Ever thought about teaching but didn’t know where to start? One of the most popular ways in the UK is doing a PGCE. So, PGCE – what does it stand for? It stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education. It’s a course for people who’ve already got a degree and now want to teach. You get the theory in the classroom and real practice in schools. A PGCE sets you up to teach in primary, secondary, or further education.
What is a PGCE?
A PGCE lets you study how to teach and then jump into real classrooms to try it out. That’s what makes it so useful—it’s not just books and lectures. It gives you a real taste of what teaching feels like. Most courses also include something called QTS. That stands for Qualified Teacher Status. You’ll need it if you want to work in most schools across England and Wales. Without QTS, getting hired in public schools gets a lot harder.
Types of PGCE
There’s more than one kind of PGCE, and each one matches a different teaching route. Knowing what’s out there helps you pick what’s right for you.
- Primary PGCE: This one’s for people who want to teach kids between 5 and 11. You’ll learn how to handle a class, teach all the main subjects, and keep things fun but focused.
- Secondary PGCE: This one’s for those who want to teach older students—ages 11 to 18. You’ll focus on a single subject, like Maths or History, and learn how to teach it in a way that keeps teens engaged.
- Further Education PGCE: Thinking about teaching college students or adults? This route is more for vocational courses or professional training. It’s less about kids and more about helping older learners.
- PGCE with QTS: Some courses include QTS, so you’re ready to teach right after. Others don’t, which might work better if you plan to teach outside the UK.
What Does a PGCE Involve?
- A PGCE is full-on. You’ll study how teaching works, then dive into the classroom to give it a go. Here’s what you’ll actually do:
- University sessions – You’ll learn how to plan lessons, keep students on track, and deal with different learning styles.
- School placements – You’ll spend time in real classrooms, working with real students, and getting feedback from mentors.
- Assessments – You’ll write assignments, get observed while teaching, and reflect on what you’re learning.
- Most people finish it in a year if they go full-time. If you need more time, you can stretch it to two years part-time.
What Level Is a PGCE?
A PGCE is a Level 7 qualification in the UK. That means it’s a postgraduate course. You can even count it toward a master’s degree. It gives you up to 60 credits, which is a solid start if you want to keep studying later.
What Skills Do You Need to Succeed in PGCE?
- Liking teaching is a good start—but to actually get through a PGCE, you’ll need the right mindset and some solid skills.
- Time management – You’ll have a ton going on—lesson planning, school placements, uni work. If you can’t manage your time, it gets messy fast.
- Resilience – Some days will test your patience. But you’ve got to keep showing up, even when everything feels off or overwhelming.
- Communication – You’ll be talking all day—whether it’s explaining stuff to students or working things out with staff and parents.
- Empathy – Every student is different. You need to understand where they’re coming from and meet them where they are.
- Flexibility – Lessons don’t always go the way you planned. You need to be able to switch things up on the fly.
How Much Does a PGCE Cost?
That depends on where you study and if you’re from the UK or abroad. Here’s a rough idea:
If you’re from the UK, you’ll probably pay around £9,250 a year.
If you’re an international student, it might cost you between £12,000 and £20,000.
Worried about the cost? There’s help available. You might be able to get:
- Student loans to cover tuition
- Bursaries or scholarships (especially if you’re teaching subjects like Maths or Science)
- Extra grants if you have specific needs
Do You Need a PGCE to Become a Teacher?
Not always. There are other ways to get into teaching. Here are a few:
- School Direct – You train while working in a school. It’s hands-on from day one.
- Teach First – You teach full-time while getting trained on the job.
- Assessment Only – If you already have experience, this lets you earn QTS without doing another full course.
Still, many people choose a PGCE because it gives structure, support, and solid training.
Key Takeaway
A PGCE is a course that helps you become a teacher. It mixes lessons at university with time in real classrooms. The vast majority of PGCE courses give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), something schools usually require of teachers. You can get qualified for teaching in various ways, but many still choose to get a PGCE. If teaching is your goal, this is a good pathway to start.
