Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Course Content

• Course Details

  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.

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• School Based Placements

  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.

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• FAQs

  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.

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