Part-time route

Gain a PGCE with QTS through Distance Learning

The programme is studied via distance learning over a period of two years, leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Year 1: Students work towards 60 credits at Level 6, which corresponds to the final year of an undergraduate degree.
• Year 2: Students progress to 60 credits at Level 7, at Master’s level.

The course is delivered online, combining self-paced study materials with live seminar sessions led by specialist Curriculum Tutors in your chosen subject area. You will also receive practical support from a mentor at your school, who will offer guidance throughout your training.

All course content is available through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), where you will have access to textbooks, videos, audio resources, and interactive learning activities. The VLE also provides discussion forums where you can connect with tutors and fellow students.

Throughout your journey, the dedicated PGCE Wales Team will be on hand to provide personal support and advice whenever you need it.

Schools may host and mentor part-time students in a similar way to traditional ITE placements, where students are supported by experienced partner schools. These students are not salaried. Instead, the OU ITE Partnership provides reimbursement to schools for hosting and mentoring responsibilities.

This pathway is ideal for those who can’t commit to full-time work, are changing careers, or aren’t currently working in schools. Students combine 2–3 days of school-based practical learning with around 16 hours of weekly study. The course is self-funded, but student loans and part-time maintenance grants are available.

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

All prospective teachers spend time learning in a school setting, which we call 'Learning Practice'. This is an integral part of any PGCE qualification in Wales and must comply with the accreditation rules set by the Education Workforce Council and the Welsh Government. Examples of these requirements are:

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

In Year 1, placements can 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 will study a range of online interactive materials via the OU website. It’s not just reading! There will be bespoke video materials to watch and activities to complete as they go. We will provide a helpful study planner to help keep studies on track.

Students will have access to a subject site which gives an overview of the PGCE and a module site to access learning materials, online teaching sessions and the discussion forums. They’ll be able to reach out to other student teachers across Wales to share experiences.

Students will attend live online seminars with an OU tutor in the evening and learn alongside peers across Wales, so they’ll need a computer and a decent internet connection. Students will be expected to have a high level of attendance in online sessions. Sessions for subject or phase are usually held fortnightly, but there are also other learning sessions that they will need to attend from time to time.

For Schools:

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

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

If your school would like support with recruitment or attracting ambitious teachers, email us at wales-pgce@open.ac.uk to arrange 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 are held in mainstream schools in Wales. Further guidance is available in the FAQs document .