Education (Wales)

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

We strongly recommend you read the Frequently Asked Questions before making an application to ensure you are eligible.

The entry requirements for this programme are set by Welsh Government and the Education Workforce Council and are therefore essential for all salaried and part time applicants. There may be changes to these regulatory requirements in response to COVID-19. Additionally, some pathways within the PGCE have additional entry requirements.

For the part-time route you must have a home address in Wales. For the salaried route, you must have a home address in Wales or England and be able to complete your teaching experience in two Welsh state schools.

You must have the following:

• A full UK honours degree (or equivalent). If you want to become a secondary school teacher, your degree should ideally contain a significant proportion of the subject you want to teach. For those applicants applying to Secondary Welsh, your degree does not necessarily have to be in this area if you can demonstrate that you are a fluent language user, as consideration may be given dependant on depth of knowledge.
• GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics–numeracy at Grade B or above (or equivalent).
• GCSE English Language or Welsh Language at Grade B or above (or equivalent). Or, GCSE English Literature or Welsh Literature at Grade B or above (or equivalent), plus GCSE English Language or Welsh Language at Grade C or above (or equivalent).
• GCSE Science at Grade C or above (or equivalent) if you want to become a primary school teacher.
• Experience working in a school environment/with young people if you want to study the salaried route. Be prepared to complete a voluntary week in school before starting the course if you want to study the part-time route.

If you have a qualification which is considered equivalent to a GCSE B grade, you can discuss this with the Wales PGCE team. If you have overseas qualifications, you will need to check they are equivalent by contacting ENIC. If you do not have the requisite B grades in English/Welsh/Maths or a C grade in Science, please read the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Wales-PGCE@open.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.

In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate the following:

• Aptitude, capability, and resilience to meet the required QTS outcomes by the end of your PGCE programme.
• Personal and intellectual qualities to become an excellent practitioner.
• You can read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English and/or Welsh.
• Personal functional skills in literacy, numeracy and digital competency applicable in a professional teaching and learning context. This will be evaluated through an assessment.

During the application process you’ll need to do the following:

• Apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to show that you are not or have not previously been barred or excluded from teaching or working with learners, or have a criminal background that might prevent you from working with children or vulnerable people. Safeguarding is a legal requirement.
• Confirm you understand that you will need to complete an extended period of time in a second school.

If you’re applying for the salaried route, you must have a named employer school. You must include a supporting statement endorsed by the headteacher in your application. Applications without the school’s endorsement letter will not be accepted. If you are a career changer, for secondary subjects we can match you to one of our partner schools across Wales. You’ll also need to register with the Education Workforce Council as a Learning Support Worker before starting the programme.

You’ll also need access to a computer with internet connection.

1. Choose your qualification.
2. Select your first module and review the entry requirements.
3. Register for your module online.
4. Pay – see fees and funding for your available options.
5. Send evidence to us to confirm you meet the entry requirements.

When to apply

• Registration is now open for the academic year ending July 2023.
• Closing dates vary depending on the modules you choose.

To ensure you have everything in place ready to start your course, please check the module descriptions – there may be preparatory work you need to submit before your module starts.

1. Choose your qualification.
2. Select your first module and review the entry requirements.
3. Register for your module online.
4. Pay – see fees and funding for your available options.
5. Send evidence to us to confirm you meet the entry requirements.

When to apply

• Registration is now open for the academic year ending July 2023.
• Closing dates vary depending on the modules you choose.

To ensure you have everything in place ready to start your course, please check the module descriptions – there may be preparatory work you need to submit before your module starts.