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Accessibility statement
Teacher talking to students in a class
Study to become a teacher with The Open University in Wales, the only place to study either the part-time or salaried PGCE routes. Combine online learning with practical in-school experience over a two-year qualification, allowing you to balance study alongside your job or other life commitments.
Take your unique journey into teaching with the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at The Open University in Wales. With our innovative PGCE programme you will bring your skills, experience, and different perspectives to a career that will motivate and fulfil you.

Our two-year PGCE course will allow you to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for either primary or secondary school level and can be studied anywhere in Wales in either English or Welsh.

Our innovative PGCE programme blends supported online academic study with essential practical experience within schools.
There are two routes available:
If you’re already working in a school in a non-teaching role, the salaried route allows you to study to become a teacher alongside your existing duties. This means you can continue to work in your school and the costs of study are supported by a training grant from the Welsh Government. Even if you don’t work in a school but you are looking to become a teacher, you can still apply for the salaried route in secondary shortage subjects.
To find out more about this route visit our website.
Please note, if you’re looking to study to become an English teacher but don’t already have a secondary school willing to endorse you, we will not be able to accept your application for entry in the 2027/2028 academic year.
If you're a career changer, or have parental or caring responsibilities, then our part-time route could help you achieve a greater work-life balance whilst you train to become a teacher. You can balance your life commitments alongside studying and part-time practical teaching experience in a school. We currently offer the following age phases or subjects:
To find out more about this route visit our website.
Support is available at every step of your journey, from application to graduation. Your university-based learning and teaching will be via the virtual learning environment, and you will be supported by a Curriculum Tutor who’ll be a specialist in your chosen field. During school-based practice learning, you will be supported by a mentor and school coordinator who’ll provide support and practical advice on your journey into teaching.
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Hear how Emma went from Learning Support Assistant to Secondary Maths Teacher thanks to the salaried PGCE route.
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Watch our video to find out how you could become a teacher with The Open University in Wales.
Applications for our PGCE routes are now open and you can apply here. You can visit our website to find out more about the course and the entry requirements. We also encourage you to read our frequently asked questions which provide helpful guidance for prospective applicants.
You can book to attend a 10-minute session with our dedicated PGCE Wales Team, who are available to support you on your journey. Sessions take place every Tuesday between 16:00 -17:00 and are bookable via this link.
Michael at graduation event
I've always lived my life through Welsh, so teaching in Welsh is really important to me.