University-led PGCE
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) training programmes are available for prospective primary and secondary school teachers. You'll get classroom experience by spending time teaching and being trained in at least two schools, as well as time at the university you’ve chosen, working with a group of other students and being taught by university staff.
Typically, a one-year programme, students must complete a minimum of 120 days in a school, among blocks of study at their chosen training provider. Spaces on popular teacher training programmes fill up quickly. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we would advise you to apply early.
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Salaried PGCE
From October 2020, the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) will be replaced by a new employment-based scheme.
The Salaried PGCE will be available for primary and secondary level, will take two years to complete, and will allow you to receive a salary to teach in a school as an unqualified teacher. You will work towards a PGCE qualification (including 60 master's level credits) and meet the Qualified Teacher Standards.
If you already work at a school as a teaching assistant or in a non-teaching role, you can apply for your school to sponsor your study. You will study for your PGCE around your existing school duties, and your course fees will be fully funded. You can still apply for the Salaried PGCE if you don’t work in a school, but you’ll need to have a school willing to sponsor you, which the Open University partnership could help you find. You will work towards a PGCE qualification (including 60 master's level credits) and meet the Qualified Teacher Standards.
Applications for this route are made directly to the Open University. For further information and details of how to apply, visit the Open University website. For further information on this route into teaching, visit Discover Teaching Wales.
Part-time PGCE
From October 2020 a part-time PGCE route into teaching will be available for primary and secondary level.
The new scheme will take two years to complete, and will allow student teachers to study while working or balancing other life commitments. You will work towards a PGCE qualification (including 60 master's level credits) and meeting QTS standards.
Applications for this route are made directly through the OU. For further information and details of how to apply, visit the Open University website. For further information on this route into teaching, visit Discover Teaching Wales.