International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE)
PG Cert

If applying for the May 2023 intake:
Application deadline is 19 April and term starts 30 May, so apply now.

Please note that due to the popularity of this online course we urge you to apply early to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

Building on our strengths in teacher training and education, we are pleased to launch our new International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) qualification. The iPGCE programme is designed to support home and international students who already have or are currently working towards qualified teacher status in their home country. The programme provides appropriate Level 7 study and a qualification that is the foundation of good professional understanding and practice, complementing the teacher qualification appropriate to the country of residence.

This International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) is not a teaching qualification but as a teacher already involved in the international school sector you will benefit highly from this qualification, gaining the professional development necessary to achieve more senior roles, enrich your knowledge, challenge your practice and boost your confidence. You may be inspired to continue onto a Masters programme such as our online MA Education.

If you are aiming to gain an online teaching qualification, then you may be interested in our online International Qualified Teacher Status course which is an International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (with Qualified Teacher status) (iPGCE with QTS).

This internationally recognised postgraduate qualification will be unique in its flexibility, it will allow you to study a number of optional areas such as applied pedagogy, evaluating learning, and curriculum challenges, from an international perspective. Furthermore, there will be an option to undertake a module dedicated to inclusion and understanding differences, a highly topical area in the modern teaching environment.

By studying this postgraduate qualification, you will be gaining valuable knowledge relevant to all subjects and curricula, encouraging you to consider new ways of understanding teaching, learning and education in an international context.

Gain a global perspective of education

Learning online allows you to connect with practitioners across the world allowing you to reflect on education on a global scale as well as seeing how different methods of teaching are applied in an international context giving you a rounded view that can help inform your own practise. Discuss your experiences with your peers in our online learning environment specifically designed to create an enriched learning environment.

Learn from tutors who have worldwide experience in teaching

Be inspired and soak up the experience of our tutors who have a wealth of global experience.

Study at an institution with an excellent reputation in education

We provide high quality teacher education, as reflected in our awards of OFSTED Outstanding in Primary and Further Education phases. OFSTED is a government assessment body in the UK.

This, coupled with University of Derby Online Learning’s (UDOL) reputation in online learning design and student support, means that this programme will offer a high quality experience to learners.

A talk from our academic

Our academic for the iPGCE programme, Andy Bloor, talks about our online iPGCE.

If you have any further questions you can contact-us.

We will advise you of your study plan - the running order and availability of the modules - when you are invited to enrol.

To complete the International Postgraduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) you will need to complete a total of 60 credits by studying the two 20 credit core modules and one of the two optional modules.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Pace of study

We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

Assessment method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

You will require:

• An undergraduate degree (at least a 2:2) with Honours or equivalent
• You must be an established educator who is currently employed in educational/classroom context
• To be working in a classroom setting for a minimum of 16 hours per week

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5 (a minimum score of 6 in one area may be acceptable)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 580 (paper based) 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
• International GCE O-level English Language: grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: grade C

Find out more about our English language requirements

^‡2022/23 for new entrants

Starting between September 2022 and August 2023.

2023/24 for new entrants

Starting between September 2023 and August 2024.

About your fees

This figure would be the total cost of this course in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.

However, please also note that you can receive a 5% discount if you either:

• Pay your full course fees upfront, or
• When enrolling in September, pay for all of your modules to be studied in that academic year upfront

Flexible payment plans available

Choose from three payment plan options:

• Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying

• Pay your full course fees upfront, receive 5% discount and avoid annual increases

• Pay for all modules studied in the year and receive a 5% discount (September enrolment only)

Students should apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence
• Current CV evidencing that you are working in a classroom setting for a minimum of 16 hours per week
• Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Application deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

This iPGCE will allow you to progress in your career.

You could also consider further study and research towards a PhD qualification.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

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