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Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

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Key Facts

  • Level

    PostgraduatePG

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 year

  • Starting

    January

Updated 13/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 13/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

The PGCEi (iQTS) is a high-quality professional education programme designed for educators teaching outside the UK, leading to International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) and Master’s level credits. This PGCEi (iQTS) course is for trainee teachers of primary education ages 5-11 years.

Having delivered Initial Teacher Training for over 50 years, the University of Northampton is known nationally for excellence in teacher training and research.  We have been offering postgraduate study in Thailand for over a decade, with many successful graduates working in international schools.

This course will develop you into versatile educators, equipping you to lead change in diverse global contexts. You will develop pedagogical skills alongside digital proficiency, meeting the iQTS Teachers’ Standards by the end of training. Emerging as an adaptable leader, you will navigate cultural nuances, societal frameworks, and leverage international perspectives to address today’s educational challenges through a holistic curriculum.

Highlights

  • iQTS is a UK Government-backed international teaching qualification which will be recognised by the Department for Education as equivalent to English Qualified Teacher Status; suitable for candidates who wish to train to teach and qualify outside the UK.
  • Supportive learning environment encompassing aspects of in-person training in Bangkok, live online sessions, and recorded asynchronous materials to facilitate independent learning.
  • Study pathway for primary age phase (5-11 years) to develop a global community of primary educators.
  • A Personal Academic Tutor who is your main contact throughout the course, supporting you both personally and academically.
  • UON trained mentor based in the school where you are training working alongside a UON-based Moderation Tutor
  • Adaptations to local context using 13 years of experience in the area

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the course will require the following:

  • Hold a first degree from a United Kingdom or non-United Kingdom institution of higher education, or an equivalent qualification**
  • A standard equivalent to a grade 4 in GCSE mathematics, and science **
  • Proficiency in the English language, by evidencing an average IELTS score of 6.5 or higher (or an equivalent score in another English language testing system). Equivalent qualifications are considered, for further information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our English Language Requirements page.

**To check your qualifications, meet the standard of a degree from a UK institution, refer to UK ENIC, where you can apply for a statement of comparability.

If you are required to undertake an equivalency test we will accept a grade 4 or better from the following:

If you already have an equivalency exam from another provider then please contact Admissions who will be able to advise you if it is acceptable.

  • All shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the programme team to demonstrate your commitment for the course.

    All offers of a place are subject to the following checks*:

    • Successful interview held remotely by the University (see FAQs)*
    • in-person identity checks and employment/training history
    • Contingent upon passing all relevant background and safeguarding checks. This will include making further checks appropriate to applicants from outside the UK. If an applicant has lived or worked in the UK, then an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) will be required. Further requirements include criminal records checks for overseas applicants: prohibited list checks and/or a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records checks and children’s barred list information or the equivalent to these checks within the local context where a provider is delivering guided by Keeping children safe in education.
    • successful Occupational Health Screening to determine health and physical capacity to train to teach.*
    • evidence of original qualification certificates* (copies are not accepted). If an applicant has lost their degree certificate, they should contact admissions@northampton.ac.uk for further guidance.
    • Two references: one of which must be from the school in which you will be completing your iQTS, demonstrating your suitability to train to teach and work with children.

    *These checks are all required prior to enrolment on the programme.

    Intellectual and academic capabilities

    Prior to the award of iQTS, providers must assure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training.  It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the provider.

    Appeals and complaints

    If you wish to appeal our decision or have cause to complain, please contact the Admissions Office first to see if we can resolve the problem. If you feel you need to take your complaint or appeal further please refer to our University complaints and appeals process and complete the Applicant Complaint and Appeals Form.

Course Content

  • University of Northampton’s iQTS course is an international teaching qualification designed for UK and non-UK citizens living outside England. This is suitable for:

    • UK citizens currently working abroad who wish to start teacher training or develop their teaching career.
    • Non-UK citizens who wish to improve their employability in England and internationally with a UK government-backed and approved professional qualification.

    Our iQTS course blends applied teaching theory and practice in two taught modules and three teaching practice modules of 120 days, typically including a second school placement experience. The course is designed to be delivered to primary phase educators based in Thailand. It is structured to include a blend of taught content including live online synchronous sessions, in-person training in Bangkok and online asynchronous material. Carefully sequenced school-based training, and dedicated periods of intensive training and practice (ITAP) enable application of theory into practice. Typically, all trainees are expected to complete a second shorter placement in a different school. This course focuses on local and global education priorities, enabling you to develop your subject knowledge, skills and competence in the classroom in your role as a global educator.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • There are three block placements during the programme which enables you to fully immerse into the life of the school and to develop your role as the teacher.

    Securing an appropriate school placement for on-placement training modules 1 and 3 prior to commencement of the course is the responsibility of the trainee. If the trainee is currently employed in the placement school, this is acceptable provided that this meets the placement requirements.

    It is typically the responsibility of the trainee to secure the second on-placement training school. However, the University of Northampton may be able to facilitate this placement on the trainee’s behalf.

    Teaching and class responsibilities gradually increase with each placement module, leading to 80% of these responsibilities by the third placement. This incremental approach prepares you effectively for the next stages of your career.

    Alongside your placements, there are two Masters’ level modules: The Global Teaching Professional and The Curriculum for the Global Context. These modules are worth 60 credits at Masters’ level and may contribute to the MA in Education and MA in Special Educational Needs.

  • How will the online interview be conducted?

    Our online interviews are undertaken using Microsoft Teams, taken into account international time zones. Please ensure that your webcam, microphone and connection are working, ahead of your interview which can be conducted on a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone.  Please ensure that your camera is working as this is a requirement for online interviews so that we can verify your identity.

    Once you have downloaded Microsoft Teams, it is a good idea to test this out with friends/family to ensure it is working and you are familiar with the platform.

    We will send you an individual Microsoft Teams link, once the interview time and date has been confirmed.

    At the start of the interview, we will ask you to present your photographic ID.  Acceptable forms of ID would be a passport, photo driving license, citizen card or student card which show your full legal name alongside a clear photo of you.

    What to expect on the interview day?

    Our interviews are online and will consist of two stages lasting approximately 30-40 minutes.

    • Stage 1 will include a formal interview conducted by two members of the academic staff team. This will be in the form of professional conversation where we will be talking to you about the experience you have had to date, enable you to demonstrate your subject knowledge, and explore your understanding of the role of a teacher.
    • Stage 2 will include a short presentation for approximately 3-5 minutes on a teaching resource and how it would be used to develop children’s learning.

    Further details will be sent to you on application.

    How will I learn?

    You will engage in face-to-face*, online, and on-placement Learning Events that will be asynchronous and synchronous. These will enable you to develop your teaching and reflective practice. ’Learning Events‘ will encourage active participation and discussion. Throughout the programme, you will be supported in your independent and group learning by a range of expert tutors from the university and by trained mentors in school.

    How will I be assessed?

    Formative assessment of your practice will be continuous with specific end points for evaluating progress. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each placement, and you will be assessed against the iQTS Teachers’ Standards at the end of your training. Partner schools share the responsibility for assessment during practical teaching. There are summative assessments in written and presentation form that will contribute towards your Masters Level Modules.

    What academic writing support will be offered?

    The university has a wealth of online material to support you with your academic writing this includes 1:1 tutorials with your PAT as well as the Learning and Development Team.

    *Please note that face to face learning will take place at different points within the academic year, these are subject to the timetable which will be shared in January.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fee

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Full Time: £9,535

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • Full Time: £9,250

Staff

Devon Rossetti, Senior Lecturer in Education

Senior Lecturer in Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Devon Rossetti
Julian Brown, Head of Education

Head of Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Julian Brown
Sarah Cave, Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)

Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Sarah Cave
Lucy Westley, Senior Lecturer in Education (Maths & Professional Studies)

Senior Lecturer in Education (Maths & Professional Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Lucy Westley

Careers and Employability

Our PGCEi (iQTS) course will equip you with valuable transferable skills like critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, pedagogical expertise, and digital proficiency. When you successfully complete this course, you will be recommended for the English qualified teacher status (QTS) with no further fees or training. QTS is recognised all over the world as a gold teaching standard and will also qualify you to teach in England.

Is this course for you?

Apply Now
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