Teaching advice : Applying for a PGCE

If teaching is your ambition, a popular route is to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Scotland. Find out what you need to apply…

What qualifications do I need?

Your degree will need to be in the subject you would like to teach or a recognised equivalent qualification. You can find out if you have a UK-equivalent qualification through UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) .

If you are interested in teaching another subject, you can boost your subject knowledge by completing a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)  course.

'Fitness to teach' standards must be satisfied. Recruiters of existing and prospective teachers, lecturers and those entering initial teacher training have a responsibility by law to ensure that employees have the health and physical capacity to teach and will not put children and young people at risk.

GCSE standard requirements are: a standard equivalent to a grade C or above in GCSE English and mathematics to teach in England. To teach primary or key stage 2/3 (ages 7-14), you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C or above in a science GCSE.

Work experience: In addition to formal qualifications many course providers also require evidence of work experience with specific age groups. Contact the individual course providers for requirements, see PGCE courses for contact details and work experience in schools for opportunities. 

To find out about teacher training in other areas of the UK, see: 

• Teach in Scotland  
• Teacher Training & Education in Wales
• Teaching in Northern Ireland  

How do I apply?

The majority of applications for PGCE courses are made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) . Applications are accepted from September to June for courses starting in the following September.

In some cases, you may need to apply direct to the university. Some courses are very popular, so you will need to apply by the end of November. Find a PGCE course.

Application through GTTR is £19. This charge covers up to four courses. The Teaching Agency are reimbursing the £19 application fee for some courses starting 2012. For more information, see GTTR - Cost of Applying .

Can I get funding?

Grants and bursaries are available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fee loans are also available; the amount you get will depend on your household income. For information on tuition fees, see Direct Gov - Student Finance .

To find out if you are eligible for financial support, see:

• Teaching Agency - Funding for Training in England  
• Teaching Agency - Funding for Training in Wales  
• Student Awards Agency for Scotland - Financial Support  
• Student Finance Northern Ireland