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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Applications

How to Apply 

You can apply for our PGCE programmes via our Applying to Durham page. We currently offer PGCE programmes in the following subjects: Primary, Primary with Maths, English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, French, German, Spanish and Physical Education.

Applications for our PGCE programmes open in October and close in July, or once the course is full. This means that some PGCE programmes will close a lot earlier in the cycle than others. We recommend that applications are sent as soon as possible to ensure that the programme you wish to apply to is still open. 

It is important to note that applications require two references, these cannot be from your family or friends. Applicants who have been in higher education within the last 5 years should be aware that one of their references must be an academic reference.

Find Out More

Applying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) and our Centre for Teacher Education.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International)

Apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) via the postgraduate applicant portal. This program is taught in Geneva.
Group of students talking

The Centre for Teacher Education

The Centre for Teacher Education is an Ofsted Outstanding provider of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) for both the Primary and Secondary phases.
Examples of children's education books

Entry Criteria

All applicants must have a GCSE in English and Maths with at least a grade C/4. Applicants applying for a Primary PGCE must also have a Science GCSE. If you have done your qualifications outside of the UK or Ireland, you will need to provide a NARIC statement of comparability before the start of the programme. You will also need to provide a NARIC statement if your undergraduate degree is from outside of the UK or Ireland. 

You can find further details on subject specific entry requirements on course pages

Selection Process

All applicants must complete a successful interview as part of the interview process.  

More about Application Process

Personal Statements 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to show the admissions team why you would be an ideal candidate for the PGCE course. Your personal statement should reflect your passion for teaching and learning and include why you want to teach the subject you are applying for. If you have any teaching experience in English schools then you should include this in your personal statement, however you will not be at a disadvantage if you do not have any relevant experience. 

How to write a personal statement