How to compare teacher training providers — and why the University of Buckingham stands out for teachers studying from China, Hong Kong and beyond.
The short answer
If you are searching for the best university for teacher training, we recommend you judge providers on five things: course content, the quality of teaching, the level of academic support, course design, and international recognition. In the UK's National Student Survey 2026, the University of Buckingham's Faculty of Education ranked in the top 10 in the UK for key measures — including joint 1st for academic support and joint 3rd for teaching quality. Combined with the University's rigorous course content and online programmes specifically designed for international educators, that combination is hard to beat. Those seeking an internationally recognised qualification backed by a provider that cares about the student experience, your search is over.
How to evaluate a teacher training course
Teacher training is a professional, practical qualification, so the criteria that matter are specific.
We recommend weighing providers on these five factors:
- Course content. The curriculum is the heart of any qualification. Look for rigorous, up-to-date content grounded in current research — and, if you teach outside the UK, content designed to be relevant across international settings.
- Quality of teaching. A university's core job is to teach you well. Independent, student-reported measures — not marketing claims — are the fairest guide to whether it actually does.
- Academic support. Responsive tutors and administrative staff, who take the time to understand your needs, and give clear guidance are often the difference between passing with flying colours and falling behind.
- Course design. International educators are attempting to study alongside a full time role — the course design is therefore very important. Is the course made for working teachers?
- International recognition. The credential must travel. A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) or a UK-accredited Master’s degree opens doors worldwide.
How the University of Buckingham measures up
Buckingham performs strongly against every one of those criteria — and it has the independent evidence to prove it.
In the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026 — a UK-wide survey completed by final-year students and run on behalf of the UK's higher education regulators — the University of Buckingham's Faculty of Education achieved top-10 national rankings across six separate measures of the student experience:
- Joint 1st in the UK — Academic support
- Joint 1st in the UK — Freedom of expression
- Joint 3rd in the UK — Teaching on my course (teaching quality)
- 7th in the UK — Learning opportunities
- Joint 7th in the UK — Student voice
- 10th in the UK — Assessment and feedback
Why do the NSS rankings matter?
These results come from students themselves and show the actual student experience. Therefore, they are significant measures of how the courses perform and are a quality signal to prospective students.
A joint-first ranking for academic support and a joint-third ranking for teaching quality tell you exactly what a prospective teacher wants to know: this is a faculty that teaches well and looks after its students.
Although this is conducted in the UK, these students are taking online courses delivered by the same Faculty that delivers the international postgraduate teacher training.
When you study a PGCE, iQTS, Master's or Doctorate with Buckingham, you are studying with the faculty that earned those top-10 placings.
Why Buckingham is a strong choice for international educators
The University of Buckingham is the UK's first independent university and has long built its reputation on small class sizes, close tutor relationships and a personal approach to education. That philosophy is precisely what tends to travel well internationally: it means named contacts, meaningful feedback and a sense that you are known as an individual rather than a number on a register — wherever in the world you happen to be logging in from.
With that in mind, it has designed several key teacher training qualifications and education courses specifically for international educators.
This includes the PGCE for International Trainees, the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) programme, as well as the full range of online Master’s programmes and a Professional Doctorate in Education.
This means that:
- These qualifications are all globally recognised, indeed many schools require teachers to hold a PGCE, or increasingly iQTS.
- The courses take international settings into account. Teachers are supported by in-school mentors and reflective tasks ensure theory is applied to in-classroom situations. Master’s students can focus their research on subjects relevant to them.
- Each programme aims to flexibly support trainees and students around the world with live lectures at suitable times and an online platform providing key resources.
In a recent UK government inspection of the iQTS course, the University of Buckingham received the top grade. The inspection took into account feedback from trainees, mentors and school leaders, and included visits to schools abroad.
Particular areas of strength identified in the report included:
- strong and mutually supportive partnerships with schools and mentors;
- the 100-hour Intensive Training and Practice model;
- the University’s ‘forward-thinking use of technology’
- excellent programme design, delivery and quality assurance.
In addition, the inspection team highlighted that the Faculty had a clear sense of professionalism and pride and that workload, wellbeing and professional support were handled with insight and empathy.
This all backs up the 2026 NSS results.
Frequently asked questions
Which university is best for teacher training?
The right choice depends on your location, career stage, existing qualifications and the credential you need.
For international educators seeking a UK university with online programmes and strong student-reported results, the University of Buckingham is worth considering. Its Faculty of Education ranked in the UK's top 10 across six measures in the 2026 National Student Survey.
Can I train to be a teacher online?
Yes. Prof. Barnaby Lenon CBE, Dean, Faculty of Education at the University of Buckingham states: “We know that [learning on-the-job is] the most effective way of becoming a good teacher and being able to practice what we are telling you to do in the classroom week in, week out.”
The University of Buckingham’s courses are all provided online with the key requirement that trainees need to be employed by a school during their training - turning theory into practice every day.
Can I study with the University of Buckingham from abroad?
Yes, teachers and educators from around the world study with the University of Buckingham every year. Buckingham International specifically supports applicants from China, Hong Kong, as well as other locations around Asia with tailored application support at no additional cost.
How to choose the best teacher training university for you
When comparing providers, ask:
- Is the course content relevant to my goals?
- Do students rate the teaching and academic support highly?
- Can I realistically study alongside my job?
- Is the qualification or professional status recognised where I want to work?
- Will the course help me achieve my long-term career ambitions?
For international educators looking for academic quality, student support, flexible online study and internationally relevant qualifications, the University of Buckingham is a strong option.
At Buckingham International, we can help you understand the different courses on offer, how they match your career goals and support you through the application process at no additional cost.
Explore our Courses
Any questions? Contact our admissions team today.
Source: University of Buckingham, "Top 10 rankings in National Student Survey 2026," published 10 July 2026. Rankings refer to the Faculty of Education's placings among UK institutions in the National Student Survey 2026.