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Course starts: 01 September 2025Apply now
Enrol on our PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree and qualify as an Early Years Teacher from anywhere in the world. This International Initial Teacher Training distance learning course allows you to develop an expertise working with young children. Expand your career possibilities.
The PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree is ideal for people living outside of the UK who already work, or have the desire to work, with children aged 0-5.
If you want to develop a specialism or further enhance your professionalism in teaching young children up to the age of five, then this International Initial Teacher Training course is for you.
This PGCE Early Years Teaching course is aimed at professionals and practitioners who will engage in an intensive one year distance learning programme to acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills with regard to working with children and families in the international early years context. Our course is distinctive in that it offers a highly flexible mode of learning, with teaching and assessment delivered entirely via distance learning using our university VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), without ever having to come to the UK.
Studying for the PGCE Early Years Teaching (DL) degree means you can learn from anywhere in the world that has internet access, as learning materials will be e-books, online journal papers and other online resources. There will be online discussion forums where you can debate current issues relevant to the module content.
All academic assignments are marked online (with online feedback). Teaching practices are monitored continuously by your Personal Academic Tutor and you will upload documentation and evidence weekly for feedback. Your progress will be assessed with written assignments and observed teaching.
This PGCE Early Years Teaching course has four modules of applied theory (60 credits at undergraduate level and 60 credits at master's level) which are spread out over the academic year. The four modules of applied theory allow you to examine the context of young children’s learning and development. You will also explore how to assess development and learning, how to construct a curriculum, and how to lead Early Years provision.
Additionally, and concurrently, you will undertake two teaching experiences in an early years setting of your choice – either at your own workplace or with an employer who is willing to provide you with a placement and mentor.
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 usually require applicants to hold an honours degree or equivalent.
You must be able to undertake two teaching experiences as part of this course. This can be a setting where you already work or another Early Years setting.
If you're not currently employed as a teacher and will be seeking a placement school, please read our advice to applicants seeking a placement (.pdf) and FAQs before applying.
Along with your application form, you must upload the following documents:
1. Supplemental Application Documents (.pdf)
2. A copy of your degree certificate.
3. If English isn't your first language, you need to send proof of IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5, with 6.5 in writing, and no less than 6 in Reading and Speaking and Listening.
Without these documents, we'll be unable to offer you a place on the 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.
The PGCE Early Years Teaching degree is ideal for teachers and other people working with children aged 0-5. It has the potential to qualify you for a range of positions in teaching and learning and educational management, in schools and educational institutions around the world.
The theory and practical elements of the course will help you gain greater satisfaction from your involvement in early years. With up to date knowledge and expertise in child development, early years curriculum and pedagogy you will be in a strong position to make effective applications for jobs as an early years teacher and promoted posts.
Please note that this course does not award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), which you need to teach in any state-maintained school in England or Wales.
From our previous cohorts, successful graduates have moved to enhanced job roles, both within and out of their existing workplace settings. Successful graduates from this course have used their master's level credits to gain entry to and accelerate their progress on master's degrees both at the University of Sunderland and other international universities.
The online learning for distance learning students is well-designed and the support was exceptional.
Studying at Sunderland has been extremely rewarding and has reignited my passion for studying.
The University of Sunderland empowered me with the right tools to become a teacher.
My favourite aspect of this course has been the amazing interaction between students and academics.
Sunderland offers a distance learning course that doesn't compromise on quality.
