Course description

The iPGCE is designed for teachers (either experienced or at the beginning of their career) in a range of educational settings, and enables them to develop their pedagogic expertise and enhance their career development potential. The programme supports teachers in developing research and evaluation skills that can be applied to their own practice and that of colleagues, so enabling them to contribute to school improvement initiatives.

The programme is distinctive because it offers the potential to work with local partners (schools and/or universities) to provide opportunities to align with local-delivered professional development. It is therefore both strongly student-centred and partnership-focused, so contributing to both students’ personal and professional career development and to the wider improvement priorities of the settings in which they work.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in conducting school based research and analysis of teaching, learning and assessment of learning. The programme is founded on developing a critically reflective approach to teaching, and a deep understanding of pedagogic theory and the implications for practice.

The iPGCE offers an ideal foundation for students to progress to other School of Education programmes, carrying over 60 credits - such as the Masters in International Education (Campus-based or Distance Learning), MSc. Educational Leadership (Distance Learning), or Masters in Education (Campus-based).

Studying by supported distance learning allows you to choose when and where you study, meaning you do not have to take a career break. We pride ourselves on the level of support we provide our distance learning students. Our award-winning library has world class facilities for distance learning students. You will have full access to our other support services and will be assigned a personal tutor. Out virtual learning environment Blackboard offers a wide range of study support material, and you will have the opportunity to join an interactive web-based community of fellow students around the world.