PGCE

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Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

If you're thinking about teaching , then studying for a PGCE with The Open University can provide the foundations of a successful and rewarding career as a secondary school teacher. Our flexible Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) incorporates Qualified Teacher Status and offers courses in six secondary subjects: Maths, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Design and Technology, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German or Spanish), Geography and Music. You could also be eligible for a Bursary of up to £9000 (conditions apply).

How much training you need in order to become a fully qualified teacher will be determined by an initial audit of your knowledge and experience. The individualised course you will then study is modular and allows flexible patterns of study normally over a period of up to two years. Distance-learning study of the theory of teaching and learning is integrated with its practical application during continuous periods of teaching in Open University partner schools.

Applications are accepted at any time of the year. Admission is selective and involves assessing your qualifications, and being interviewed.

If you are interested in this route into the teaching profession see our Professional Graduate Certificate in Education qualification description for full details.

In Scotland we offer the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education in secondary mathematics.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

If you have already successfully completed a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) either with the OU or another institution, you can convert your professional-level qualification into a Postgraduate Certificate in Education by completing our 60-credit masters module, Reflecting on professional learning in education.

The course requires you to reflect on your experience and learning from the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. You will also have to complete an extended, analytical piece of writing that relates your theoretical understanding to your thought processes and practice as a teacher.

Credit from successful completion of this course can also be counted towards our Masters degree in Education.

For full details see our Postgraduate Certificate in Education qualification description.