Postgraduate Certificate in Education international (iQTS)

The PGCEi (iQTS) is a high-quality professional education programme designed for educators teaching outside the UK, leading to International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) and Master’s level credits. This PGCEi (iQTS) course is for trainee teachers of primary education ages 5-11 years.

Having delivered Initial Teacher Training for over 50 years, the University of Northampton is known nationally for excellence in teacher training and research. We have been offering postgraduate study in Thailand for over a decade, with many successful graduates working in international schools.

This course will develop you into versatile educators, equipping you to lead change in diverse global contexts. You will develop pedagogical skills alongside digital proficiency, meeting the iQTS Teachers’ Standards by the end of training. Emerging as an adaptable leader, you will navigate cultural nuances, societal frameworks, and leverage international perspectives to address today’s educational challenges through a holistic curriculum.

Entry Requirements

• To ensure you are well-prepared for professional practice, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate the capacity to meet current professional standards for teaching.
  • Successful interview held remotely by the University (see FAQs)
  • Be deemed suitable to train to teach in England and in the country in which you will train to teach.
  • Have day-to-day access to appropriate Information Technology to access the online course resources and regular access to a classroom context.

  Location and residency requirements

  • Both UK and non-UK citizens are welcome to apply for the iQTS course. However, to secure a place, it is essential that applicants reside in Thailand or Southeast Asia for the entire duration of the course, as we specialise in this specific region.

  Safeguarding and Health requirements

  As part of our recruitment process for the iQTS course, candidates will undergo several safeguarding checks. These checks will be initiated if you are successful at the interview stage and may include:

  • Prohibition List checks: Where appropriate, we will conduct Prohibition List checks via the Teaching Regulation Agency. For applicants who are already teaching, we will verify that they are not subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State for Education in England (the ‘Prohibited List’) through the Teaching Regulation Agency.
  • Physical and Mental Fitness: You must provide evidence of your physical and mental fitness to teach. This includes undergoing a successful Occupational Health Screening to determine your health and physical capacity to train to teach and complete the course.
  • Criminal Record checks: Entrants must meet the requirements for clearance regarding criminal convictions and maintain good standing in this area. Offers are contingent upon passing all relevant background and safeguarding checks, with DBS requirements depending on your current residence. Additional requirements include criminal records checks for overseas applicants, prohibited list checks, and/or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records checks and children’s barred list information or their equivalents within the local context, guided by Keeping children safe in education.
  • This includes additional checks for applicants from outside the UK. If you have previously lived or worked in the UK, an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) and/or Letters of Good Conduct will be required. If you have never been to the UK, you do not need to apply for an ICPC.
  • Police checks: Trainees must undertake police checks in their country of domicile. This includes obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (Local Safeguarding Check).
  • Applicants are responsible for obtaining their own overseas checks or DBS equivalents required by their respective country.
  • An Overseas Criminal Record check is required if you have lived, studied, or worked overseas within the last five years. A separate check is needed for each country.
  • A DBS check is required if you have lived in the UK for a significant period within the last five years.

  Verification checks

  To verify the authenticity of your qualifications and identity, in-person checks will be conducted after enrolment. These checks will be carried out by the Course team, Head Teacher or Leadership Team member, and our Placements office.

  • Original Qualification Certificates: Please provide original qualification certificates (copies are not accepted). If you have lost your degree certificate, you will need to obtain a replacement from the institution where you studied. If you are unable to obtain a replacement certificate, please contact Admissions at PGTadmissions@northampton.ac.uk for guidance.
  • Translation of Certificates: If your original qualification certificates are not in English, you must provide an official translation of all required certificates and transcripts or a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.
  • Photo ID: Provide a photo ID, such as a passport, for identity checks.
    Conversation Checklist: Complete the conversation checklist with a Head Teacher or Leadership Team member.
  • Statement of Support: Obtain a signed Statement of Support from a Head Teacher or Leadership Team member, including in-person ID checks, attested qualifications, and local equivalents of the prohibited list and children’s barred list.
  • Partnership Agreement: Obtain a signed Partnership Agreement from a Head Teacher or Leadership Team member.
  • Honorary Contract: Sign the Honorary Contract.

  Intellectual and Academic Capabilities

  Before awarding the iQTS, providers must ensure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in these areas must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure fundamental English and mathematics skills, while the provider is responsible for assurance.

  Standards and requirements

  Our PGCE courses are designed to comply with the latest relevant Initial Teacher Training standards and requirements.

  Appeals and complaints

  If you wish to appeal our decision or have a complaint, please contact Admissions first to see if we can resolve the issue. If you need to take your complaint or appeal further, refer to our University complaints and appeals process and complete the Applicant Complaint and Appeals Form.

• We value your potential as a teacher and review each application individually. We seek applicants who show enthusiasm and dedication to becoming outstanding educators.

  For detailed guidance on applying, please visit our How to apply page for Postgraduate Study and How to apply page for International applicants for information on finding in-country agents and representatives.

  Application Details:

  As part of the admissions process, please provide the following information on your application form:

  • Name and address
  • Date of birth
  • Country of residence (You must be resident in Thailand or Southeast of Asia for the course duration)
  • Provide a copy of your in-date passport.
  • A personal statement.
  • Evidence of your qualifications.
  • Evidence of English language ability (where English is not the first language)
  • Change of name document, if your application and certificates are in different names
  • CV including details of your employment/training history.

  Two satisfactory professional references:

  • A ‘safeguarding’ reference from the school where you will be completing your iQTS, demonstrating your suitability to train to teach and work with children.
  • A reference from a relevant previous or current employer (where applicable), relating to work with children. If you have recently graduated, a reference from your university confirming your suitability to train to teach and work with children.

  Ensure you include evidence of your qualifications and other requested documentation when completing your application.

  Personal Statement:

  A strong personal statement is crucial for assessing your application. When writing your personal statement, consider addressing the following:

  • Why do you want to pursue this course?
  • What inspired you to become a teacher?
  • What character and personality traits will you bring to the teaching profession?
  • What skills and abilities will you contribute to the teaching profession?
  • What is your philosophy for teaching and learning?
  • What do you hope to achieve upon completing this course?

  Your personal statement should reflect your beliefs about teaching and learning, and how you plan to implement these beliefs in a professional school environment. It should be unique to you, showcasing the diversity of your background, experiences, and what you will bring to the teaching profession.

  Interview:

  We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who can work in ways that promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. The interview process will assess the suitability of applicants for working with children and young people. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the course team to demonstrate their commitment to the course. Successful admission will be based on your potential to teach, evaluated through both your application and the interview process.