Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - New for September 2026!

From September 2026 we're pleased to say that you will be able to study for a PGCE qualification as part of your teacher training at NTTC. Our PGCE will be delivered and awarded by Bath Spa University, experts in working with teacher-training programmes across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a PGCE?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a Level 7 academic qualification. PGCE study focuses on aspects of teaching, learning and assessment, or other aspects of working in education settings in England and Wales.

Do I need a PGCE to teach?
In order to be employed as a qualified teacher in England and Wales, you need to successfully complete an Initial Teacher Training course which allows you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You do not need a PGCE to teach; if you have a PGCE but not QTS you are not fully qualified to 
teach in England and Wales.

What benefits will a PGCE give me?
Our PGCE course is designed to work alongside NTTC’s training, supporting trainees to deepen their understanding of effective classroom practice through critical engagement with research at Level 7 (QTS courses are assessed at Level 6, the same academic level as an undergraduate degree). A PGCE is an internationally recognised qualification and employers outside of England and Wales will often look for a PGCE qualification as well as QTS.

Do I have to study for a PGCE if I apply to NTTC?
You don’t have to study for a PGCE if you don’t want to – we also offer our QTS-only route. You will still experience a full, high-quality course with NTTC if you choose this route.

Who will I study with?
While you will study for and obtain QTS as a student of City College Norwich, we have partnered with Bath Spa University, who offer a PGCE course designed to work with our QTS training.

How will I be taught?
Bath Spa University colleagues will lead PGCE sessions. For each module there is a full day’s module launch, which will be in person; each module has a small number of followup online short sessions, to support preparation for assessment. 

What will I study?
The PGCE course consists of two modules. The core module focuses on deepening your understanding of pedagogy: exploring the choices that teachers make when selecting pedagogic approaches. The second module will focus on another aspect of effective teaching and learning. Your study focuses will align with your developing classroom experiences.

How will I be assessed?
Both modules are assessed in the same way: a literature review, a recorded presentation and annotated documents from your QTS portfolio. These three formats are assessed as one final assignment and means that assessment is made accessible to through a range of formats. The first module covers your first term of training; the second module covers the second term.

What is the workload like?
The PGCE is a separate qualification, designed to complement and build on your QTS work. There will be extra work to do – the written and presentation components of each module are on top of your QTS assignments. Annotation documents are chosen from your portfolio, to avoid duplication where possible. Deadlines are carefully planned to ensure you have some flexibility around when you complete them. Modules are chosen to align with the QTS programme so that you are 
able to focus your reading, writing and developing practice in 
a manageable way.

If I choose the QTS-only route, does this mean I don’t have to do any assignments?
You still have to complete assignments as part of the QTSonly route, for which you will be assessed at Level 6. On both routes you will have to compile a portfolio of evidence for QTS assessment. This happens across the year and is guided by NTTC.

What support will Bath Spa University give me?
You will have your own academic tutor as your main point of contact. As well as leading the taught sessions, Bath Spa provide twilight tutorials to support your module work. You will have access to Bath Spa library services and reading lists, as well as the Academic Skills Team. All of these can be accessed online.

What if I don’t pass an assignment?
If your submission is not a Level 7 pass, you will be given feedback to prepare a resubmission. If this is still not a Level 7 pass, you will be invited to submit at Level 6 and will still gain an academic award, the PrGCE (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education).

What options do I have for further study after completing my PGCE?
Your PGCE will give you 60 credits as Masters level. You can usually use these to contribute towards completing a full Masters course at any university, on a course relating to your PGCE. There may be a time limit to do this.