than for domestic students and may be subject to annual increases. Universities often review tuition fees each year, and international students should be prepared for potential increases above inflation. Additionally, extending your studies beyond the normal duration may result in higher fees or legislative changes affecting your financial obligations.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
As part of your visa application, you may need to pay for UK healthcare through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). However, students can usually claim a refund for this surcharge.
Financial Requirements:
When applying for a visa, you will typically need to demonstrate proof of a certain level of savings or income, depending on the visa type. This information will be provided during the visa application process.
International Office Guidance:
Universities offering the PGCE course, such as Coventry University, advise prospective international students to contact their International Office to gain a comprehensive understanding of any specific visa requirements that may apply to their circumstances.
It is important to carefully review the visa requirements and eligibility criteria specified by your chosen university and the UK government to ensure a smooth application process for your PGCE course.
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International PGCE course career opportunities
The International PGCE course is designed to enhance and transform educators' careers worldwide. It is a formal Initial Teacher Training qualification for trainee teachers outside England. The qualification trains and prepares trainees for the role of the teacher. The course does not include iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status) or QTS. However, it can be used with an Assessment Only Route to QTS if a candidate is suitably qualified and experienced.
The course enables trainee teachers to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education while in employment or on placement in schools outside England. Trainees train to teach ‘on the job’, learning with the support of expert practitioners in schools. Academic learning takes place online with the support of experienced university lead mentors. The course is offered at primary level (for trainees teaching pupils aged 5–11) and in a range of subjects at secondary level (for trainees teaching pupils aged 11–16 or 11–18). The course is also offered for the 14–19 age range in subjects usually only taught in Key Stages 4 and 5.
The course provides 60 Level 7 credits that may be transferred as prior learning credits for future study at the master's degree level. Holders of the award can go on to teach in schools both in England and internationally that do not require the award of QTS or iQTS. On successful completion of the course, students should be able to teach effectively and skilfully to enable pupils in their lessons to progress in their learning.
The course is ideal for international school teachers or those aspiring to work in such settings. It focuses on modern educational practices, strategies, and cross-cultural teaching methods. It is globally recognised and prepares participants for modern educational challenges and opportunities. Completing the course can open doors to senior roles in the international school sector.
International students interested in pursuing a PGCE course should be aware of visa requirements. To train to teach in England, international students must have a confirmed offer of a training place on a course offering student or skilled worker visa sponsorship before applying for a visa. Additionally, tuition fees for international students may be higher and can increase annually.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can do a PGCE. The University of Sunderland, for example, offers a PGCE Education distance learning course that can be taken from anywhere in the world.
No, you can gain international qualified teacher status (iQTS) from where you live or work, without needing to visit the UK.
Entry requirements vary, but generally, applicants need to hold an honours degree or equivalent. For those without a first degree studied in English, Academic IELTS is required.
Tuition fees are set by providers and cost an average of £15,000 per year. International students may also need to pay for UK healthcare as part of their immigration application, known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Yes, depending on your immigration status and the subject you are training to teach, you may be eligible for a bursary or scholarship. For example, if you are training to teach languages or physics, you could receive up to £31,000.
