PGCE Primary (International)

Entry requirements

Applicants for the course must normally be graduates of this or another University or of the C.N.A.A., with an upper 2nd class honours or above (successful completion of a masters level PGCE will classify as 'above'), or have other specially approved qualifications which satisfy the Admissions Sub-Committee that they are suitably qualified to undertake the course.

GCSE English, Science and Maths Grade 4 (or C) or higher or equivalent.

Teaching experience may be considered appropriate in some cases (see pathway specific specifications). However, all students must normally demonstrate a personal or professional interest in the academic study of education.

Months of entry

August

Course content

The PGCE Primary (International) offers an exciting opportunity to study and live overseas through our partnership with the International School of Geneva. This one-year course is an ideal choice if you are looking to train for a career in primary teaching in an innovative learning environment outside of the UK. It provides an internationally recognised teaching qualification, in-depth training and classroom practice tailored to the 5–11 age range.

The course comprises three modules at master’s level, one professional and two academic modules. The professional module consists of a set of international teaching standards centred around your school-based placements. This module is based at the Campus des Nations in Geneva, with observation and teaching placements taking place across the School’s three campuses and in local partner schools in and around Geneva and Lausanne.

The two academic modules are delivered by the teaching team at Durham. Teaching is primarily through the annual Reflective Practitioner Conference. During your time in Geneva, you will be assigned a Durham-based academic tutor, who is responsible for subject-specific tasks and providing academic guidance.

Because the qualification is based outside of the UK, the PGCE Primary (International) is not eligible for QTS - Qualified Teacher Status in England. Instead, you will be eligible for the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (Level 1) providing IBO requirements have been completed at an appropriate level. This is a valuable qualification for those who want to work in international schools.

The academic rigour of the course coupled with real-world experience prepares you to step straight into a role in teaching while equipping you with the skills to inspire future generations in a varied and changing sector.

Please note: the teaching of this course takes place in Switzerland. You will need to be based in Geneva from the end of August until the following June.

Course Structure

Teaching and Learning in the Curriculum – Generic Issues in School-based Education provides a critical understanding of models of teaching and learning and the theories that underpin these models. You will explore: research evidence for effective teaching and learning in the classroom; the teacher as reflective practitioner; teaching for understanding; creative dimensions of teaching and learning, and the teacher as an active researcher.

Self-directed Study – Subject Specific Issues in School-based Education uses research strategies learned on the course to examine a topic or issue of professional interest, deepening your knowledge and understanding of the area. This module draws together elements from across the course and makes connections between university-based and professional school-based experiences.

The predominantly classroom-based Professional Issues in School-based Education fosters a critical understanding of issues related to the development of professional competence as a teacher. Areas covered include; effective teaching strategies; managing the teaching and learning environment; enhancing professional development; and creative dimensions of teaching and learning. The assignment in this module focuses on curriculum design and development.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.