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Teaching is a rewarding profession that is open to students of all subject backgrounds, making it a common consideration for many prospective postgraduates. There are numerous ways to qualify as a teacher in the UK, with each pathway potentially suited to a student based on their existing academic experience, their learning style, and financial considerations.
Whether you’re wondering if training as a teacher is the next step in your life, or are trying to turn your teaching aspirations into reality, this guide contains all the information you’ll need to make those important decisions.
Read on to find out more about the different types of teaching courses on offer, what teaching jobs you go on to after you graduate, and the best universities for studying education.
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Teaching is one of the foundational professions of society, responsible for the continued growth and development of human knowledge throughout time. Not only that, but teachers are uniquely able to inspire and unlock the potential of each individual who passes through their classroom doors.
While it comes with unique challenges, teaching also offers unique benefits. Few other roles will allow you to immerse yourself in your subject to such a degree, while helping others understand its value. Being able to see the direct impact you’re having is incredibly rewarding.
There are a number of more practical reasons to work as a teacher, too. Whether it’s clear progression routes in your career, excellent job security, or the ease of picking up and working almost anywhere in the country (or even the world), education rewards dedicated professionals.
The salary potential for experienced teachers is respectable, while many in this role also enjoy how complimentary it is to raising a family, due to the alignment of holidays.
Postgraduate students in teaching have a unique range of qualifications to choose from when completing further studies and developing a career, so it’s important to be aware of how each programme type could benefit you.
One of the most popular types of teaching degree is the PGCE – the Postgraduate Certificate in Education. This course type is designed for students who have graduated in their chosen subject area, and wish to train as a teacher in that field.
School Direct is another option for students looking to qualify as a teacher, which sees them placed in a school to participate in a classroom environment from the start of their course.
Studying an MEd in education is also possible, along with MA and MSc qualifications. These courses are aimed at qualified teachers who are looking to keep growing their skills or specialise in a certain educational niche.
A range of postgraduate research degrees, including the MRes, MPhil and PhD, provide a range of opportunities to train as a professional researcher and contribute to new knowledge in the field. You won’t be teaching students here, but you may still find yourself in classrooms regularly.
Gaining a postgraduate degree in education can open up a wide range of teaching jobs after you graduate. In many cases, the placements and work experience opportunities you complete during your studies lay the perfect groundwork for future roles. Demand for teachers is high, and there are many subdisciplines of research in the educational field depending on your interests.
You could work in roles such as:
Entry requirements for teaching and education degrees at postgraduate level vary according to the type of qualification being applied for, and each university’s admissions policies.
A 2:2 grade at undergraduate level is the usual minimum requirement. To teach in a particular subject, an undergraduate degree in that field is usually required. You’ll also need GCSE grade C or above in English and mathematics, in addition to one in science if looking to work at primary level.
Students applying to research or doctorate qualifications in teaching education will often need a 2:1 or above at undergraduate, along with a relevant master’s degree.
Teaching offers postgraduate students a wealth of course types to suit your aspirations, whether you’re looking for a primary education degree or want to become an educational researcher. Some of the programmes you could choose from include:
The topics covered by your teaching degree will differ depending on the programme you’ve chosen. However, many education courses will contain modules like:
Your teaching uni course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to succeed in your chosen area of education, helping you prepare for teaching jobs of various kinds.
Depending on the focus and structure of your teaching degree, you may focus on learning the practical skills and theoretical principles of education for students of a certain age, or in a certain subject. Or you may study the management and design of educational programmes themselves, or learn to conduct research into educational methods and outcomes.
If you’re training to become a teacher, you’ll pick up skills such as:
Students focused more on the science, management or policy of education will develop skills in research, case studies, data analysis, reporting, critical thinking and communication, as well as research design and methods.
Teaching and assessment methods will differ according to the type of teaching degree you decide to study.
Most teacher training courses will involve a mix of theoretical, classroom learning and practical training in a school environment. Teaching will be through a combination of lectures and seminars, observed and independent teaching, and completion of assignments. University-led PGCEs will offer more theoretical study opportunities, while school-led training programmes will see you working in a school from the first day.
Assessment will be through formative assignments, which occur throughout your programme and are less formal, as well as summative assessments which are final tests making up the majority of your grade. These could be observations of lessons, written pieces or a portfolio of evidence.
The length of your teacher training will depend on the kind of qualification you apply for.
Studying a PGCE is one of the most common routes into qualifying as a teacher, which takes one year of full-time study to complete.
Other master’s degrees, like an MA or Med, will take between one and two years to study. The course is more likely to take two years if you’re studying online or part-time, but some full-time programmes can also last this long.
Research and doctoral qualifications in education can take anywhere between one and four years to complete, full-time.
You can choose from more than 900 different postgraduate courses in teaching and education studies across the UK. Our university search tool is a great way to browse, filter and select from the more than 160 institutions that offer programmes in this area.
Similar subjects to teaching that you might consider for postgraduate study include:
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