Teacher Training (PGCE)

Both teaching and teacher training are highly competitive to enter and it can be difficult to secure both training and employment in this profession, especially in Northern Ireland.

When considering teaching as a career, as with any postgraduate study, consider why you are choosing this vocation and whether you would be suited to the profession.  

Please see our Teaching & TEFL Sector Guide for more information or click on the links below for specific information about these topics:

• Applying for teacher training in Northern Ireland
• Applying for teacher training in Great Britain
• Teacher training in Republic of Ireland
• Teaching in further or higher education
• Training for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching of English to Speakers of Foreign Languages (TESOL)

Tips for your application

• Gain experience of working with young people of the age group you hope to teach – this can be gained through voluntary work
• Get an insight into what work as a teacher is like by trying to arrange to speak to a teacher to ask them about their job and try to get some classroom observation experience. You may also be able to arrange visits through personal contacts or with schools where you were taught. It may be possible to arrange with a local school via a speculative application
• Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Education via the Times Education Supplement and the Guardian’s Education section
• Apply early!
• These interview tips are useful when preparing for the course interview

Applying for Teacher Training in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, postgraduate students can undertake a relevant Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at either Primary or Secondary level. This is known as initial teacher training (ITT). The different institutions in NI provide different routes to the ITT, you can find an overview of which options are provided by each institution on the education.ni website and there is more information about teaching in NI on the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.

Applications are made direct to the institution.  Interested applicants should contact institutions directly for application forms and course details. Application deadlines for NI institutions are generally in November and December.

• Queens University Belfast
• Ulster University  
• St.Mary's University College
• Stranmillis University College

Funding for Teacher Training in Northern Ireland
For information on fees for Initial Teacher Training at Queen's look at the Fees and Funding section of the courses on the School of Education Social Science and Social Work webpages.

For further funding information and support see the NI Direct Initial Teacher Training information or contact Student Finance NI 

Since competition for teacher training places in Northern Ireland is tough, you could consider applying to both GB and NI institutions in order to increase your chances of getting a place.

Teaching in Further or Higher Education

New teachers must have:

• 3 years (full time or equivalent) relevant industrial, professional or business experience, unless they have a UK / RoI degree or qualification deemed by DE to be of an equivalent level.
• A qualification in the specialist vocational area in which the applicant is to teach
• New full time (FT) permanent teachers and associate lecturers in further and adult education who do not already have a BEd or PGCE must complete post entry training.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Further and Higher Education is a teacher training course, recognised by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) for those teaching in the post compulsory sector of education and training.

 This qualification is compulsory for all full time lecturers and associate lecturers in FE colleges and Higher Education institutions, unless they already possess a PGCE or BEd.

Only the University of Ulster offers the Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Further and Higher Education in Northern Ireland.

Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (PGCHET)

The Certificate is primarily aimed at new academic staff members in their probationary year, and provides a formal qualification in teaching and learning in higher education.

What does work in FE involve?

Some posts, whether full or part time, may involve the delivery of accredited training, for example vocational courses such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Tutors could also be working with students who have essential skills needs.

The delivery of general interest or leisure related courses which will not necessarily lead to a recognised qualification. The range of these courses is very broad and tutors may not need specific qualifications. However occupational competence is essential and experience in delivering training would be an advantage.

Training for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Teaching English as a foreign language is a great way to incorporate working abroad and gaining work experience, especially if you wish to pursue a teaching career in Northern Ireland or the UK.  It can also help you develop valuable transferable skills for any future career. ELT, TEFL or TESOL qualifications will not qualify you to teach in a state school in the UK.

Please see our Teaching & TEFL Sector Guide for further information.

Introductory or Taster Courses
These courses are suitable for summer jobs abroad or for someone who would like to sample the training before making a more substantial commitment.  Job placements may be offered on completion of the course, which gives it added value.  

Courses are offered by Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional College (Newtownabbey) and North West Regional College.   

Beyond Introductory Level
As a rough guide those planning to spend a year or more abroad would be wise to consider an accredited qualification.  Throughout the UK and abroad the most widely recognised qualifications are validated by:  

OCR / Cambridge University:

• Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)
• Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA) 

 Trinity College, London:
Qualifications are available at both Certificate and Diploma level (not available in NI)

The CELTA programme is available at Belfast Metropolitan College and International House, Belfast.  The DELTA programme is only available by distance learning in Northern Ireland (NI).