We offer a unique flexible Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales, and Eligibility to Teach in Northern Ireland; the programme has a strong emphasis on practical school-based training and is delivered in partnership with schools across the UK. In Scotland it is designated a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). We currently offer the PGCE in Mathematics, Science, Design & Technology, Modern Foreign Languages, Geography and Music; the PGDE is offered in Maths only.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
The Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the most popular route into a career in teaching at secondary level. In England, it leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) conferred by the Teaching Agency; in Wales it leads to QTS conferred by the GTCW; and in Northern Ireland to ‘Eligibility to Teach’ conferred by the GTCNI. The Open University offers a modular PGCE programme that allows flexible patterns of study over up to two years which will suit those whose circumstances prevent them from taking the traditional full-time course. Distance learning study of the theory of teaching and learning is integrated with its practical application during sustained periods of teaching in a partner school.
Working with partner schools, the OU provides a rigorous and rewarding route into the teaching profession. We aim to develop teachers who:
- demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and teaching skills required for entry to the profession
- think critically about the teaching and learning process, recognising the contribution they and others can make to pupil, department and whole-school success
- seek to develop the learning potential and achievement of all pupils
- use the full range of opportunities to promote learning, working consciously to overcome any barriers that inhibit success
- seek evidence to inform their judgements and improve their own practice, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
- share a commitment to professional attributes.
Further information and registration
If you would like more information about the course and how to apply, please contact the ITE Support Centre. Email: PGCE-Centre@open.ac.uk, or telephone (01908) 652564.
If you would like to order or download a PGCE prospectus and application pack, please follow this link.