The entry requirements for a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) generally include:
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. For primary teaching, a degree in a national curriculum subject is helpful. For secondary teaching, your degree should typically relate to the subject you want to teach[5].
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths. In Wales, a B is required. To teach primary-aged children (5-11), you will also need a GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject[5].
- If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent may be required if you do not have the necessary GCSE English grade[5].
- Non-academic requirements such as a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a declaration of any criminal convictions[5].
- Some institutions may have additional or specific eligibility criteria, so you should check the exact requirements with each course provider[5].
- If your degree subject does not closely match your intended teaching subject, you may be asked to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course as a condition of your offer[3].
Applicants with degrees in subjects outside the national curriculum (e.g. marketing or some education degrees) can still apply for early years, primary, and post-compulsory teaching. If you have relevant A-levels or your degree contains significant subject content related to a shortage area (like mathematics), you may still be eligible by taking an SKE course[5].
The selection process may also consider school or classroom experience, especially for competitive courses, so gaining some relevant experience is advantageous[3].
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