PGCE stands for Post-Graduate Certificate in Education; it's one of the UK's most common teacher training qualifications. However, it differs from QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), the necessary certification for teaching in our country. Teacher training programmes may offer PGCE courses alongside QTS certification, so it's to future teachers' benefit to understand what the PGCE offers. This article covers PGCE course structures, programme eligibility requirements, costs/funding, and more.
1️⃣ PGCE stands for Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.
2️⃣ It is a post-graduate study programme that takes a year to complete (full-time).
3️⃣ PGCE programmes typically include QTS certification.
4️⃣ One may pursue a PGCE without QTS outcomes to take an academic research pathway.
5️⃣ Common PGCE categories include primary, secondary, and higher education.
6️⃣ Teacher training and classroom preparation are these programmes' main goals.
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What Does PGCE Stand For: Are PGCE and QTS the Same Thing?
The distinction between these two qualifications seems to provoke a lot of confusion. It doesn't help that they're often mentioned in the same breath and roughly describe teaching qualifications. Our first order of business is to set this record straight.
PGCE definition
An academic qualification that may aid in reaching QTS.
QTS definition
The essential qualification for teaching in UK state schools.
Some teacher training courses, such as School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), may offer PGCE, but not all do. Conversely, some PGCE courses include QTS, but not all of them. In all cases, QTS is the necessary qualification to teach in UK state schools.
This acronym represents two different certifications:
1️⃣ Post-graduate certificate in education, which promotes classroom teaching.
2️⃣ Professional graduate certificate in education, typically a Level 6 undergraduate qualification that may lead to QTS.
If your career goals include teaching at the primary or secondary levels, searching for training programmes that result in QTS is your first priority. Access to a QTS + PGCE programme delivers extra benefits, but it's not strictly necessary to begin your teaching career1, as this table demonstrates.
| 😃 Initiative | 🔎 What it represents | 🙋♂️ Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| PGCE | An academic teacher training qualification. | Reflects postgraduate-level study and pedagogical training. Ideal if you plan to teach abroad. |
| QTS | The necessary certification to teach in state schools. | Required for many teaching roles in state schools in England |
| PGCE + QTS | A combination of both qualifications. | A common pathway to primary and secondary teaching. |
| QTS only | Legal teaching status in England; PGCE is not required | May suit trainees who do not need or want the academic award. |
Who Is a PGCE Qualification For?
Is more truly better, or is less actually more? As the table above states, a PGCE qualification isn't necessary to teach in England. So, who might actually need or benefit from one?
In all cases, a PGCE is useful to anyone looking for structured academic and practical training. We might consider it a transitional period between our academic careers and beginning our professional lives. It allows us to ease into teaching, rather than jumping in immediately right after graduation.
What Can I Do With A PGCE?
If you're considering teaching abroad in an international school, your PGCE paves the way toward that goal2. Commonwealth countries recognise PGCE as a masters-level degree, as do select countries across Europe, Asia, Oceana, and North America.
Most people associate PGCE with teaching and, indeed, that is this qualification's main purpose. However, it affords holders non-educational roles, as well, for example:
- social work
- counselling
- museum education
- community education
- educational psychology
- educational leadership
- curriculum design
- educational technology (EdTech)
- career adviser
- school guidance counsellor
PGCE Teacher Training: What Types Are Available?
Like all avenues into the teaching profession, PGCE education takes distinct routes and offers more than one focus. The ideal strategy is to know where the divisions are, what those distinctions represent, and which one suits your temperament, goals, and needs the best.
- targeted at Key Stage 1-2 education
- may include specialisms such as maths, PE or early years
- subject-specific teacher training
- typically requires a degree in that subject
- targeted at Key Stage 3-4 education
- ideal for adult education
- focus on academic or vocational subjects
- suitable for sixth form, colleges, and job training providers
Nothing recommends one programme type over the other; the choice relies on your skills and teaching aspirations. While PGCE Primary doesn't generally require subject-specific knowledge, the two higher-level plans do. Should you lack specific-subject certification, you may take subject enhancement courses to attain them, typically at no cost3.
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PGCE Course: Structure and Flow
According to Oxbridge4, academic burnout is a persistent challenge for UK university students. It's no wonder that they might be reluctant to take on additional studies, especially if they don't know what to expect from those courses. This chapter aims to help you plan your timeline through your PGCE course.
Step 1
Investigate PGCE offerings for the one that suits you best.
Talk with advisers and campus counsellors.
Step 2
Apply for your course.
Platforms: UCAS or DfE Apply for Teacher Training.
Step 3
Interview and submit to background checks.
You may ask for a preferred school placement at this time.
Step 4
First school placement
This will be your 'home' school, where you'll spend most of your non-academic time.
Step 5
Second school placement
Typically a contrasting teaching experience, such as a different age group/key stage, SEND, or a different subject (per subject knowledge).
Step 6
Final assessment
Pass/fail structure, based on submitted coursework, teacher evaluations, attendance records and evidence portfolios.
Upon successful programme completion, you will receive your PGCE certification, as well as QTS, if your programme includes it.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a PGCE?
Earning your PGCE takes one year of full-time participation. You may opt for part-time study, which will extend your programme to two years. Some providers offer online PGCE study while others make hybrid courses available, but the timeframes remain the same.
The application process typically takes one year from application to start of programme. Platforms accept applications in October for a programme starting the following year, in September. You should have your personal statement and two references ready before you access the application platform.
PGCE Entry Requirements
Access to PGCE teacher training does not solely rely on your academic record. During your course interview, programme administrators will gauge your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, your ability to communicate, and personal qualities such as resilience and engagement.
You can find a full list of desirable qualities, along with the list of concrete skills and other useful information on the UCAS webpage. Here, we take you through the nuts and bolts of entry, from academic requirements to background checks.
📜 You must have a 2:2 undergraduate degree.
➗ Required: GCSEs in English and Maths 4/C or higher.
🔬 For PGCE primary, you should also have GCSE Science.
👨🔬 For PGCE secondary, you must have a speciality subject.
Background and Safeguarding Checks
Your interview will likely focus on subject knowledge, but safeguarding is an equally important interview aspect. The UK has an extensive safeguarding legal framework5 which states that anyone working with/around children (or vulnerable adults) must be properly vetted and trained.
So, you should expect a comprehensive review of your background and legal status. These are the steps you can expect.
Depending on your provider, you may also need a Childcare Disqualification Declaration, a self-declaration some schools require. You may also need to surrender your social media information for authorities to evaluate your online presence for suitability to teach.
Should you interrupt your training for longer than six months, you may have to undergo security checks once again before regaining your place.
Choosing Your PGCE Qualification Course
Though the university route is often touted as the preferred path towards a PGCE qualification, one may also undertake a teaching apprenticeship. Some such programmes result in PGCE + QTS certification; they're ideal for future teachers who need to start earning today. Whichever your preferred route, these are the aspects to think about before settling on a PGCE programme.
| 🤔 Aspect | 🕵️♀️ What to look for | 🤩 Why it matters | 👆 Best practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QTS certification | Programmes | QTS is essential to teach in England; it must accompany your PGCE if you plan to teach. If you're aiming for a career in research, this aspect doesn't matter. | Determine whether you will teach or conduct research. |
| The age phase | EYTS for ages birth to 5 years old. PGCE primary for age groups 5-11 PGCE secondary for age groups 11-18 PGCE further education: for college, vo-tech, and adult education. | Each phase represents different requirements | Examine your qualifications to determine which phase matches your documented abilities. Consider taking supplemental subject courses, if needed. Consider your goals and preferences. |
| University-led vs. School led | tuition and funding; programme offerings. Salary or funded? | Provides an academic training structure. More time spent gaining practical experience. | Consider your financial situation and whether you can accommodate another year of academic learning. Also, weigh the value of practical experience against your career needs and goals. |
| Placement location | Closest to your main centre of activity or presence - home, school, where you plan to settle, etc. | This will impact your commute time/costs. It also impacts school partnerships and the degree of support you may benefit from. | Reflect on your personal and professional goals and needs. |
| Support, outcomes and reputation | The degree of mentoring and support you'll receive. The school's ranking and community standing. | You mental and physical health could be negatively impacted if you work in a bad situation. | Research the programme and schools you're considering signing up for. Speak with a counsellor/adviser about any questions you may have. |
PGCE Costs and Funding
Teaching apprenticeships are fully funded, salaried positions, thanks to the government's Growth and Skills Levy. Conversely, going the university route comes with a price tag.
Full-time study
Part-time study
Programme participants have access to a range of funding options, including scholarships and bursaries which you do not repay. Should you not receive either of those, you may apply for student tuition and maintenance loans. The first will pay your school fees directly to your university; the second helps cover your living expenses while you study.
These funds are typically reserved for PGCE secondary studies, especially in critical subjects.
Maths, physics, engineering and communications technology are subjects that England suffers a critical shortage of teachers for. If such a subject is your specialism, you stand a greater chance of a bursary award.
Note the qualifiers: 'typically', 'generally', and others. They're in place because firm funding rules do not exist, other than for teaching apprenticeships and other salaried teacher training routes.
Otherwise, funding for teacher training depends on the training programme, the subject you study, and your school's location. Be sure to verify your funding options before you decide your teacher training pathway.
References
- Bingham, Lottie. “PGCE Vs QTS: What’s the Difference?” Demo Blog Title, 15 Dec. 2025, www.unitedteaching.org.uk/articles/details/pgce-and-qts-whats-the-difference. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
- John. “Do I Need a PGCE to Teach Abroad? – IPGCE @ UWE.” Ipgce.Com, 2026, www.ipgce.com/do-i-need-a-pgce-to-teach-abroad/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
- Sheffield Hallam University. “PGCE | Sheffield Hallam University.” Shu.Ac.Uk, 2026, www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/options/teach/pgce. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
- Oxbridge Essays. “Oxbridge Essays.” Oxbridge Essays, 20 Jan. 2026, www.oxbridgeessays.com/blog/academic-burnout-prevent-overcome-student/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
- Blane, Paul. “UK Safeguarding Legislation Explained Clearly | CBAT.” Care Business Associate Training, 25 Apr. 2025, cbassociatetraining.co.uk/uk-safeguarding-legislations-explained/. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
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