The International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) is an internationally recognised qualification that gives you the opportunity to develop your pedagogical understanding of international education whilst working in an international education setting.
The iPGCE (non-QTS) is an academic qualification that focuses on the development of pedagogical understanding alongside exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of international education. It provides an opportunity for those working in teaching and non-teaching roles in international schools to build on their understanding of international education with the achievement of an internationally recognised qualification upon successful completion.
Please note, the iPGCE (non-QTS) does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). If you would like to achieve QTS alongside completing your iPGCE, please see the iPGCE with iQTS webpage.
Expert Teaching and Support
You will work closely with your lecturers who have experience working as and alongside international educators across the world. As well as your academic tutors, you will receive a Personal Tutor who is there for you throughout the year to answer any questions you may have and provide support.
We are:
- Ofsted outstanding (2024)
- Top 10 for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).
Gemma Cass
Course Lead - iQTS
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Course content
Modules
The iPGCE (non-QTS) allows you to choose from the following phases:
- Primary (five to 11 years old)
- Secondary (11 to 16 years old).
For Secondary routes, you can teach any subject as long as the age phase you work in matches your iPGCE route.
The iPGCE (non-QTS) at St Mary’s consists of two Masters level (level 7) modules. These modules are illustrative of what may be offered on your iPGCE (non-QTS) programme in January 2026 and September 2026.
There is a requirement to attend synchronous sessions alongside engagement with asynchronous content.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
Additional requirement information
We are committed to recruiting students who have the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. The application process requires your headteacher to confirm you have met all safeguarding requirements appropriate for your school and country of study.
St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
Both UK and non-UK citizens can apply for the iPGCE (non-QTS) – however, you must be living outside the UK.
You will also need:
- to be working in a school.
- a Bachelors degree (or working towards at time of application), preferably with a 2:2 or above.
- a maths qualification of the same standard as GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) grade C/4 or above.
- for Primary routes, a science qualification of the same standard as GCSE grade C/4 or above.
- excellent written and verbal English language skills.
Interview process
Once you have provided evidence of the entry requirements, you will be invited to an interview. Your interview will include:
- a written task.
- a number of questions to find out about your experience and aspirations for working in education.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
International
£4,000
Funding Information
The fee for a one-year, iPGCE (non-QTS) course at St Mary’s is £4000
Applicants for iPGCE are not eligible for loans, bursaries, or any other type of financial support from the UK government to help cover the costs of studying iPGCE.
Additional costs
*Please note: Tuition fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
Each iPGCE (non-QTS) module is assessed by a reflective essay. Essays are marked at Masters level (level 7) and require you to critically engage with literature whilst reflecting on your own experiences and practice. Each module is 30 credits.
Formative assessment opportunities are embedded within the course and will take place during lectures and seminars and directed tasks that encourage you to make connections between the course and your practice.
Career opportunities
Our iPGCE (non-QTS) course will help you develop transferrable skills such as critical thinking, communication and reflection.
We offer lifetime career support. Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs, interview tips, professional development, and more.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates include:
Apply now
Please note: This course will soon be open for applications.
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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