Online PGCE with QTS

Online postgraduate courses are becoming increasingly popular as they give students flexibility to study around their day-to-day lives and result in an equally valid qualification as a masters degree that is studied onsite.

However, what about studying a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) online? Is it possible to train to become a teacher without experiencing studying in a classroom? And what about the QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) element of a PGCE? QTS is a legal requirement that is necessary to gain in order to teach in many schools in England – and is considered desirable for teachers in the majority of English schools.

When is having QTS a legal requirement?

All English maintained schools require teachers to have QTS – these are state-funded schools in England including community schools, foundation schools, voluntary-aided schools and non-maintained special schools.

What schools in England are exempt from QTS?

Within the English state school system, the types of school where having QTS is not a legal requirement are: academy schools and free schools. Outside of the state sector, private schools and independent schools can employ teachers without QTS.

In this article we are going to look at the provisions of Online PGCE courses with QTS.

Find your Perfect Postgrad Program

UK universities that offer Online PGCE with QTS

Online PGCE with QTS Several UK universities and teacher training providers offer online or blended-learning PGCE programs, providing students with flexible learning opportunities without disrupting their daily life, work or family commitments too much. In this instance the academic study will take place online – eg, the theory of teaching, curriculum knowledge, principles of classroom management, education psychology, etc. The university or teacher training provider will then usually require the student to undertake onsite school teaching placements.

Where can you study an Online PGCE with QTS?

Here are some details of some of the Online PGCE courses with QTS available to study at UK universities.

University of Sunderland – PGCE iQTS

Tuition fees: £9,535.
This is an internationally recognised PGCE course that provides the student with Qualified Teacher Status in England and Wales. It combines teaching theory with practice. It is a 36-week full-time course which must be taken in an international setting. The PGCE iQTS at the University of Sunderland comprises two taught modules and two teaching practice and theory modules of 120 days, including a 20-day secondary school placement.

UWE Bristol – Online PGCE Primary (School-based) with QTS

Tuition fees: £9,975.
UWE Bristol offers an Online PGCE Primary (School-based) with QTS course that can be studied full time over one year or part time over two years. On this PGCE program, all the teaching theory is done online, and to supplement this, students are required to spend 120 days in a classroom setting. To qualify for QTS, students will need to spend at least 50% of their placement time in an English school.

Coventry University – PGCE with QTS (Employed Route)

Tuition fees: £6,500.
Coventry University offers a PGCE that combines work-based learning with online study. This course can be studied over one year full time or two years part time and enables trainee teachers to gain QTS while in employment in schools in England. All the academic learning takes place online, with students supported by experienced university mentors. The modules of study are Behaviour and Classroom Management; Curriculum Delivery and Assessment; Development of Teaching; and Practical Teaching Practice.

University of Warwick – PGCE with iQTS

Tuition fees: £7,250.
This is a one-year teaching course at the University of Warwick is designed for students who want to train for their teaching outside of mainland England, enabling them to gain International Qualified Teacher Status. It combines theory and practice of teaching via a blended learning program of online and school-based learning. It is a UK government-backed and approved professional qualification that is suitable for UK and non-UK citizens and teachers without QTS who wish to improve their employability in the UK.

At-a-glance comparison of Online PGCE with QTS providers

Here is a table illustrating some of the different Online PGCE with QTS options at UK universities.

	Course	Study Mode	Placement Details	Tuition Fees
University of Sunderland	PGCE with iQTS	Online with a placement	20 days at secondary school	£9,535
UWE Bristol	Online PGCE Primary (School-Based) with QTS	Online while working in school setting	120 days, 50% in English setting	£9,975
Coventry University	PGCE with QTS (Employed Route)	Online while working in English school setting	Work in English school setting	£6,500
University of Warwick	PGCE with iQTS	Online with school-based learning	Work in overseas or English school setting	£7,250

Who should study an Online PGCE with QTS?

An Online PGCE with QTS is an ideal postgraduate course for anyone who wants to advance in a teaching career in the UK, including:

Those who want to change their careers whilst continuing to work and earn money.
Teaching assistants who want to progress their career in teaching while continuing with their work as TAs.
Overseas teachers or related professionals who want to work as teachers in a UK school.
Students who need the flexibility of online or blended learning