Studying an Online PGCE
What is a PGCE?
If you want to teach in the UK, study for a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – a teaching qualification for graduates.
It combines academic study with practical classroom experience, preparing you to teach in primary or secondary schools.
PGCE courses often include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to teach in state-maintained schools in England and Wales once you have graduated.
Why should I study a PGCE online?
An online PGCE is offered through digital platforms, meaning that you can study remotely. It provides you with flexibility in terms of study schedule and location, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments.
The course normally includes a mix of theoretical coursework, practical teaching experiences, and assessments. Although your course will be completed online, you often undertake teaching placements to gain hands-on classroom experience. It’s a great option for aspiring educators seeking a flexible and accessible route to becoming a qualified teacher.
Studying a PGCE online offers flexibility, convenience, and accessibility, but it’s important to weigh the advantages against the potential challenges. It is important to consider how the online format aligns with your learning style, goals, and personal circumstances before making your decision.
Benefits
There are many benefits to studying a PGCE online, especially if you are looking for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Here are some of the key advantages:
- Flexibility and convenience – you get to learn at your own pace, setting your own schedule around your other commitments. You can also study from anywhere, meaning you don’t have to relocate.
- Work-life balance – with the option to study full-time or part-time, as well as being able to access course documents around the clock, you can fit your studies around your work, personal and social life.
- Lower cost – online study usually costs less in tuition fees than on-campus, and you can also save on accommodation, travel, and other related expenses.
- Global networking opportunities – online PGCE programs often have students from around the world, meaning you can connect with a varied group of peers and future teachers.
- Technological skills development – because you will be required to work with a range of digital platforms, you will develop strong technical and online communication skills. This is a good thing in the increasingly digital world.
Drawbacks
While an online PGCE could be an excellent option for many students, you should consider all of the potential drawbacks to make sure that you will get everything you need from online study. You need to consider your learning style, career goals, and personal circumstances.
Here are some of the potential challenges of studying a PGCE online:
- Self motivation and discipline – learning online and independently requires you to motivate yourself to keep on top of your coursework and deadlines. This setup suits some people, but not others.
- Limited practical experience – while many online PGCE courses include practical teaching placements, it can be more complicated to organise them. As well as this, you don’t have easy access to a natural classroom dynamic when you are learning, as online classrooms aren’t quite the same as in-person environments.
- Isolation – the fact that you aren’t interacting with students face-to-face can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected, and you might feel that you are missing out on the traditional university experience.
- Recognition of qualifications – while online PGCEs are becoming more common, some employers might still perceive online qualifications as less valuable than an in-person degree, even if your course was fully accredited.
- Lack of immediate support – even though your course will provide you with academic support, you might experience a delay in getting and answer to your questions, particularly if you are in a different timezone to your university’s campus.
What you will study
The modules you study can vary depending on your program and institution, but they will generally cover the theoretical aspects of teaching and learning, and the practical applications. Here are some common modules that might be included:
- Foundations of education
- Curriculum design and planning
- Assessment and evaluation
- Inclusive education
- Classroom management
- Practical teaching experience (placement module)
- Subject specific modules
If you are interested in subjects related to a PGCE course, consider these options:
Accreditation
When you study for a PGCE online, the accreditation and qualification you gain will depend on the university and its specific partnerships with accrediting bodies.
University award
Most online PGCE programs are accredited by the university that offers the course, however sometimes your course might be overseen by a different university. This is more common for online studying, and as long as the awarding body is recognised, your degree will be valid.
You will be awarded an official postgraduate certificate that confirms you met the required academic standards for your teaching qualification.
Professional teaching bodies
In some regions, completing an online PGCE might also give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is a professional certification recognised by the educational authorities. This is mostly seen in the UK, where completing a PGCE allows you to teach in state schools.
In regions where QTS doesn’t exist, online PGCEs might be accredited by regional or national educational bodies that regulate teacher qualifications. This will ensure that your program meets the specific requirements set by the government, allowing you to work as a certified teacher.
Accreditation by professional education organisations
Many online PGCE programs are also accredited by professional education associations that make sure the curriculum aligns with current teaching standards and practices. For example, courses might be accredited by bodies like:
- Ofsted (in the UK)
- Teaching Council (Ireland)
- National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS, USA)
International recognition
Some online PGCE degrees are designed to meet international standards, making you eligible for a teaching position in various countries. The accreditation may vary, but universities often ensure that your qualifications will be valid in countries where teachers are in high demand.
Careers
As a graduate of an online PGCE, you will have a range of career options available to you within education and related fields. You could pursue a role as a primary or secondary school teacher, including specialised positions such as special educational needs (SEN) teachers.
You could also find work in international schools, online teaching, or distance learning roles. Additionally, you might have the opportunity to become an education consultant, curriculum developer, or teacher trainer.
Other non-classroom career paths include educational support roles, further education lecturing, corporate training, or working in education policy and advocacy. You could even start your own tutoring business or go for a career in school counselling or educational psychology with further training.