Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year programme of study for students who hold an undergraduate degree. The course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which enables students to become a teacher in maintained (state or local authority) schools. PGCE courses focus primarily on developing teaching skills, rather than knowledge of the subject that the candidate intends to teach. As such, candidates are expected to have a good understanding of their chosen subject - usually to degree level - before they start training.

PGCE courses are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK, although there are also opportunities to earn a PGCE via flexible distance learning. Candidates need a UK undergraduate degree (or a recognised equivalent qualification) to enrol on a PGCE course. The degree should relate to the subject that the candidate wants to teach; if they want to teach at primary level, then their degree should cover one of the core subjects of the national curriculum - if it doesn't, there are pre-training courses available to bring their subject knowledge and understanding up to a sufficient standard.

After completing the PGCE, the candidate can be recommended for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), after which they become a Newly-Qualified Teacher (NQT).