PGCE Courses
PGCE is a qualification that is required for people who want to become a teacher in UK state schools (This is not usually compulsory in Private/Independent schools). If you already have a degree, consider a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A PGCE course mainly focuses on developing your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s) – usually to degree level – before you start training. - Department of Education
Eligibility for teacher training
Although different training providers may have specific recruitment criteria, there are some basic eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet to become a qualified teacher in England.
a degree
GCSE grade C / 4 in English and maths – and a science subject for primary trainees
any overseas qualifications through UK NARIC
Funding teacher training
There are three types of funding available for teacher training - depending on your circumstances, you could receive all three:
Tax-free bursary or scholarship
Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan
Extra financial support if you're a parent, have an adult dependant or a disability
Explore below to find out more on the funding available. Alternatively, you could earn a salary while you train.
*To be eligible for the funding, your nationality or residency status should be all of the following:
you’re a UK national or have ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay)
you normally live in England
you’ve been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years before starting your course
You can also apply if you’ve been given settled status (‘indefinite leave to remain’) because you’ve been the victim of domestic violence.
Check your eligibility - Department of Education; Student Finance England
Currently, the following universities offer a PGCE Mandarin specialism
1. UCL IOE CI
3. Manchester Metropolitan University
4. Goldsmiths University of London
*You must have knowledge of an European language to be able to apply. In order to be eligible, consider taking a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.