PGCE Teacher Development

The qualification is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. It is a self-guided programme for your professional development that you will work with alongside a self-identified critical friend, and fellow students. Your professional development will be supplemented and supported by our high quality materials. Each module offers a structured learning experience with a coherent set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria to support you in your learning.

The coursework includes the requirement to undertake critical reflection and professional discussions with your colleagues. You will engage in online forums throughout your studies and enjoy the benefits of being part of a network of teachers developing a community of practice. You will choose someone to act as a critical friend/peer mentor to support you in your learning. They will do this by listening and discussing ideas in a reflective way. The critical friend will observe your professional practice with an objective eye and make notes to support discussions. A handbook will be provided so that the critical friend (who is not your line manager or principal) understands their role.

• Download details of the pedagogical approach, and the timetable of support.

 For students who reside within mainland China there is also the opportunity to undertake the programme. Please contact us to find out more.

Study materials

All essential resources, activities, videos, discussions and support are provided in the Virtual Learning Environment. This allows you to fit your studies around your working commitments. There is no need to purchase additional textbooks.

Throughout the programme, you will explore new areas of learning, reflecting on your own learning and teaching, and analyse and reflect on the experience of learning.

Online support 

When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources: 

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others. 
• The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.  

Senate House Library  

If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources. 

Student Support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.

You will have access to support through:

• The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Time commitment

The modules run from September to March and from March to September.

We expect participants to undertake one module per session, starting with ' Module 1: Thinking About Learning’.

Assessment

The assessment strategy supports you in developing theoretically informed reflection on your own teaching practice.

Assessment is through coursework, and there are no examinations.

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society

Academic leadership for this qualification is provided by the IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, a world-leading centre for research and teaching in education and social science.

Ranked number one for education worldwide in the QS World University Rankings since 2014, the IOE was also awarded the 2015 Queen’s Anniversary Prize. In 2014, the Institute secured ‘outstanding’ grades from Ofsted on every criterion for its initial teacher training, across primary, secondary and further education programmes. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment of university research, the IOE was top for ‘research power’ in education.

Programme team

The Programme Leader is Mrs Kim Insley, Associate Professor at the IOE. In addition to her work on the PGCE Teacher Development, Kim has been a primary classroom teacher, subject coordinator, PGCE and MA programme and module leader, consultant and adviser in primary and secondary education. Kim travels worldwide to support teacher education, working closely with teacher education providers in Armenia, Dubai, India, Jordan and Pakistan. She leads international teacher education strategies at the IOE and within her department is Programme lead for the MA Education (Advanced Practice) and the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Educational Practice.

Her research includes music education in primary schools focusing on the practice of the non-specialist class teacher, as well as mathematics teaching and learning, exploring access to learning for those who struggle to understand, and researching international professional development and teacher education.

What qualifications do you need?

For access to the PGCert Teacher Development qualification, you will usually meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate qualification or equivalent at FHEQ level 5 or above (appropriate qualification/subject approved by University of London and checked against NARIC for compatibility)
• Qualifications equivalent to an undergraduate degree will also meet the entry requirements; for example, Pearson Level 5 qualifications

or

• Cambridge International Examinations: Professional Development Qualification – Diploma (Level 5) which has been examined in English and studied between January 2015 and February 2017.

All applicants are expected to be working in a school or college setting in a teaching role (as a teacher, a teaching assistant or a volunteer). In that role, they would sometimes have responsibility for the whole class as appropriate. Applicants will normally have completed the equivalent of two years teaching before they commence study on the programme. Reference letters will be requested when your application is processed by the Admissions Office. Alternatively, you can upload signed letters of reference to your application when you apply.

English Language requirements

You must satisfy the English language requirements for the programme. You can fulfil the English language requirements for our undergraduate programmes with one of the awards or proficiency tests listed.

If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements but believe that you can demonstrate the requisite proficiency the University may, at its discretion, consider the application.

Internet Access and Computer requirements

You will require regular access to a computer (or mobile device*) with an internet connection in order to study the programme.

The computer should have at least the following minimum specification:

• a web browser with Cookies and JavaScript enabled (the latest version of Firefox or Chrome is recommended);
• a good internet connection;

 The computer should have the following applications installed:

• a word processor that accepts Microsoft Word formats (.doc and .docx);
• a pdf reader;

* Full mobile access to VLE resources is not available for all programmes.

More about computer requirements.

The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase. 

Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

The full fees can be found in the fee schedule. More about course fees.

Additional Costs

You will also need to budget for:

• Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year)
• Exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams
• Tuition costs if you study at a Recognised Teaching Centre.

Sales Tax

Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax.

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees. (If in doubt, please check with them before making a payment.)

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London award anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money.

You may find that your school is willing to fund your study. Sponsoring teachers on this programme will help schools to deliver on their plans to improve school performance, by supporting teachers developing their professional skills and supporting them in becoming reflective practitioners.

If you have a group of more than 15 teachers interested in doing this qualification contact us to find out about cohort groups.

More on funding your study

You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.

More on how to pay your fees

This qualification will prepare students who wish to go on to Master's level study in education.

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.

Note: This programme does not confer Qualified Teacher Status in the UK.

You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.

More on the University of London Careers Service

Tailored support for careers in the refugee and humanitarian fields is available through regular programme events, webinars and careers resources.