Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Primary 5-11 years with iQTS PGCE

Course Highlights

• Benefit from the University of Birmingham's long-standing reputation and collaboration with the UK Department of Education for high-quality training.
• Become a reflective, critically aware practitioner through a programme that emphasises research-led education and essential classroom skill development.
• Gain hands-on school-based experience, with personalised support designed to help you exceed teaching standards at an outstanding level.
• Earn the iQTS qualification, recognised internationally, preparing you to confidently join the global teaching profession.
• #68 QS World University Rankings 2027 QS Top Universities QS World University Rankings 2027
• Develop as a teaching professional while studying in the UAE.
• Build high-demand skills aligned with DfE English teaching standards and UAE standards, enhancing career prospects with employers.

What You'll Study

Teaching on this programme is delivered through a blend of university-based sessions and extensive school placements, offering both face-to-face and practical teaching experiences. Engage in lectures, small group seminars, and workshops at our Dubai campus, led by expert university tutors. Complete 120 days of assessed teaching placements in partner schools and 20 days of intensive Training and Practice (ITaP), supported by trained mentors and university link tutors. Participate in block teaching sessions that include micro-teaching, collaborative planning, directed tasks, and reflective practice, all linked to iQTS Teacher Standards. Enhance your English and Mathematics teaching skills through dedicated modules, supported by academic assignments and subject knowledge audits. Assessment includes a combination of academic assignments, competency evaluations across iQTS Teachers' Standards, and practical teaching placements, ensuring well-rounded teacher development. School collaboration During two full-time school placements, you will apply what you have learned whilst continuing to develop your practice through team teaching, supported solo teaching and observing experienced teachers. Your school-based mentors and University link tutors will facilitate the development of your teaching pedagogy and subject knowledge throughout your placements. As the course progresses, you will develop increasing confidence and expertise in selecting from a repertoire of learning activities that are supported by appropriate use of resources and technology.

Entry Requirements

Careers

Whether you're starting your teacher training or building on existing experience, this programme equips you with a UK government-backed qualification, recognised internationally and in England. Graduates are well-prepared to succeed in diverse educational settings, with a strong emphasis on communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness, making them highly sought after by employers worldwide. We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research Report 2026) Be in high demand with employers, building a wide range of professional skills linked to DfE English teaching standards and UAE standards. At Birmingham Dubai, our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network information, advice and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal. In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

The full-time Primary PGCE with iQTS at the University of Birmingham Dubai stands as the UAE’s only fully in-person iQTS Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme fully aligned with English Teacher standards, accredited by the DfE.

Programme Details