Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with iQTS (Secondary) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Postgraduate Certificate in Education International (PGCEi).
This one-year teaching course is a high-quality programme of professional education designed for candidates teaching outside of the UK, leading to International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) and master’s level credits. Our course aims to develop you into a highly reflective practitioner, able to adapt and respond to changes in settings and international educational contexts, and able to take responsibility for your ongoing professional development in preparation for future leadership.
*Course codes differ by subject and assessment method, please visit the Centre for Teacher Education websiteLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for more information.
Course overview
This one-year, 90-credit Post-Graduate course with iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status) is a teacher training course designed for students embarking on a teaching career internationally with a focus on combining theory and practice across all course aspects through a blended learning programme.
The course provides a well-integrated blend of online and school-based learning opportunities that develop a values-based and evidence-informed approach to classroom practice in an international school setting. With reference the iQTS Core Content Framework, and taking account of the local contexts in which a student is teaching, the course will provide an appropriate training experience for those teaching in secondary (11-18) age phase.
Trainees will be supported to understand the complexity of evidence and established views on effective learning in schools. Taught sessions and assessments will encourage critical engagement with evidence and the implications for personal teaching practice.
The Centre for Teacher Education is the University’s global-service provider for high quality teacher training and professional education. At its most recent inspection, the University of Warwick’s Centre for Teacher Education has been awarded “Outstanding” provider status by the British government standard (OFSTED).
The secondary iQTS programme is offered across the following subjects:
- PGCE iQTS Art & Design
- PGCE iQTS Biology
- PGCE iQTS Business & Economics
- PGCE iQTS Chemistry
- PGCE iQTS Computer Science
- PGCE iQTS English
- PGCE iQTS Humanities
- PGCE iQTS Mathematics
- PGCE iQTS Modern Languages
- PGCE iQTS Physical Education
- PGCE iQTS Physics
What is iQTS?
iQTS is a UK Government-backed international teaching qualification which will be recognised by the Department for Education as equivalent to English Qualified Teacher Status.
iQTS is suitable for candidates who wish to train to teach and qualify outside the UK, including:
- UK citizens currently working abroad who wish to start teacher training or develop their teaching career
- Non-UK citizens who wish to begin teacher training or build on existing teaching experience
- UK and non-UK teachers without QTS who wish to improve their employability in England and internationally with a UK government-backed and approved professional qualification
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
You must hold an approved Bachelor’s degree with Honours at 2:2 or above, (or) equivalent level.
At least Grace C or 4 in GCSE Maths.
English language requirements
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
This course requires the following:
- Band A
- Overall IELTS (Academic or UKVI) score of 6.5 and component scores.
Additional requirements
A self-sourced 120-day placement in an international school, which is confirmed by the school (your placement school will need to complete a 'Partnership Agreement' that confirms they have carried out the local safeguarding checks that they would perform for any other employee).
You will also be required to provide original documents or attested copies of all your qualifications to evidence that you meet the qualification entry requirements.
If you have ever lived or worked in the UK, you will be required to apply for an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC). Upon securing a conditional offer, you will be asked to provide evidence of this.
Core modules
Phase Studies (primary or secondary education) 30-credits
You will follow a programme of sessions related to your area of phase and expertise. These sessions are designed to heighten your awareness of the pedagogical approaches related to each subject/phase specialism. This will help you adopt a range of approaches and strategies to ensure your teaching is sufficiently diverse to challenge or support as appropriate in an international education setting.
You will engage critically and analytically with a range of theories and models which underpin effective teaching and learning. You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to be an effective teacher. You will understand the impact this has on pupil progress in their subjects, building towards a vision for outstanding learning and teaching in your area of expertise that will underpin your practice on teaching placements.
Professional Enquiry 30-credits
You will engage critically and analytically with a range of theories and models which underpin effective teaching and learning in international educational settings. You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to be an effective teacher and understand the impact this has on pupil progress in a range of international contexts.
You will also be introduced to skills and techniques to support your development as a reflective practitioner, gaining access to a wide variety of pedagogic styles and innovative methods for learning and teaching in international settings. Throughout the course, links between critical reflection and your subject specialisms will be emphasised, helping you to embrace the concept of a connected curriculum.
Professional Practice 30-credits
This component consists of a minimum 120-day teaching placement in your specialist phase teaching to groups of eight or more students. The placement will include regular meetings with your school mentor, as well as evaluations of professional practice through mentoring conversations on placement following lesson observations.
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this course.
Teaching
Regular tutorials and a flexible seminar programme ensure that you are treated as an individual from the outset and are supported to progress according to your ability, taking account of your professional and personal development needs.
Assessment
Phase Studies (primary or secondary education) 30-credits
Assessment will comprise of a summative 4000-word Master’s level assignment.
Professional Enquiry 30-credits
Assessment will comprise of a summative 4000-word Master’s level assignment.
Professional Practice 30-credits
There are two components for the assessment of this module both of which must be passed for the module to be completed.
- Reflections which detail your progress towards the iQTS Teachers’ Standards which are evidenced in the Professional Digital Portfolio (PDP) – equivalent to 3000 words (pass/fail)
- All practical teaching in the classroom must also be assessed against all the iQTS Teachers’ Standards (pass/fail) – this will either be assessed online or face to face depending on the route you choose.
More information can be found on our Frequently asked questions (FAQs)Link opens in a new window.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you when you join us.
Your career
Upon successfully completing one of our iQTS courses, you will gain 90 credits at Master’s level.
This allows you to fast-track to stage two of CTE’s Master’s degree, quickly progressing your professional development. You will also be recommended for iQTS.
Centre for Teacher Education (CTE)
Our vision and ambition for the Centre for Teacher Education (CTE) derives from a commitment to continue the long history of Teacher Education at the University of Warwick where generations of new teachers gain employment in our partner schools to improve the life chances of the children they teach. Our programmes are underpinned by our core values of social justice, intellectual curiosity and creativity.
Our commitment is to ensure we support and develop you as an Early Career Teacher and engage you as part of our alumni community. CTE’s Master's in Professional Education is aimed at practising teachers and school leaders and is designed to ensure the content aligns with an individual’s educational research interest. You will focus your research on an area of your own choice to ensure your studies and learning has real value and impact within your school context.
We pride ourselves on making a difference to our students. We place high-quality teaching and student support at the heart of what we do and recognise that our success is built on the strength of our partnership with our students and schools. Teaching is our top priority and our commitment to our students is paramount.
Learn more about us from our website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary (2-7 or 5-11)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary (11-18)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education International (PGCEi)
- Professional Education (MA)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with iQTS (Primary 3-7 & 5-11)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with iQTS (Secondary)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Education (PGCert)
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
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Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
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Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.