Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

Course Content

• Course Details

  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.

  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.

  • Stage 1
    • The Curriculum for the Global Context (30 credits)

    Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of global issues and perspectives which may impact on a school curriculum.  Students will develop their critical thinking skills to consider diverse cultural perspectives and practices from around the world.

    • The Global Teaching Professional (30 credits)

    Students will critically analyse current education research, global priorities, and local curriculum to shape students’ teacher identities. It emphasises global engagement and inclusive professional practices, covering ethical, legal issues.

    • iQTS On-Placement Training 1 (20 credits)

    Students develop their understanding of the role, responsibilities and behaviours of a teacher in practice. Students will engage in planning, teaching and evaluating practice within the curriculum. Students will also apply learning from the Intensive Training and Practice focusing on behaviour.

    • iQTS On-Placement Training 2 (20 credits)

    Students’ will understand of how to meet the needs of all pupils within a class through adaptive teaching. Students will apply learning from Intensive Teaching and Practice focusing on adaptive teaching and Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP).

    • iQTS On-Placement Training 3 (20 credits)

    Students will understand planning, teaching and assessing across a wide range of subjects. Students will apply learning from the Intensive Training and Practice focusing on assessment.

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• 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.

  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 by the University
  • in-person identity checks and employment/training history
  • Considered eligible to train to teach in England and the country where you will train, contingent upon passing all relevant background and safeguarding checks. This will include making further checks appropriate to applicants from outside the UK. This could include carrying our criminal records checks for overseas applicants, obtaining and considering an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC), 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
  • evidence of original qualification certificates (copies are not accepted)
  • 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.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fee

  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

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• FAQs

  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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