What Is a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a course in the UK that helps graduates become teachers. It mixes university study with time spent in schools. This way, you learn how to teach and also get real experience in classrooms.

Some PGCE courses include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which means you can teach in state schools in England and Wales. Others focus more on teaching theory and do not include QTS.

Most PGCE courses take one year if you study full-time or two years if you study part-time. Many universities and teacher training providers across the UK offer this course. It is a popular way to start a teaching career and learn how to plan lessons, manage classes, and support pupils every day.

What Does PGCE Mean?

PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education. It’s a special course that helps people become qualified teachers. You study how to teach and also spend time working in real schools.

During the course, you learn about teaching methods, assessment, safeguarding, and inclusion. These topics help you understand how to support every child in your class. You also learn how to make lessons fun, fair, and safe for everyone. What makes the PGCE so special is that it’s not just about books or lectures. You also spend a lot of time in schools, teaching real students. This hands-on experience helps you grow in confidence and turn what you’ve learned into real teaching skills. It can feel challenging at times, but it’s also very rewarding. By the end, you don’t just earn a qualification — you gain the tools to inspire young minds every day.

What Does a PGCE Involve?

A PGCE helps you learn how to teach in a real classroom. It mixes study and school work, so you get both knowledge and experience.

You learn how to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and understand child development. You also learn how to check students’ progress through assessment and how to follow the school curriculum.

Another important part is safeguarding. This means keeping children safe and knowing what to do if they need help. You will also spend about 24 weeks in schools. During this time, you work with real teachers and students. You will try teaching, plan lessons, and learn how to handle real situations. The course can feel busy, but it is exciting too. You grow in skill and confidence each week. By the end, you will know how to teach well and make a real difference in students’ lives.

Who Can Apply for a PGCE?

To become a teacher, there are a few key requirements. A bachelor’s degree in any subject is needed, along with GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in English and maths. For primary school teaching, a GCSE in science is also required.

Before starting, safeguarding and DBS checks must be completed. These make sure it is safe for you to work with children. It may sound like a lot, but these steps help schools see that you are ready to teach and care for students. Once everything is in place, you can begin your PGCE and take the first step toward becoming a teacher.

How Long Does a PGCE Take?

A PGCE does not take very long, but the time can change based on how you study.

Full-time PGCE: Usually takes one academic year. It is fast, but you learn a lot.
Part-time PGCE: Often takes two years. This is good if you have a job or family to care for.
Course length: May change a little depending on the university or training provider.

No matter which you choose, your PGCE will help you learn, teach, and gain real classroom experience. It can be busy, but it is a great step towards becoming a teacher.

What Types of PGCE Can You Study?

There are different types of PGCE courses. The best one for you depends on who you want to teach.

Primary PGCE: This is for teaching children aged 5 to 11. You learn how to teach all the main subjects like English, maths, and science.
Secondary PGCE: This is for teaching students aged 11 to 16 (sometimes up to 18). You focus on one subject, such as maths, English, or history.
Further Education PGCE or PGDE: This is for teaching older students, usually aged 16 and above, in colleges or training centres.

You can study a PGCE in different ways too:

University-led: You study at a university and spend time in schools.
School-led: You train mainly in a school and learn through real experience.
Apprenticeship route: You work, earn money, and train to teach at the same time.

Each type helps you become a good teacher. You just need to choose the one that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Do You Need a PGCE to Teach in the UK?

Many people wonder if they need a PGCE to teach in the UK. The answer is simple. To teach in most state schools in England, you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means you are officially trained and allowed to teach. A PGCE is not a legal requirement, but most people choose it because it usually includes QTS. So, you can get both at the same time.

Some schools, like academies and private schools, can hire teachers without a QTS. But most schools still prefer teachers who have it. So, while you don’t have to do a PGCE, it is one of the best and most trusted ways to become a teacher in the UK. It helps you learn well and feel ready for the classroom.

What’s the Difference Between a PGCE and QTS?

Many people get confused between a PGCE and a QTS. They sound alike, but they mean different things. Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education):

It is an academic qualification.
You learn about teaching methods and how children learn.
Many courses give Master’s level credits you can use later.
It focuses on the theory of teaching.

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status):

It is a professional licence to teach in most state schools in England.
It shows you have the skills and training to be a teacher.
You need QTS to work in most government schools.
It focuses on practical teaching ability.

Many PGCE courses give you both the PGCE and QTS together. However, always check the course details before you apply to make sure you get both.

Simply put: The PGCE gives you knowledge, and the QTS gives you the right to teach.

What Are the Benefits of a PGCE?

A PGCE offers many great benefits that help you start your teaching career with confidence. It gives you both knowledge and real experience in the classroom. Here are the main benefits:

UK and international recognition: A PGCE is respected across the UK and in many other countries. It helps you find teaching jobs almost anywhere in the world.
Structured, mentored placements: You get to train in real classrooms with the help of experienced teachers. They guide you, give feedback, and help you grow as a teacher.
Master’s level credits: Many PGCE courses give you credits toward a future Master’s degree. This means you can continue your studies more easily later on.
Stronger employability: A PGCE makes your CV stand out. Schools prefer teachers who have solid training and real classroom experience.

A PGCE helps you learn, grow, and build a strong future as a teacher — both in the UK and beyond.

Where Can You Study for a PGCE?

You can study for a PGCE in many places across the UK. You can choose the option that fits your life and the way you like to learn. Here are the main places:

Universities: Many universities offer PGCE courses. You learn in classes and also spend time in schools to get real teaching experience.
Teaching school hubs or partnerships: These are groups of schools that work together to train new teachers. You learn mostly in the classroom with help from experienced teachers.
Accredited providers: Some training organisations and school groups also offer PGCEs. This includes School Direct, Teach First, and PGDE courses.
Blended or flexible options: Some PGCEs mix online learning with school placements, which is helpful if you need more time or flexibility.

Each route helps you learn how to teach and build your skills. You just need to choose the one that feels right for you.

How Much Does a PGCE Cost?

The cost of a PGCE can change, but most courses in England charge up to £9,535 for the 2025/26 year. This is the home fee cap, and many universities and training providers set their fees close to this amount.

It may seem expensive, but there is good financial help for trainee teachers. You can get tax-free bursaries or scholarships depending on the subject you choose to teach.

Here are some examples for 2025/26:

£29,000 bursary for chemistry, computing, maths, and physics.
£26,000 bursary for biology, design and technology, geography, and languages.

These bursaries help cover your costs so you can focus on learning. You can also apply for student loans to help with fees and living expenses. So, while a PGCE can cost a lot, there are many ways to get support and make it more affordable.

What Happens After Completing a PGCE?

After you finish your PGCE, your teaching journey really begins. Most new teachers start as Early Career Teachers (ECTs) once they get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

As an ECT, you will teach real classes but still get support and guidance. You will have a mentor in your school who helps you plan lessons, manage students, and build confidence. You will also have regular meetings and observations so you can see what is going well and what to improve. The ECT period usually lasts two years. During this time, you continue learning through training sessions, workshops, and feedback. You also start to take more responsibility for your teaching and classroom management step by step.

By the end of your ECT years, you will feel more confident and ready to teach on your own. You will have built real experience, developed your skills, and be prepared to take on more challenging roles in your career. It’s an exciting and rewarding first step in becoming a professional teacher.

Final Thoughts: Is a PGCE Right for You?

A PGCE is a great choice if you want structured training, school placements, and a respected qualification. Most courses also give QTS, letting you teach in state schools. Check that the course matches your subject and age group, and look at 2025/26 bursaries to help with costs.

If you want flexibility, try the PGCE in Education Bundle Online Course from Training Tale, which offers online training and QTS preparation. It’s a challenging but exciting first step in your teaching career.

FAQs: What is a postgraduate certificate in education?

1. What Level Is a Postgraduate Certificate in Education?
A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is Level 7 in the UK education system. A Professional Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) is Level 6.

2. Is a Postgraduate Certificate a Good Qualification?
A Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is at the same level as a master’s degree but shorter. It’s perfect for people who want to boost their knowledge and career without doing a lot of academic research.

3. What Can I Do with a Postgraduate Certificate?
A Postgraduate Certificate can help you start a career in fields like teaching or law, or even switch to a new career.

4. What Is the 4-Year Rule for Teachers in the UK?
Overseas-trained teachers can teach in most English schools without a QTS for their first four years in the country.

5. What comes after a certificate?
A diploma is the next step after a certificate. It builds more skills in a specific field and usually costs more than a certificate but less than a degree.