Part-time route

Teacher talking to pupils

Available for both primary and secondary pathways in:
Science, Maths, Welsh, English (with options in Drama or Media),
Design and Technology, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), and Computing/ICT.

đź“Š Explore the graphic to see key features of the part-time route.
🏫 Schools must be registered as Partner Schools to offer this route.👉 Apply to become a Partner School
đź“„ View Partner School Commitments

The part-time PGCE with QTS is a two-year distance learning programme designed for aspiring teachers who need to balance study with other commitments.

Students earn 60 credits at Level 6 in Year 1 (equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree), and 60 credits at Level 7 in Year 2 (Master’s level). The course is delivered online through interactive materials, live evening seminars with subject-specialist Curriculum Tutors, and supported by in-school mentors.

Learning is accessed via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), which includes textbooks, videos, audio content, and forums for connecting with tutors and fellow students. The PGCE Wales Team is also available for ongoing support.

This route is ideal for those who cannot commit to full‑time working, career‑changers or those not currently working in schools. Students combine 2–3 days of school‑based practice learning with around 16 hours of weekly study. The course is self‑funded, but student loans and part‑time maintenance grants are available.

Practice learning follows a consecutive study model, with students alternating between online learning and school placements. Placement days increase as the programme progresses, and students are expected to follow the full school day schedule.

Practice learning is a core part of the PGCE and includes:

  • 120 days of school experience across two different settings
  • Teaching across age phases
  • Structured mentor support and gradual development of teaching skills

In Year 1, placements may be taken as blocks or spread across the week. In Year 2, at least 30 of the 60 days must be completed in a continuous block to prepare for full‑time teaching.

Students engage with a mix of reading, video content, and interactive activities. A study planner helps keep progress on track. They’ll attend regular live online seminars, typically held in the evening, and participate in discussion forums to share experiences with peers across Wales.

High attendance is expected, and students will need a reliable computer and internet connection to fully engage with the course.

For Schools:

To host a student teacher, your school must first apply for Partner School status. Complete the Partner School Application Form.

Your application will be reviewed by the Partnership Committee, which includes Local Authority ITE Leads for endorsement.

If your school would like support with recruitment or attracting aspiring teachers, email us at wales-pgce@open.ac.uk to request a call with our team.

For Student Applicants:

Apply for the PGCE programme using our online application form: Apply Online Here. If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an online interview.

Please note: placements will be conducted in mainstream schools in Wales. Further guidance is available in the FAQ document.