PGCESpain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does PGCE(i) stand for?
PGCE(i) is an international Postgraduate Certificate in Education, awarded by the University of Nottingham. It is a teaching qualification at Masters level.
How long does the course take to complete?
The PGCE(i) normally takes approximately 36 weeks to complete.
Can I take longer than one year to complete the course?
Normally students complete the course in one year but there is flexibility in terms of completion dates and teaching practice placements. This can be discussed with PGCESpain and the university tutors.
Is the course age or subject specific?
No, the course is not phase or subject specific. It is open to primary and secondary age ranges.
Can I build on the PGCE(i) qualification to complete a Masters in Education?
Yes, the course gives up to 60 Masters level credits which can be built upon to lead to a Masters in Education.
I am already teaching in a school but would like to do the course. Is this possible?
Yes. The course is open both to existing teachers and to people who are interested in becoming a teacher.
Is the course available all around in Spain?
Yes. We have PGCE students all around mainland Spain, as well as the Balearic and Canary islands.
Do PGCE students need to undertake the practical component of the course in a British school?
Not necessarily. Although the majority of our participating schools are British schools, we have a significant number of Spanish, American and other international schools involved in the programme.
Is it possible to study the PGCESpain course in other countries?
This would be dependant on finding a suitable school for the practical component of the course and on attending the two face-to-face weekends in Valencia. We have had numerous enquiries from interested parties in other countries and have this year enrolled students onto the course from Portugal, Italy and Denmark.
What is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is given to PGCE students who successfully complete a PGCE in England and Wales, and is currently a requirement for registration to work as a teacher in state or maintained schools in England and Wales. Newly qualified teachers who have passed their PGCE in England and Wales must then complete an induction year in a state or maintained school in order to become registered successfully as a teacher. QTS is only a requirement for teaching in state schools in England and Wales. QTS is not required in the private sector.
Does the PGCE(i) give students QTS or other state registration on successful completion of the course? Can I get state registration in the UK with the PGCE(i)?
No, The PGCE(i) does not offer any state registration. We do know of trainees who in recent years have gained state registration in different countries, however the regulations vary from country to country and can change frequently. We will happily provide assistance for our extrainees who are interested in teaching in state schools in the UK, however if this is your primary reason for doing the PGCE(i) course we would recommend you do a PGCE in the UK.
Does the PGCE(i) course allow me to work in Spanish state schools?
For the same reasons mentioned above, the PGCE(i) course does not offer a state Spanish teaching licence. If you are interested in working in the Spanish state or maintained sector we would recommend that you do a Spanish teaching qualification.
How successful have PGCESpain students been in finding employment in schools?
Extremely successful. The vast majority of PGCESpain’s extrainees have been employed as teachers in schools, most of which are across Spain but also in other countries such as Germany, Portugal, Italy, Egypt and the UK. Please refer to the “Succes Indicators” section of our website.