QTS, PGCE, PGCEi – What is the Relationship?
The Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an academic award. This is one of the
courses which can lead to becoming a teacher in England, though it is not the only route.
There are PGCE courses that include QTS and others that do not. The award of a PGCE with
QTS constitutes a valid teaching qualification. A PGCE that does not include QTS does not
qualify a candidate as a teacher.
PGCE courses with QTS are not available outside England. PGCEi courses are available
outside of England but this course does not lead to the award of QTS.
QTS can be obtained without a PGCE in England through an employment-based option.
Graduates of the EA support and partner university assessment programme earn QTS without
a PGCE