Senior Lecturer in Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)
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Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)
Key Facts
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Level
PostgraduatePG
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Duration
Full Time: 1 year
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Starting
September
SEP
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PGCEi with iQTS: £9,535
iQTS only: £7,500 -
Location
UON Satellite venue/ online (Bangkok, Thailand)
Updated 27/10/2025
Updated 27/10/2025
Get in touch
For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Overview
The PGCEi (iQTS) is a high-quality professional education programme designed for educators teaching outside the UK, leading to International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) and Master’s level credits. The University of Northampton has delivered Initial Teacher Training for over 50 years and is recognised nationally for its excellence in teacher education and research. We have supported postgraduate teacher development in Thailand for more than a decade, with many successful graduates now working in international schools.
This course offers two pathways:
- The PGCEi (iQTS), which combines academic study, academic assessment at Level 7, and assessed practical experience, leading to both the PGCEi and recommendation for iQTS.
- The standalone iQTS, which combines academic study and assessed practical experience leading to recommendation for iQTS without the academic Level 7 award.
Designed for primary phase educators based in Southeast Asia, the programme blends live online teaching, in-person training in Bangkok, and flexible online content. We may also consider applications from Europe so please contact the Admissions team for further guidance. It includes three school-based placements (totalling 120 days), typically incorporating a second placement in a different school. Each placement is supported by Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) periods, enabling you to apply theory into practice.
Throughout the programme, you will develop core pedagogical skills, critical thinking, collaboration, digital proficiency, and adaptability. You will meet the iQTS Teachers’ Standards, gaining a qualification that is globally recognised.
This course will prepare you to become a reflective and versatile educator, ready to lead and innovate in a wide range of educational settings across global contexts.
Highlights
- iQTS is a UK Government-backed international teaching qualification which will be recognised by the Department for Education as equivalent to English Qualified Teacher Status; suitable for candidates who wish to train to teach and qualify outside the UK.
- Supportive learning environment encompassing aspects of in-person training in Bangkok, live online sessions, and recorded asynchronous materials to facilitate independent learning.
- Study pathway for primary age phase (5-11 years) to develop a global community of primary educators.
- A Personal Academic Tutor who is your main contact throughout the course, supporting you both personally and academically.
- UON trained mentor based in the school where you are training working alongside a UON-based Moderation Tutor
- Adaptations to local context using 14+ years of experience in the area
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the course will require the following:
- Hold a first degree from a United Kingdom or non-United Kingdom institution of higher education, or an equivalent qualification**
- A standard equivalent to a grade 4 in GCSE mathematics, and science **
- Proficiency in the English language, by evidencing an average IELTS score of 6.5 or higher (or an equivalent score in another English language testing system). Equivalent qualifications are considered, for further information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our English Language Requirements page.
**To check your qualifications, meet the standard of a degree from a UK institution, refer to UK ENIC, where you can apply for a statement of comparability.
If you are required to undertake an equivalency test we will accept a grade 4 or better from the following:
- Equivalency Testing for mathematics or science (combined or Biology).
- A Star Equivalency for mathematics or science (combined or Biology).
If you already have an equivalency exam from another provider then please contact Admissions who will be able to advise you if it is acceptable.
All shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the programme team to demonstrate your commitment for the course.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- Successful interview held remotely by the University*
- in-person identity checks and employment/training history*
- Contingent upon passing all relevant background and safeguarding checks. This will include making further checks appropriate to applicants from outside the UK. If an applicant has lived or worked in the UK, then an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) will be required. Further requirements include criminal records checks for overseas applicants: prohibited list checks and/or a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records checks and children’s barred list information or the equivalent to these checks within the local context where a provider is delivering guided by Keeping children safe in education.
- successful Occupational Health Screening to determine health and physical capacity to train to teach.*
- evidence of original qualification certificates* (copies are not accepted). If an applicant has lost their degree certificate, they should contact Admissions for further guidance.
- Two references. If you are employed in a school already, then one must be from this school, demonstrating your suitability to train to teach and work with children.
*These checks are all required prior to enrolment on the programme.
Prior to the award of iQTS, providers must assure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the provider.
Appeals and complaints
If you wish to appeal our decision or have cause to complain, please contact the Admissions Office first to see if we can resolve the problem. If you feel you need to take your complaint or appeal further please refer to our University complaints and appeals process and complete the Applicant Complaint and Appeals Form.
How will the online interview be conducted?
Our online interviews are undertaken using Microsoft Teams, taking into account international time zones. Please ensure that your webcam, microphone and connection are working, ahead of your interview which can be conducted on a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Please ensure that your camera is working as this is a requirement for online interviews so that we can verify your identity.
Once you have downloaded Microsoft Teams, it is a good idea to test this out with friends/family to ensure it is working and you are familiar with the platform.
We will send you an individual Microsoft Teams link, once the interview time and date has been confirmed.
At the start of the interview, we will ask you to present your photographic ID. Acceptable forms of ID would be a passport, photo driving license, citizen card or student card which show your full legal name alongside a clear photo of you.
What to expect on the interview day?
Our interviews are online and will consist of two stages lasting approximately 30-40 minutes.
Stage 1 will include a formal interview conducted by two members of the academic staff team. This will be in the form of professional conversation where we will be talking to you about the experience you have had to date, enable you to demonstrate your subject knowledge, and explore your understanding of the role of a teacher.
Stage 2 will include a short presentation for approximately 3-5 minutes on a teaching resource and how it would be used to develop children’s learning.
Further details will be sent to you on application.
Course Content
Our International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) course is a UK government-backed international teaching qualification designed for both UK and non-UK citizens living outside of England. The programme offers two distinct learning pathways:
- The PGCEi (iQTS) route, which combines academic study and assessment at Level 7 with practical training, leads to both the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) and recommendation for International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS).
- The standalone iQTS route, which combines academic study and assessed practical experience leading to recommendation for iQTS without the academic Level 7 award
This course is suitable for:
- UK citizens currently working overseas who wish to begin teacher training or further develop their teaching careers.
- Non-UK citizens seeking to enhance their employability in England and internationally with a UK-approved professional teaching qualification.
The programme blends applied teaching theory with practical experience and includes three teaching practice modules totalling 120 days, typically incorporating a second school placement to broaden your experience.
The course is specifically designed for primary phase educators based in Southeast Asia and includes a rich blend of:
- Live online synchronous sessions
- In-person training delivered in Bangkok
- Online asynchronous content
We may also consider applications from Europe so please contact the Admissions team for further guidance.
Teaching practice is scaffolded through carefully sequenced school-based training and Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) periods, enabling the direct application of theory into practice.
School-Based Placements
You will undertake three block placements during the course, providing immersive and progressive experience in school life and teaching practice.
- Trainees are responsible for securing a suitable school placement for Placement Modules 1 and 3 prior to starting the course. If currently employed in a school, this may be used as a placement provided it meets the programme requirements. Please talk to one of our course tutors at the University of Northampton if you need support finding a placement school.
- A second placement in a different school is typically expected. While this is normally arranged by the trainee, the University of Northampton may also be able to support this process if needed.
Teaching responsibilities increase incrementally across the placements, culminating in 80% teaching responsibility by the third module. This progressive model supports confident, well-prepared entry into teaching roles.
For those undertaking the PGCEi (iQTS) route, you will also be assessed within two Master’s-level modules:
- The Global Teaching Professional
- The Curriculum for the Global Context
These modules are worth 60 credits at Master’s level and can be used toward further study on the MA in Education or MA in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
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iQTS On-Placement Training 1- Becoming a Reflective Teacher
Module code: ITT3070PStatus: Compulsory
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iQTS On-Placement Training 2 - The Critically Reflective Teacher
Module code: ITT3071PStatus: Compulsory
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IQTS On-Placement Training 3 - The Independent Successful Teacher
Module code: ITT3072PStatus: Compulsory
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The Global Teaching Professional
Module code: ITTM010Status: Compulsory
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The Curriculum for the Global Context
Module code: ITTM009Status: Compulsory
How will I learn?
You will engage in face-to-face*, online, and on-placement Learning Events that will be asynchronous and synchronous. These will enable you to develop your teaching and reflective practice. ’Learning Events‘ will encourage active participation and discussion. Throughout the programme, you will be supported in your independent and group learning by a range of expert tutors from the university and by trained mentors in school.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment of your practice will be continuous with specific end points for evaluating progress. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each placement, and you will be assessed against the iQTS Teachers’ Standards at the end of your training. Partner schools share the responsibility for assessment during practical teaching. There are summative assessments in written and presentation form that will contribute towards your Masters Level Modules.
What academic writing support will be offered?
The university has a wealth of online material to support you with your academic writing this includes 1:1 tutorials with your PAT as well as the Learning and Development Team.
*Please note that face to face learning will take place at different points within the academic year, these are subject to the timetable which will be shared in January.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fee
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
Full Time:
- PGCEi with iQTS: £9,535
- iQTS only: £7,500
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- Full Time: £9,250
Careers and Employability
Our course offers two distinct pathways: the PGCEi (iQTS) and the standalone iQTS.
Both routes are designed to develop your pedagogical expertise while equipping you with highly transferable skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, and digital proficiency. Upon successful completion, you will be recommended for International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) at no additional cost or training. International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) as equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status in England which is globally respected as a gold standard in teaching and fully qualifies you to teach in England as well as in many other international contexts.
