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International Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS (iPGCE with iQTS)

Start date

September / January

Distance learning available

Yes

Student visa accepted?

No

Duration

1 year (full-time)

students studying and laughing in classroom banner

Complete your iPGCE with iQTS with St Mary’s and achieve an internationally recognised teaching qualification from wherever you are in the world.

The iPGCE with iQTS combines the academic qualification of iPGCE with the professional qualification of QTS. It is an internationally recognised teaching qualification that gives you the opportunity to develop your pedagogical understanding of international education alongside developing your teaching practice to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The course is delivered online, providing greater access to trainees around the world.

The iPGCE with iQTS course at St Mary’s has been designed to build your knowledge, understanding, and confidence in teaching. Trainees will make connections between theory and practice by completing school-based placements alongside theory and reflection sessions.

The St Mary's iPGCE with iQTS course has been developed by international teachers who work in initial teacher training (ITT), so we understand the nuances of teaching internationally, whilst ensuring we meet the high standards of the DfE’s QTS criteria.

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. You will also receive mentoring within your school setting.

We are:

  • Ofsted outstanding (2024)
  • Top 10 for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

School experience

You will complete 120 days in school and 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP). You will receive support from an in-school mentor who will complete certified curriculum and mentor skills training. You will also have a St Mary's University Link Tutor to ensure a smooth connection between your school and the University.

International partner schools

We work closely with a number of International Partner Schools who support St Mary's to ensure the course is meaningful and reflects the knowledge and understanding necessary for teaching internationally and in England. The International Partner Schools are involved in the application and recruitment process. These schools include:

  • KIS International School, Bangkok
  • Hua Hin International School, Thailand
  • St George’s College, Argentina
  • British School of Madagascar
  • St Andrews International School, Bangkok
  • Barlavento International Primary School, Portugal
  • London Private Academy, Morocco
  • KIS International School, Reignwood Park, Thailand
  • Kang Chiao International School, Linkou, New Taipei, Taiwan.

Upcoming webinars and events

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Career opportunities

Our iPGCE with iQTS course will help you develop transferrable skills such as critical thinking, patience, and communication.

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:

TeachingSchool administrationSchool counsellors

Course content

Modules

Our iPGCE with iQTS allows you to choose from:

  • Primary (5 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 route.

The iPGCE with iQTS course structure includes a combination of taught content, 120 days in school, and a further 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP).

School experience will be supported by university input, delivered online by subject specialists and experienced tutors helping you to make the connection between your learning and practice. This will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching.

Course content is carefully designed to meet the requirements of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and is underpinned by research-informed practice.

The modules are illustrative of what may be offered on your iPGCE with iQTS 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

Fees & funding

September 2026

International

£9,780

Funding Information

The fee for a one-year, full-time iPGCE with iQTS course at St Mary’s is £9,780.

Applicants for iPGCE with iQTS 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 with iQTS.

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

The International Curriculum and Contemporary issues in International Education modules are assessed by a reflective essay as part of the iPGCE element of your course. Essays are marked at Masters level (level 7) and require you to critically engage with literature whilst reflecting on your own experiences and practice.

Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success.

Your assignments will complement your work in schools and assist in meeting the teachers’ standards and fundamental skills. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.

Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and university work.

Other assessments are used to ensure trainees understand and can apply their knowledge. This is achieved using a range of methods, which may include:

  • self-assessment
  • presentations
  • lesson observations
  • evidence against the Department for Education’s Teachers’ Standards.

Progress is monitored continuously throughout the course with a final assessment against the teachers' standards at the end of the programme. High standards of attendance, punctuality, and participation are requirements of all course elements.

Who teaches this course?

Please note: some lectures may be taught by other members of staff from within the School of Education.

Apply now

September 2026

Apply for the primary iPGCE course

IPGCE Primary (with IQTS) September

Apply for a secondary iPGCE course

The deadline for applications for September 2026 is 28 June 2026.

January 2027

Apply for the primary iPGCE course

iPGCE Primary (with iQTS)

Apply for a secondary iPGCE course

The deadline for applications for January 2027 is 29 November 2027.

Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.