Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
If you already have a degree, why not consider a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
A PGCE course mainly focuses on developing your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s) usually to degree level before you start training.
How long does a PGCE take?
Courses generally last for one year full time. Our PGCE PCET programme can be studied full time at the University or part time at one of our partner colleges. (This course does not qualify you with QTS and has a different funding body).
What qualifications do you need?
You must have a UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification. If your degree subject does not link closely to the subject you intend to teach, you may improve your ability to gain a place on an ITT programme by following a subject knowledge enhancement course. They are available in Design and Technology, Mathematics and Science (Chemistry, Physics, or other sciences).
For PGCE PCET entrants to the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education are expected to have a degree in their specialist subject. Those students enrolling on the Certificate in Education are expected to have at least NQF Level 3 qualification in their specialist subject. If you do not possess standard entry qualifications, you may apply for exceptional entry, on the grounds of prior learning and experience.
You also need a standard equivalent to at least a grade C in GCSE English language and Mathematics. If you want to teach primary or key stage 2/3 (ages 7-14), you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in a GCSE Science subject.
Is there any funding available while I train?
You may be eligible to receive funding while you train for your PGCE. Find out about funding for postgraduate teacher training
PGCE PCET is funded from a different governing body. Please contact the institution for more information.
How do you apply for a PGCE?
Applications are made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR).
When should you apply?
Generally speaking, the GTTR accepts applications from mid-September to June for courses starting the following September or October.
However, be aware that courses in Primary teaching and Secondary teaching areas such as Creative and Media, Design and Technology and English are very popular and there is considerable competition for places. To guarantee that your first choice of course provider will consider you, you need to apply before the end of November in the year before you wish to train.
Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) offers school based training through which students acquire skills and knowledge in a classroom environment. The training takes place in schools within the region, with input from the University of Sunderland. A trainee's main base will be in a school, supervised by tutors from the school and the University of Sunderland EBR. The University's main roles are quality assurance and assessment with some training.
