Course Content
This PGCE programme consists of 3 assignment-assessed modules and one teacher practicum module. All modules focus on the practical application of educational theory and policy, as well as fundamental aspects of teaching and assessment practice.
The course modules ultimately aim to enable trainees to develop and refine their ability to teach and play a full part in the life of a school.
Module 1: Educational Principles – The Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning (20 credits)
Trainees will be required to demonstrate awareness of how children learn, as well as basic philosophical principles underlying educational theory and teaching practice.
Module 2: Development of Effective Practice (20 credits)
Trainees will be required to demonstrate understanding of the complexities and diversity required in teaching and assessment for learning.
Module 3: Consolidating and Reflection (20 credits)
Trainees will be required to reflect on their learning as well as professional development and show how educational theory is linked to teaching practice.
Module 4: Teacher Practicum
Trainees need to demonstrate competence in their teaching through meeting the Teachers’ Standards, as set by the UK’s Department for Education.
Assessment: Assessment for Modules 1-3 will be through written assignments. Assessment for Module 4 will be through supervised teaching practice and lesson observation.
Course Delivery
The PGCE is a 37-week school-based course. All applicants must be employed by a school for the duration of the course and be able to put into practice knowledge and skills gained from the course content.
Trainees will be guided through each stage of the course:
- Two online induction sessions in August will introduce you to how the course will run.
- You will work under the guidance of a mentor appointed by the school in which you work, who will organise lesson observations and meet with you weekly to review progress and set targets.
- You are allocated a University of Buckingham tutor who will meet you and your mentor regularly, approximately once a month, online to track progress and guide your development.
- A tutor will visit you during the course in Hong Kong to observe your teaching and support your learning.
- You will participate in regular live lectures, which are important to attend as a condition of the course.
- All resources for the course are provided online and there will be a weekly programme of readings and reflective tasks to engage in.
Training dates for the academic year 2026/27 will appear here when finalised.
Fees
Course Fee: £5,500
Fees are invoiced for in September, at the beginning of the course, and can be paid in termly instalments or in one lump sum. Termly instalments can be arranged directly with the Finance department upon receipt of the invoice.
All fees are charged directly by the University of Buckingham, BISE will not add any additional charges for our services.
The difference in price between our PGCE for International Trainees course and our PGCE (Hong Kong) course is due to the need to meet Hong Kong Education Bureau requirements for registered courses.
How To Apply
Click Apply Now below to apply online through Buckingham International School of Education. We will support you to complete your application before submitting it directly to the University of Buckingham.
If you have any queries, click Ask a Question and our admissions team members will endeavour to reply to your enquiry within 24 hours.
Our admissions staff are based in Mainland China and Hong Kong and our hours of business are 10am to 7pm (GMT+8), Mon-Fri.
Admissions for September 2026 intake are open.