The Postgraduate Certificate in Education for International Trainees offers teachers based in schools outside the UK, who have not undergone a period of formal training, the opportunity to participate in a structured programme of professional development online.

From September 2024 onwards we are offering a course with a new PGCE at the heart of the training. The PGCE will be assessed by three assignments, but there will be an opportunity to specialise for two of the modules and receive more training on areas such as:

• SEND
• Boarding
• Leadership
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Philosophy of Education
• International Education and other educational topics

This will be alongside a core module focusing on the fundamentals of teaching and learning. We also want to include coaching for students in order to support schools with career development.

Course content

The PGCE for International Trainees is a 37-week school-based course, during which time you will work under the guidance of your in-school mentor. Each week you will reflect on your practice and have and one-to-one meeting with your mentor to review progress and set targets. There are eight online training days (including two induction days) which will complement the weekly programme of University online resources.

You will also be assigned a university tutor who will meet you regularly (approximately once a month) to assess your progress and guide your development.

“…the time and effort she (University tutor) offers to my mentor and I is outstanding. She has been a pleasure to work alongside and to have as a supporting body throughout. Thanks to her lovely feedback during our meetings, I am at a stage where I feel confident and comfortable in my classroom.” Aishlin O’Rourke, PGCE for International Trainees (Primary).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a Level 7 course and you will be assessed by three essays. If you complete the course successfully, you will gain 60 L7 credits. These can be put towards a Masters at a later date.

We are able to offer the course in most subjects and to all age levels. Your University tutor will be a subject specialist. Subjects that you can do your PGCE in include: Art, Music, Design Technology, Food Technology, Business Studies and Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Computer Science, English (not English as an additional language), Drama, Classics, Modern Languages, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Psychology, and Physical Education.

Training Sessions

Six one day ‘live’ training sessions plus two induction days (in late August), run by the University, will be delivered online. Attendance at all these days is mandatory. For specific dates of the sessions, please visit our course page at www.bise.org

Entry requirements

In addition, you must:

• Obtain a commitment from your school to provide a suitable mentor.
• Show the physical and mental fitness to teach.

The employing school must be able to fully support a candidate through the course, enabling them to demonstrate all of the English Teachers’ Standards and releasing them for the compulsory live online training days (six per year + two induction).

Fees

Tuition Fee: £4,400
Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

Fees can be paid in termly instalments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.

How to apply

We are now accepting applications.

Apply here before 12 July 2024. The course will start in September 2024.

Before we can accept you, you will need to supply:

• a copy of passport photo page
• copies of your qualification certificates – UK Bachelors Degree or equivalent (an ENIC statement of comparability will be required for all qualifications awarded outside of the UK)
• a head and shoulder style photo for your University identity card