Qualify as a teacher from anywhere in the world with this distance learning course. Gain a globally recognised qualification. Expand your career possibilities.
Watch our PGCE Education IDL webcastPGCE Education Independent Distance Learning (IDL) at the University of Sunderland is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. The course blends applied teaching theory and practice in three taught modules and one extended teaching practice module. It has been developed so that it can be delivered to primary, secondary and post-16 teachers and to any subject specialism. 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.
Two of the modules are research-based and at Masters level, preparing you for further postgraduate study which will qualify you for progression to Stage 2 of our MA International Education or MA Education, both available as distance learning courses.
While this course does not provide a direct route to QTS, it can be used with our Assessment Only Route to QTS, if a candidate is suitably qualified and experienced.
| Upcoming start dates |
|---|
| 14 September 2020 |
| 22 February 2021 |
The programme is split into two semesters and has four core modules. There is one taught module, two research modules, and one teaching practice module.
We use a wide variety of teaching methods with tasks including required reading, directed activities and self- assessments.
There are online discussion forums where trainees are invited to debate current issues relevant to the module content and, if you live close to other students on the course, we encourage you to form a study group.
The teaching practice is work-based and conducted entirely in a school or other educational institution that you have secured a placement at or currently working at. This is supported by a mentor and university staff.
We assess both the theoretical and practical elements of the course.
Assessment is through written assignments, a profile of evidence of teaching standards and observed teaching.
We usually require applicants to hold an honours degree or equivalent.
For those without a first degree studied in the medium of English, Academic IELTS is required. (A minimum Academic IELTS band score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing, and no less than 6 in Reading and Speaking and Listening).
Changes to the pre-course placement and mentor requirements during this period of Covid-19 for 2020/21
If you are not currently employed as a teacher and will be seeking a placement school, the following has been put in place in order to support you. Please read the following before applying.
Due to the Covid-19 situation for applications for 2020/21, we will offer a place on the course to applicants who meet the entry criteria but due to school closures have been unable to secure a school and mentor before embarking on the course. However, we must emphasise that in order to complete the teaching practice module EDP380 and ultimately the course overall, it is a requirement for trainees to secure both a school and mentor. Ideally, you will have this in place before the winter break in December.
Please note that securing a mentor and school is the responsibility of the trainee and not that of the University. With all four modules complete, you will graduate with a PGCE Education. You may however take up to three years to fully complete and graduate, should this be necessary.
Advice on how to find a placement
Advice to applicants seeking a placement (.pdf)
Observation of experienced teachers
Where possible, you should secure a reasonable number of teaching observations per week to support your work on the Subject Studies and Practice of Teaching modules. This can be in a school of your choice, and it is usually in the school where you will undertake your placement.
Before applying please note:
Ensure you read the information above about changes to the pre-course placement and mentor requirements during this period of Covid-19 for 2020/21.
Along with your application form, you should upload the following supplemental application documents (.pdf):
1. Postgraduate agreement form
2. Postgraduate school proposal form completed by the Head Teacher of your placement school where this has been agreed
3. Postgraduate mentor form completed by your Mentor where this has been agreed
You must also provide us with a copy of your degree certificate.
We accept the following as evidence of English Language:
Without all of the above documents, we will not be able to make you an offer on this course.
The annual fee for 2020/21 is £7,455.
A £1,000 deposit must be paid prior to the start of the course. This deposit is refundable up until the point of enrolment.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
This degree is ideal for teachers and other people working within international education institutions who want to quickly progress their careers. It will qualify you for more senior positions in teaching and educational management in international schools.
The knowledge and skills you develop will also transfer to many other sectors, particularly education policy and government.
Please note that this course does not award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which you would normally need to teach in a state-maintained school in England.
I loved networking with different teachers through the University’s discussion forums.
The best part of the course is the community, and being able to share ideas around the world
I believe the course has made me a more effective and confident educator
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