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PGCE Education (DL)
Students must apply via one of the following online application forms:-
Application deadline 22nd August 2025
Course starts: 01 September 2025Apply now
Qualify as a teacher from anywhere in the world with this International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course in Education. Gain a globally recognised qualification. Expand your career possibilities.
The PGCE Education Distance Learning (DL) degree at the University of Sunderland is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. This International Initial Teacher Training 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 and secondary 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 via distance learning.
Two of the modules are research-based and at master's 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.
The PGCE Education (DL) degree is split into two semesters and has four core modules. There are two theory and practice of teaching modules, and two master's modules, which include a case study module and an action research 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 that you have secured a placement at, or are 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.
Researching the various types of teacher training qualifications can be a struggle, so what really is the difference between PGCE and QTS, and which is the most suitable for you? We’re giving you a breakdown of each of these qualifications to help you make an informed decision when choosing your teacher training course.
Read more about the differences between PGCE and QTS
Online distance learning is a flexible way of taking a course without the need to attend traditional lectures at a college or university, with all of the course material being delivered online. Distance learners studying with the University of Sunderland benefit from lectures and support delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment, which is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Learn more about distance learning
Are you thinking about postgraduate study but not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are our top reasons to study a postgraduate degree.
Here's why you should study a postgraduate degree
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| a bachelor's degree |
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
We 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).
The PGCE Education (DL) course has two teaching placement blocks, one each semester. For many, these blocks will be conducted within your school of employment – though other trainees may need to find schools that will take them as volunteers. Please note that teaching in Language Centres, Learning Centres, or similar cannot be used to complete this course; teaching must take place in an international school, state school, or similar that follows a recognised curriculum.
This course requires teaching in either a primary or secondary school. If you wish to teach in early years (kindergarten), you'll need to apply for the PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) course.
It's a requirement of the course that all teaching placement hours use English as the language of instruction to deliver whole-class teaching (not small groups, interventions, or one-to-one support).
The first block requires trainees to teach 11 hours per week for six weeks (66 hours in total) with the second block requiring trainees to teach 14 hours per week for six weeks (84 hours in total). You'll therefore need to source placements that allow you to teach 150 hours across both blocks. You'll also need to ensure that an appropriately qualified mentor is available in your placement school.
We require all trainees to ensure that their placement blocks are in alignment with the calendar for the year. For September intakes, the first placement block will usually take place in October to December with the second window usually between February to April. For February intakes, this is usually April to June and September to November.
Trainees can be made a conditional offer without a placement and mentor in place, but you'll need to provide details of your placement/s and mentor before you can formally take up an offer and begin the course.
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'll graduate with a PGCE. You may, however, take up to three years to fully complete and graduate, should this be necessary.
Advice to applicants seeking a placement (.pdf)
PGCE Education (Distance Learning) FAQs
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's usually in the school where you'll undertake your placement.
As part of your online application, you'll be asked to confirm you agree to the teaching requirements of the course.
You'll be asked to confirm contact details for your placement school, placement school head teacher and placement school mentor. Please note that, as indicated above, conditional offers to join the course will still be made if these details aren't available – though they must be in place before you can formally take a place on the course.
You must also provide us with a copy of your degree certificate. Please provide both original and English translation (if applicable). If your degree was awarded by a UK University, you'll be exempt from providing proof of English.
We accept the following as evidence of English language:
Without the above documents, we'll be unable to make you an offer on this course.
2025/26 fees:
The annual fee is £8,103.
A £250 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 distance learning degree in Education 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 on the PGCE Education course 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.
Since studying on this course, I have taken some fantastic strides in my career.
You're in safe hands with the tutors and they're very passionate about supporting you.
The University is very open to feedback and that alone speaks volumes about how much they care.
I would definitely recommend this course to any new or experienced teachers.
It was the best decision I could have made for my future career in teaching!
I enjoyed the feeling of inclusion and citizenship amongst my peers, lecturers, and the University
My journey has been a highly rewarding experience that has shaped me well for my future career.
Each day on the course gives me the tools to become a better teacher.
The reflective nature of the course has meant that I’ve been able to refine my teaching strategies.
I can feel the difference in my confidence levels as I teach pupils.
I believe the course has made me a more effective and confident educator.
Studying at the University of Sunderland has undoubtedly been the highlight of my teaching career.
