PGCE for International Trainees (Hong Kong)

Course Content

The PGCE programme consists of 3 modules. All modules are practice based and aim to enable trainees to develop and refine their ability to teach and play a full part in the life of a school. The practical aims will be supplemented by the learning of key aspects of educational theory and policy together with fundamental aspects of assessment and teaching practice.

1: Educational Principles –The Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning (20 credits)

Trainees will be required to demonstrate awareness of how children learn, basic philosophical principles underlying educational theory and teaching practice. All students will study a core of educational topics that are central to the work of a critically reflective practitioner. These topics will be delivered across the course and assessed through a written assignment at the end of the course.

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. Assessment will be through a written assignment.

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. Assessment will be through a written assignment.

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 twice during the course in Hong Kong to observe lessons 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.

This course will be assessed through classroom observation and three written assignments.

Entry Requirements

1. You must have a university bachelor’s degree. If your degree was not awarded by a UK university, you will need a statement of comparability from UK ENIC. Please refer to our guidance here. 
2. You must be employed as a teacher in an international school in Hong Kong that teaches English National Curriculum subjects or the International Baccalaureate (IB) and be in sole charge of a full-size class for a minimum of 10 hours a week.
3. You will need to have IELTS 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component) or an equivalent English level qualification as per the University’s English Language Requirements.
4. Your school must be happy to support you doing the PGCE course and release you for the compulsory live online lectures on Thursdays.
5. Your school must commit to providing an experienced member of staff in the school to act as your mentor, observing your lessons, providing feedback and discussing the weekly tasks set by the University of Buckingham.

Fees

PGCE: £5,500

Registration Fee: £300 (non-refundable)

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.

The difference between the cost of taking our PGCE for International Trainees course and our PGCE (Hong Kong) course is due to the difference in course content and the requirement for an in-country tutor visit.

All fees are charged directly by the University of Buckingham, BISE will not add any additional charges for our services.

How To Apply

If you have any questions about the course, please submit your query here and our Hong Kong-based admissions officer will get back to you within 24 hours.

This course has been submitted for registration with the Hong Kong Education Bureau and subsequent accreditation by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). 

Applications will open upon successful registration.

Register your interest for this course and be the first to receive priority updates and access to crucial course information.

The majority of our other courses, including our Master's and Doctoral programmes, are currently open to applications from educators based in Hong Kong. Visit the course pages to find out more.