Enquire ApplY
The International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a post graduate level initial teacher training course offered by the University of Buckingham (www.buckingham.ac.uk ).
The International PGCE is jointly administered by the University of Buckingham in UK and Buckingham International School of Education (BISE) in China.
This, 37-week school-based course, is available in most subjects and to all age levels.
The University of Buckingham is one of the leading teacher training providers in the UK and taking this International PGCE course will enable students to develop the understanding, pedagogy skills and competencies needed to be successful in any classroom around the world.
After a careful selection process, which includes an interview with a BISE representative, the successful trainees will work under the guidance of a school-based mentor, who will observe the trainee weekly, hold weekly mentor meetings to set improvement targets and support the trainee overall with their pedagogy.
The mentor should be an experienced teacher who works closely with the trainee; therefore, the trainees must already be employed at a school to be eligible to apply.
Please note, the International PGCE is an academic qualification. As it is not a teaching license, it does not confer the Qualified Teacher Status in the UK.
The course is made up of three key parts:
1: Assignments and E-Portfolio
During the course trainees will complete three assignments and a final module ‘4’ comprising the necessary documentation to pass the course.
The trainees will be required to provide evidence that each of the Teaching Standards has been met via an online e-portfolio. They will also need to present a record of reflections and readings (Professional Development Plan) and the weekly observations from their in-school mentor.
2: Training Days
Trainees are required to attend six training days during the course to enhance their learning. This is a mandatory requirement and the applicants are recommended to check their schools are able to support the required time off.
3: Tutor visits
Trainees are assigned learning by a university appointed BISE tutor, an experienced educator, who will visit trainees at their school twice during the course.
These visits play an important quality assurance role of the training. Tutors will observe three lessons per visit (at least one jointly with the mentor), provide feedback, assess progress of the e-portfolio and help address any course related questions.
Progression of International PGCE
The International PGCE course offers an ideal foundation for trainees to progress to other University of Buckingham MA or Med programmes carrying over 60 credits – such as Master’s Degree in Education (MA), Masters in Educational Leadership and Management (MEd) etc.
Successful completion of the International PGCE course may also lead to the Qualified Teacher Status if the trainees can meet additional criteria set out by the UK government. This is not guaranteed, so if acquiring QTS is your primary goal, please consult BISE before starting your application.