Get into Teaching

The most popular option to get into teaching in the UK is the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
In Scotland it is a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
Main focus is on developing teaching skills rather than improving subject knowledge.

It is a 1 year full time course course (NI, England & Wales is Sept - June. Scotland starts in August) and up to 2 years part time.
There are traditionally 3 different options:

• Early Years (3-7 year olds)
• Primary (7-11 year olds)
• Secondary (11-18 year olds)

Entry requirements will vary depending on which university you are applying to but the standard requirements are:

• GCSE or Leaving Cert Ordinary Level Maths & English: grade C or C3/05/H6 or above
• Primary & Early Years requires a Science at grade C or C3/05/H6 or above
• Honours Degree (2.2 or above)
• Primary & Early Years – Any Undergraduate Degree
• Secondary – Undergraduate at least 50% relevant to subject
• Basic ICT knowledge
• Usually 5 -10 days classroom experience (the more the better)
• Pass Numeracy and Literacy Tests (website for these: education.gov.uk/teachskillstests)

Funding is available in the shape of a loan along with generous bursaries and grants.
Please visit gov.uk/teacher-training-funding for more informaiton.
English Bursaries: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding
Welsh PGCE Bursaries: uwtsd.ac.uk/pgce

Universities offering PGCE:

(click the university's name to visit their website)

• Edge Hill University
• Bishop Grosseteste University 
• Kingston University
• Staffordshire University  
• Aberystwyth University 
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David

The official UCAS website to apply is www.ucas.com/teaching-in-the-uk we would recommend that you browse through this site prior to applying.

Contact us

Have any questions? Contact us using the form or via the contact details found below.