A PGCE — Post Graduate Certificate in Education — is one of the most respected teaching qualifications in the world. For teachers in Asia who want to advance their career, gain formal recognition for their practice, or simply become better in the classroom, a PGCE from the University of Buckingham is a powerful next step.
What is a PGCE?
A PGCE is a postgraduate teaching qualification recognised internationally across schools, education systems, and hiring panels. Many teachers choose to study for a PGCE after their bachelor's degree — either to enter the profession or to progress within it.
Our PGCE programmes are designed to:
- Develop critically aware teachers with a clear understanding of child development and how children learn
- Fundamentally elevate teaching skills through applied, classroom-based learning
- Enable teachers to play a full part in the life of a school
Who is it for?
This programme is ideal for teachers and aspiring teachers who want to:
- Start or progress their teaching career
- Gain an internationally recognised teaching qualification
- Deepen their understanding of international education and teaching theory
- Study flexibly alongside their existing teaching role, putting theory into practice every day
Course Details
- Format: Online study with live lectures, combined with in-school supervised practice
- Duration: 37 weeks
- Start date: September 2026
Course Pathways:
What Will I Study?
Our PGCE programmes are split into three modules. By the end of the course, you will have covered all aspects of teaching and learning, including:
- Child development and learning
- Educational theory
- Curriculum and assessment frameworks and delivery
- Applying subject-specific pedagogy
- Practical solutions to teaching and learning problems
- Classroom management
For full details on the course modules, visit the relevant course page.
What is it Like to Study a PGCE Online?
We offer online courses because we believe it is vitally important for teachers to study alongside an active role in a school.
"We know that learning on-the-job is the most effective way of becoming a good teacher — and being able to practise what we are telling you to do in the classroom, week in, week out."
— Prof. Barnaby Lenon CBE, Dean of Education, University of Buckingham
Alongside your teaching role, you will:
- Attend live online lectures with your fellow trainees
- Work with a mentor in your school, who will observe your lessons
- Be guided by a tutor at the University of Buckingham
- Have access to an online study platform
- Complete online study tasks and assignments
Our PGCE (Hong Kong) also includes an in-person visit from a University tutor to support your study.
Why Study with Buckingham International School of Education?
The University of Buckingham is an elite private university in the UK with over 20 years' experience delivering online teacher training and education degrees. Together, we set ourselves apart by offering:
- Rigorous, world-class courses
- Live online lectures — a real study experience, not pre-recorded content
- Theory supported by in-classroom practice
- Flexible modes of study
- Guidance from a dedicated mentor and University tutor
Our courses also have a 100% pass rate.
Entry Requirements
To study a PGCE, you will need:
- A bachelor's degree
- Current or confirmed employment as a teacher in a school that is happy to support your study
- English language proficiency meeting the University of Buckingham's requirements
For full entry requirements, please visit our course page.
Find Out More
How to Apply
You can apply directly with Buckingham International School of Education — the University of Buckingham's international partner in China and Hong Kong. We provide application support and pre-screening services at no additional cost, and submit your application to the University on your behalf.
Apply Now
Have a question first? Contact us at [email protected] — we're happy to help.