Posted by: CTC Training
If you’re interested in teaching as a career, you’ve probably heard of a PGCE. It’s one of the most common routes to getting into teaching — but it’s not the only one. There are many different options that can help you into a career in teaching, including some that don’t require a university degree. Find out what your options are in this article.
What is a PGCE?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education, more commonly referred to as a PGCE, is a teaching qualification for postgraduate students. You must have a degree to complete a PGCE and the degree should closely relate to whichever subject you wish to teach.
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Do I need a PGCE to teach?
No. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a PGCE to teach. All you need is QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or the equivalent, QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills).
The PGCE is an additional qualification earned alongside QTS. It isn’t necessary to earn a PGCE to teach in the UK, but it can be useful if you wish to teach in Scotland or the US, as it is a internationally recognised qualification.
What qualifications do you need to become a teacher?
To become a teacher in the UK, you generally need the following qualifications:
1. A bachelor’s degree
For most teaching positions, you’ll need at least a 2:2 bachelor’s degree or higher. For secondary school teaching, your degree should be in or related to the subject you want to teach.
2. GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
You’ll need at least a grade C/4 in these subjects. For primary school teaching, you’ll also need a GCSE in a science subject.
3. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status (QTLS)
These are the most crucial qualifications for teaching in most state schools in England and Wales.
4. For teaching in further education or post-14 settings, you might need:
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- Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (DIT)
- Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, which is now equivalent to QTS.
Remember, while a PGCE is a popular route to gaining QTS, it’s not the only way to become a qualified teacher.
What is the difference between QTS and QTLS?
QTS is required for anyone who wishes to teach in primary school or secondary school. QTLS is the equivalent status for anyone who wishes to teach in post-14 education.
You will need to have completed a degree of level 2.2 or above to achieve QTS.
If you haven’t completed a degree to a level 2.2 or above and still wish to teach, you can obtain QTLS status and teach in the post-14 education sector by earning a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching or equivalent qualification.
What is the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching?
The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching is the most advanced RQF teaching qualification awarded by Training Qualifications UK, an OFQUAL regulated awarding organisation. It builds upon the content found in the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and the Level 4 Award in Education in Training but can be completed without earning either qualification.
If you don’t have a degree and wish to teach, the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching is a great option. Completion of the course is one of the main requirements to apply for QTLS status, which will certify you to teach in further education.
While you do not need a degree to enrol on this course, you will need to satisfy the following entry requirements:
- Aged 19 and above
- Be qualified and/or experienced in your subject specialism
- Demonstrate the ability to study at Level 5
- Achieve a minimum of Level 2 in both English and maths prior to starting the qualification
- Have a suitable level of digital competency to meet the qualification requirements
What does the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching involve?
There are eleven units within this course:
UNIT NO: 1 — Pedagogic methodologies and curriculum development in further education
UNIT NO: 2 — Understanding learners and educational practices in further education
UNIT NO: 3 — Professionalism and inclusive teaching practices in further education
UNIT NO: 4 — Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in further education
UNIT NO: 5 — Partnership working and collaboration in further education
UNIT NO: 6 — Assessment principles and practices in further education
UNIT NO: 7 — Resource development and management for effective learning in further education
UNIT NO: 8 — Teaching practice in further education
UNIT NO: 9 — Behaviour management in further education
UNIT NO: 10 — Professional development and reflective practice in further education
UNIT NO: 11 — Digital pedagogies for teaching and learning in further education
A teaching placement is required and should be a minimum of 250 hours, with at least 150 hours dedicated to teaching practice. A minimum of 80 hours of this should be face-to-face teaching and a minimum of 20 hours should be remote delivery.
If you’re interested in earning a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Teaching, why not enrol with CTC Training? With CTC Training, you’ll get access to our 24/7 student portal, where you can access course content and upload assessments on a schedule that suits you. Plus, you’ll be assigned your very own tutor, who you can contact if you have any questions or need any help.
Start your journey into your dream career with CTC Training. Find your perfect course and enrol today.
About CTC Training
CTC Training provides professional development and education courses for businesses and individual learners. They are market leaders in online learning. CTC Training's wide range of courses offer valuable qualifications in areas such as education, assessment and vocational training.
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