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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the qualification required by those wishing to teach in England and Wales state schools.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an additional academic qualification, including QTS.

EYTS is Early Years Teacher Status, which you gain when undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Practice with EYTS.

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Postgraduate teacher training

Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE)  is ideal for recent graduates and those considering a career change. The one-year course blends academic and practical learning through a combination of school placements and university-based sessions.

There are two routes you can take to gain Qualified Teacher Status:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS
  • QTS only

Both routes are taught together and provide you with extensive school-based experience through three placements in partnership schools alongside a number of taught days at the University.

Both routes include:

  • a substantial amount of school-based experience
  • placements in at least two contrasting schools
  • all our PGCE courses have QTS as an outcome
  • one year of study.

Teachers like us

At the Institute of Education, we are determined to ensure that children in schools see themselves represented in their teachers.  We want to make this happen and play our part in re-dressing the imbalance in the teaching profession. This means we welcome and encourage applications from candidates from under-represented backgrounds. 


Routes into teaching

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Early Years

We offer two Early Years options for those wanting to train/qualify to work with babies and young children.

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Primary

We offer a range of postgraduate primary courses with different pathways and subject specialisms.

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Secondary

We offer training in a wide range of curriculum subjects, covering the 11-18 age range.

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Assessment Only

Are you already an experienced teacher? 

Do you wish to gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status)? Without additional training, the Assessment Only route could be your perfect choice.

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Don't have a degree but want to teach?

If you have A levels or equivalent qualifications, you can train with us to become a primary teacher and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Alternatively, study BA Education Studies or BA Children’s Development and Learning and then progress to a postgraduate teaching qualification for early years or primary.


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Meet our experts

Learn in an exciting environment where you'll be challenged and supported to thrive and grow as an individual.

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Education brochure

Our programmes are designed to challenge, inspire and equip you to become an outstanding educational practitioner. Read the brochure to find out more. 

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Read our stories

Read about the experiences of our students and the work of our academics.