Is PGDE internationally Recognised?

Like a PGCE, The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is a form of teacher training that is internationally recognized. This means you'll be able to teach throughout the UK and internationally, provided you can satisfy the individual requirements of the country you want to work in.

Is A PGDE The Same As A PGCE?

There is a good deal of overlap between a PGDE vs a PGCE. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the equivalent of the PGDE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and historically in Scotland). Some universities award a PGDE on successful completion of 120 University Credit Units of a Master of Arts Education course, typically over 2 years. The PGCE is awarded after 60 Credit units or 1 year.

Is a PGDE right for me?

A PGDE or PGCE course is perfect for students teaching who completed a subject-based undergraduate degree – such as French, Maths, Physics or English. If you're yet to complete an undergraduate, then it might be better to consider a four-year teaching course that will earn you an undergraduate degree as well as your teaching qualification.

The other big thing to consider is whether you would rather take a university-led or school-led approach. University-led learning is more suited to students who want to complete their training around a group of peers, with more focus on research and individual study before you complete your 24 weeks of on-school placement.

A school-led approach allows trainees to work directly within a school while earning their teaching qualification on a part-time basis. It’s suited to those who are already involved in education, such as learning support staff, as well as those who would like to earn a salary as they study. SCITT and School Direct are both examples of popular and established school-led programmes.

As you can see, there are many routes you could take to become a trainee teacher, and a PGDE is just one option.

Three Resources for PGDE and PGCE students

Twinkl isn’t just for established teachers - it’s for all of those who teach. These are plenty of useful resources that you can use to help you at every stage of your teaching career. For example:

This Trainee Teacher Taster Pack includes a great collection of activities, posters and worksheets that you can use on your placement.
You could also check out our guides to the Teachers’ Standards. Tutorial 5 is all about Adapting to Pupil Needs, and contains a brilliant range of tools to support your development as an educator.
Looking for advice from experienced teachers? This poster on Top Tips to Support Effective Assessment was made to inspire your teaching at this early stage in your career.

Whether you’re just starting your PGCE or if you’re a Newly Qualified Teacher (well done!), Twinkl is there to help.