PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL)

This PGCE allows you to qualify as an Early Years Teacher from anywhere in the world. You'll develop your expertise working with young children. We can help you expand your career possibilities.

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Three primary school children sitting on the floor

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1208

Duration36 weeks

Fee(s)View fees

Course summary

Do you already work, or want to work, with children aged 0-5? Are you looking to specialise or progress your career in early childhood education? The PGCE Early Years Teaching degree could be right for you.

In one year, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to support young children and families internationally. We deliver the course through distance learning, so you can study from anywhere in the world.

Our experienced staff will help you build expertise in child development, the early years curriculum, and pedagogy. This prepares you for roles in teaching, leadership, and educational management.

Previous graduates have used their master’s-level credits to progress onto other postgraduate degrees. This is both at the University and at institutions around the world.

Please note, this course doesn’t lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) in England.

Why Sunderland for Education and Teacher Training

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

PGCE module credits should total 120. If optional modules are available alongside core modules on your course, you should choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

We teach this course online through distance learning. Learning materials include e-books, journal papers, and other online resources. You’ll also take part in online discussion forums where you can talk through and debate key issues from your modules.

The course includes two undergraduate and two postgraduate modules. These are spread across the academic year. The modules help you explore how young children learn and develop. You’ll also look at how to assess learning, design a curriculum, and lead Early Years provision.

You’ll be assessed through written assignments and observed teaching. All feedback and marking is done online. Your Personal Academic Tutor will also support and monitor your teaching practice throughout the course. You’ll upload weekly documentation and evidence so you can receive regular feedback.

You’ll complete two teaching placements in an Early Years setting of your choice. This could be your current workplace, or a placement arranged with an employer who can provide a mentor.

Entry requirements

To apply, you'll usually need an honours degree or equivalent.

You must be able to complete two teaching experiences as part of the course. This can be a setting where you already work or another Early Years setting.

If you're not currently a teacher and you're looking for a placement school, read our additional information about the course.

Before applying

Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:

Supplemental Application Documents (.pdf)
A copy of your degree certificate.
If English isn't your first language, you need to send proof of IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent. This must be a minimum of 6.5 in writing and no other element below 6.0.

Without these documents, we can't offer you a place on the course.

Fees and finance support

You must pay a £250 deposit before you start the course. This is refundable until enrolment.

See all course tuition fees.

Apply now