Applying for Teacher Training
In the UK and Ireland you must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in state maintained schools.
To gain QTS you must complete Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Initial Teacher Education (ITE).
There are a several ways you undertake this to become a Primary or Secondary School Teacher.
Be mindful that these pathways can differ in each jurisdiction of the UK.
Routes into Teaching is a good place to start your research with some additional resources below.
Useful Resources for Becoming a Teacher in Northern Ireland
- Department of Education – Initial Teacher Education Overview
- Queen’s University offer seven Initial Teacher Education (PGCE) programmes for Post Primary Education. Applications generally close around early November.
- Ulster University offer eight Initial Teacher Education (PGCE) programmes for Post Primary Education. They also offer Primary Education programmes.
- Applications generally close around early/mid January.
- St Mary’s University – offer the PGCE in Irish Medium. Apply direct to the University. Applications generally close in February.
- General Teaching Council for NI
Useful Resources for Becoming a Teacher in England
- All applications are made via DfE
- Application normally open in early October and there is no set closing date but some subjects fill up quickly so an early application is advisable.
- You are allowed four choices, one personal statement required.
Useful Resources for Becoming a Teacher in Scotland and Wales
- All applications must be made via UCAS UG route
- Application normally open early September with a closing date of January.
- You are allowed five choices, one personal statement required.
- Teacher Training in Scotland
- Teacher Training in Wales
Useful Resources for Becoming a Teacher in the Republic of Ireland
- You can take a two-year postgraduate Professional Master of Education (PME) to achieve QTS.
- The application process can vary. You must consult the website of each institution for up-to-date information on the entry requirements, how to submit your application, the closing date is, and what the fees are.
- There is no requirement for competence in the Irish language for post-primary teaching, unless you wish to become a teacher of Irish, or work in an Irish-medium school. There is however a requirement for the Irish language for entry into Primary School teacher training.
- Teacher Training in Ireland
Other Options
Other Options
- Here are the requirements to teach within Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland. Ulster University provides the PGCE FE
- Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (PGCHET) is aimed at new academic staff members and provides a formal qualification in teaching and learning in higher education. Both Ulster University and Queen’s University offer this.
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language Teacher (TEFL/TESL/TESOL)
You can get more information on qualification requirements, salary, working hours, and useful websites by visiting:
- English as a Foreign Languate Teacher
- Training for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Top Tips for Applying for Teacher Training
Top Tips for Applying for Teacher Training
- Research your options, Queen's students can talk these over with a Career Consultant by booking a Careers Consultation via MyFuture.
- Be mindful of different application closing dates, apply early to avoid missing out!
- Get experience in working with children and young people to ensure this is the right career path for you, and to support your application and interview.
- Keep up to date with issues in education BBC - Education , The Guardian - Education and TES useful resources.
- Consider how you will fund your studies.