Postgraduate Certificate in Education Explained

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE/PGCertEd) represents a pivotal qualification for aspiring teachers, particularly within the educational landscapes of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This article delves into the intricacies of the PGCE, exploring its purpose, structure, and significance in the journey toward becoming a qualified teacher.

What is the PGCE?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE/PGCertEd) is a higher education course, typically lasting one or two years, designed to provide graduates with the necessary training to become teachers within maintained schools in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and South Africa. The PGCE is a professional qualification normally taught at a university or other higher education institution, with much of the course time spent on placements in local schools.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Eligibility to Teach

In addition to obtaining the PGCE qualification, successful completion of the course in England or Wales leads to a recommendation for qualified teacher status (QTS). QTS is the essential requirement for teaching in state-maintained schools in England and Wales. Similarly, those who pass PGCEs in Northern Ireland are granted 'eligibility to teach', which holds equivalent status to QTS.

While QTS or eligibility to teach is initially applicable within the specific Home Nation where it was awarded, the process of applying for QTS or eligibility to teach in the other two Home Nations is usually a formality and is almost always granted to PGCE holders.

PGCE vs. PGDE in Scotland

It's worth noting that the PGCE was previously offered in Scotland, but it underwent a name change to the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) between 2005 and 2006. The exact year of the change depended on the university offering the course. Despite the name change, the content of the PGDE remains identical to that of the former PGCE.

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UCAS Teacher Training

Applications for admission to PGCE courses are managed through UCAS Teacher Training, streamlining the application process for aspiring teachers.

PGCE and Further/Higher Education

While QTS or eligibility to teach is generally not required for further and higher education lecturers, many lecturers opt to pursue training courses to gain qualifications like the Postgraduate Certificate in Further Education (PGCFE), which is considered comparable to the regular PGCE.

Meeting the Standards

A trainee teacher will have to meet the Standards for qualified teacher status and any course specific requirements to be awarded the PGCE. In England only, a trainee teacher also has to pass the professional skills tests before starting a course.

Academic Level and Equivalence

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE/PGCertEd) sits at Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, while the Professional Certificate in Education (ProfGCE) sits a Level 6. From 2005 to 2007, most universities attached credits towards a master's degree to their PGCertEds. A recent review of the equivalence of qualifications in Scotland declared the PGCertEd to be equivalent to a postgraduate diploma (which in turn is equivalent to the taught element of a master's degree). This left the PGCE with a rather inappropriate name as a postgraduate certificate is a lower level than the postgraduate diploma, requiring only half the amount of work. The PGCE in Lifelong Learning or Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) is considered to be equivalent to the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) at QCF Level 7. According to Education International, equivalency assessments place the PGCE as equivalent to a master's-level degree in the United States and Canada.

Independent Schools

Teachers in independent schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are not required to hold any particular qualifications, although most schools now prefer applicants to have a PGCE, especially younger people going into teaching as a first career.

Alternative Routes to QTS

The PGCE is the main postgraduate route for teacher training in England and Wales, but there are a number of other ways to gain QTS.

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