Studying for a PGCE

PGCE courses are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most take one academic year to complete full time or up to two years part time.

In England, you need QTS to teach in most state-funded primary, secondary and special schools. While many teacher training courses award both QTS and a PGCE, you don't need a PGCE to become a qualified teacher.

The Scottish equivalent to a PGCE is the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

What is a PGCE?

A PGCE is a postgraduate course that combines substantial school placements with studying the theory behind teaching and learning. Most courses run from early September to July and take nine months to complete if studied full time. Some longer, part-time and distance learning options are available.

PGCE courses can be university-led or school-led, and most lead to QTS. A PGCE is widely recognised internationally, although requirements for teaching abroad vary by country. Scottish PGDE courses, and Welsh and Northern Irish PGCEs, are similar in structure to university-based programmes.

There is a shortage of teachers in some subjects, including maths and physics, while other programmes are more competitive, such as physical education. You should research this with the provider you're interested in and be prepared to look in other areas of the UK for places.

If your undergraduate degree doesn't link closely to the subject you intend to teach, you may be offered a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course as part of your application. This is taken before the PGCE, so you'd be studying for a little longer.

Should I do a PGCE?

Before committing, consider whether a PGCE aligns with your goals by answering the following questions:

• Do I want to combine hands-on classroom experience with academic study? PGCE courses balance school placements with university-based modules, giving you both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
• Am I ready for a full-time, intensive programme, or would a part-time course, over two years, suit me better? Consider whether your current commitments allow you to dedicate the necessary time and energy.
• Would I benefit from a formal postgraduate qualification alongside QTS? A PGCE can enhance career prospects, including roles in leadership, curriculum development, or teaching abroad.
• Do I meet, or am I willing to meet, the academic requirements? Most courses require an undergraduate degree and sometimes specific GCSEs in English and maths.
• Would I prefer a school or university-led route? Think about whether you thrive in a hands-on, practical environment or value the academic structure and research focus of a university setting.

Reflecting on these questions can help you decide whether a PGCE is the best step toward your teaching career.

What's the difference between school-led and university-led PGCEs?

In England, a PGCE may be led by a:

• higher education institution (HEI)
• school/charity/multi-academy trust (MAT)
• consortium of schools in partnership with the HEI, such as Teach First.

As a university-led PGCE trainee, you will have more opportunities for studying and reflecting on your progress, as well as spending valuable time with other trainee teachers. You'll usually pay tuition fees, although bursaries, scholarships and student finance may be available depending on your subject and circumstances.

If you'd like to be placed in a school from day one, school-led training may be the route for you. Some routes are salaried, while others require trainees to pay tuition fees. Salaried places are limited and tend to be highly competitive. School-led trainees are often integrated into the school community from the start, gaining practical classroom experience throughout their training. Discover how you can build your experience by gaining work experience in schools.

Both routes can lead to QTS, enabling you to apply for teaching roles in primary and secondary schools.

Is a PGCE a Masters?

A PGCE is a Level 7 qualification, awarding up to 60 credits at Masters level. However, it's not a full Masters degree, which requires 180 credits.

Upon completion of a PGCE, you'll graduate with a postgraduate certificate. If you'd like to gain a Masters in Education (MEd or MA in Education), it's usually possible for you to transfer the 60 credits from your PGCE towards this higher qualification.

Read all about Masters degrees.

Do I need a PGCE if I have a Masters?

No, but what you do need is QTS. If your Masters is in an unrelated subject or your Masters in Education didn't provide QTS, you'll need to gain this to be eligible to teach, and a PGCE is just one of the ways you can achieve this.

Are there different types of PGCEs?

• Early years - also known as lower primary and early childhood, these courses equip you to teach Foundation and KS1 pupils aged 0-5 or 3-7.
• Primary - prepares you to teach children aged 5-11. Programmes focus on the core curriculum, although some may allow you to specialise in a certain subject. This is the most popular PGCE and demand for places is high. Take a look at the role of a primary school teacher.
• Secondary - focuses on a particular subject and prepares you to teach children between the ages of 11 and 18. Read about being a secondary school teacher.
• Further/Adult education - if you want to teach in further education colleges or conduct adult education classes, completing one of these PGCEs means you can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status rather than QTS.

To see what's available, search for a PGCE.

What does a PGCE involve?

Studying for a PGCE can be challenging as you'll balance lesson planning, teaching and marking with your academic studies and assignment deadlines.

Courses often start with an academic focus and usually cover:

• current educational issues
• managing classroom behaviour
• teaching and learning theory.

After the first few weeks, you'll spend up to two-thirds of your time on placement in schools, teaching in two different key stages. Your placements will help you to explore theory in practice. You'll be immersed in school life gradually, with an emphasis on research-informed and evidence-based teaching.

You'll also work towards meeting the professional standards, which determine whether you're recommended for QTS. Assessment is ongoing and progressive, developing the academic standards required for the PGCE and QTS. At the same time, you'll work through personalised development plans to ensure that you can target individual areas for improvement.

In this way, your academic performance and teacher development are closely linked. You will reflect, get feedback from others and be assessed against teaching standards as you progress through the PGCE.

What do you learn on a PGCE?

You'll study modules such as the:

• Professional teacher - Looking at key issues in teaching and learning, tailored to the context in which you're working. Sessions will often be lectures, seminars or workshops.
• Subject specialist - Building on your subject knowledge, this would be led by a specialist tutor with expertise in your chosen subject, both in university and in your placement, and supported by a mentor. You may study and evaluate key theories and policies, analyse and model best practice, and develop the skills to teach the subject. This will be further developed in your placement with your school mentor.
• Reflective teacher - Examining what you're teaching in the classroom, thinking about why you do it, and reflecting on what works. This includes tutorials, group work and peer support to develop your practical experience.
• Research-informed teacher - Learning from and participating in research linked to your specialism and teaching.

How is a PGCE assessed?

PGCE courses are designed to combine practical teaching experience with academic study, so assessment usually happens across both areas.

School-based assessments (practical professional skills)

• Teaching placements - You'll spend several weeks in schools, gradually taking responsibility for planning, teaching, and assessing lessons.
• Observations and feedback - Experienced teachers and mentors observe your teaching and provide feedback on your classroom practice.
• Professional development files/portfolios - You may compile evidence of lesson planning, assessment of pupils, reflections, and professional progress.
• Meeting Teachers' Standards - To achieve QTS, you must demonstrate competence against the statutory Teachers' Standards, which cover planning, teaching, assessment, behaviour management, and professional conduct.

Academic assessments (university-based)

• Assignments and essays - These usually relate to pedagogy, curriculum knowledge, inclusion, or educational research.
• Projects and case studies - You may be asked to analyse teaching approaches, assessment strategies, or classroom interventions.
• Presentations or reflective reports - Demonstrating critical reflection on your own teaching practice and professional development.

What's the difference between a PGCE and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)?

PGDEs in England are similar to PGCEs, with the main difference being the number of credits they offer. Despite sharing the same acronym, they shouldn't be confused with the Scottish Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Like PGCEs, PGDEs are also Level 7 qualifications and take the same length of time to complete, but they're worth 120 credits, double that of PGCEs. If you'd like to convert a PGDE into a Masters (180 credits) later, you’ll have fewer credits to make up than if you study a PGCE.

The PGDE course structure is similar to that of the PGCE, but the increased number of credits means that you’ll spend more time on academic study than practical teaching work.

Another thing to be aware of is that more universities offer PGCEs than PGDEs.

Do I need a PGCE to teach?

You only need QTS to teach in England. The PGCE is an academic qualification that many teacher training providers offer alongside QTS.

A PGCE can be beneficial if you're considering teaching in Scotland or overseas, as it's an internationally recognised academic qualification. However, teaching requirements vary between countries and employers. It's possible to gain a qualification such as a PGCert with PGCE if you have QTS and want to gain Masters credits and a university qualification. Find out more about the routes into teaching.

Be aware that not all courses award QTS - the further education PGCE, for example. Speak to your training provider if you're unsure about whether your programme awards QTS.

What are the entry requirements for a PGCE course?

Some course providers may have specific eligibility criteria, but in general, you must have:

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent. For primary teaching, a degree in a national curriculum subject is useful. For secondary teaching, your degree should be in, or closely related to, the subject you're applying to teach.
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths (a B in Wales).
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject to teach pupils aged 5-11 (primary).
• An IELTS with an average score of 6.0 if English is not your first language and you don't have a GCSE grade C/4 in English.

Plus, non-academic requirements of:

• a declaration of convictions through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

There are some variations and exceptions to these entry criteria, so check with each institution you're applying to.

Applicants with a degree in a subject not included in the national curriculum, such as marketing or education, can apply for early years, primary and post-compulsory teaching.

If you have A-levels in a shortage secondary subject, such as maths, and your degree included a large mathematical element, you may be able to do an SKE course and go on to train as a maths teacher.

Some courses are very competitive, so it's a good idea to apply early and get school experience.

How much does a PGCE cost?

The standard tuition fee for UK students in 2026/27 is £9,790, while international students pay an average of £15,000, although overseas fees vary widely and can reach £36,000.

Universities may offer special reductions for alumni, so check with individual providers.

Additional costs include:

• travel to and from placement schools (often unpaid)
• materials, books, possibly enhanced DBS checks or professional memberships
• living costs (accommodation, food, transport) while training.

Most trainees find they have limited time for part-time work, especially while on placement. International students are advised to check their visa restrictions on working.

There are three main ways to fund teacher training:

• tax-free bursaries and scholarships are available, with amounts varying depending on the subject studied
• tuition fee and maintenance loans are available to help pay tuition fees for unsalaried teacher training routes
• additional financial support is available if you have children or a disability.

Depending on your circumstances, you could receive all of them. For more information, see funding teacher training.

Do PGCE trainee teachers get paid?

This depends on the route you take and the provider you train with.

University-led PGCEs are unsalaried and you’ll have to pay tuition fees. PGCE Primary programmes are not eligible for scholarships or bursaries but you can get undergraduate tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance.

Some school-led teacher training programmes are salaried, such as:

• postgraduate teaching apprenticeships
• School Direct
• Teach First.

You'll likely earn an unqualified teacher wage while you train and you won't have to pay tuition fees for your programme. The amount you earn depends on the school you work in. On average, unqualified teacher salaries fall between £23,731 and £36,493 (England excluding London). Some salaried courses include a PGCE, while others award QTS only, so check with the provider. If you’re on a salaried teacher training course, you’re not eligible for Student Finance, scholarships or bursaries.

Discover how much teachers get paid.

Will a PGCE or PGDE guarantee me a teaching job?

The Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland offers a guaranteed one-year training post to every eligible student graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland's universities. This is not the case across all the UK.

A PGCE is a well-recognised and valued qualification and normally includes QTS (although not all courses do), but this doesn't mean that you'll automatically be employed when you graduate.

Traditionally, graduates quickly find their first teaching job. The placements completed as part of your course, along with any additional school experience, will stand you in good stead. If your school placements go well and the school has a vacancy when you graduate, you may well be offered a job.

Teacher recruitment challenges continue in several secondary subjects, meaning trainees with qualifications in the following areas are often in high demand:

• biology
• chemistry
• computing
• design and technology
• geography
• languages
• maths
• physics.

To learn more, see how to become a teacher.

How do I find a PGCE?

You should attend university open days and meet course tutors to make sure you get answers to all your questions. Consider asking:

• How much does the course cost?
• Does the course include a PGCE, as for many overseas teaching roles, you'll need a university or college teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE)?
• Does the qualification lead to QTS?
• How much school experience do you get?
• Are there grants/loans/bursaries available?
• What is the school's Ofsted rating?
• What is the employment record after graduation?
• What is the institution's reputation and department ranking?
• How much access do students have to tutors?
• How many lectures and tutorials are there per week?
• How many days a week do you need to be on campus?

To find out what's on offer and which institutions match your requirements, search PGCEs.

When do applications open?

PGCE applications in England are normally made through the Department for Education's (DfE) Apply for teacher training service. Courses in Wales and Scottish PGDE applications are made through the UCAS undergraduate system in the autumn for courses starting in September the following year.

Applications can be made throughout the academic year. However, providers can close applications after at least two weeks if they have sufficient high-quality applicants. They may open again later in the year but you're strongly advised to apply early for more popular courses.

In Northern Ireland, applications for PGCEs are made directly to the institution.

For more information, see applying for teacher training.

Where can I get more advice on PGCE courses?

• Alumni - ask them what it was like to study at a particular university.
• Careers service - advisers can explore your options, help you decide which course is best for you and assist your application.
• Current students - they'll tell you how much work is involved, and recommend books and other resources.
• Open days and fairs - you can meet representatives from numerous universities, speak to tutors and explore the campus. Take a look at upcoming open days and events.
• Tutors - discover more about the course content and how your career goals match up.

Find out more

• Get the lowdown on the teacher training and education sector