A teacher sat with students in red school uniforms, as they work on robotic models.

Train to teach in Northern Ireland

Train to teach in Northern Ireland with our PGCE with International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS).

This unique programme combines the academic rigour of a university-led course with the practical benefits of on-the-job training. You'll complete the entire programme from your current school in Northern Ireland (provided it meets our criteria for optimal support) – all while learning online from leading educators around the world.

Here's what sets us apart:

Gain registration with the GTCNI: The PGCE with iQTS is recognised by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland, leading to teacher registration within the country¹.
Earn iQTS: Upon successful completion, you'll be eligible for iQTS, which automatically grants you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)².
60 master's level credits: This programme awards 60 credits towards a master's degree in education, a stepping stone for future career advancement.

Routes to initial teacher training

Tuition fee route

Employed route

PGCE only

Primary and secondary routes

All routes are available for Primary (5-11) and Secondary (11-16 / 11-19 age phases). Secondary subject specialisms offered in:

For 11-19: Art and design, biology, computing, chemistry, dance, design and technology, drama, English, English as an additional or second language (EAL/ESL), geography, history, maths, music, modern foreign languages, physical education, physics and religious studies.

For 14-19: Business studies, classics and psychology.

Full-time and part-time routes

Assessment-only route to QTS

Choose your course

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PGCE with iQTS

Our iPGCE with iQTS is an Initial Teacher Training course for trainee teachers to gain International Qualified Teacher Status and study for a PGCE while in employment or on placement in schools outside England.

Find out more

International PGCE

Our iPGCE is a worldwide teacher training course which allows trainees to study for a PGCE while in employment or on placement in schools outside England.

Find out more

Find the right route for you

Try our Taster Course to find the right path into teaching for you.

Learn more

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More information

Just looking for QTS?

If you have at least two years of teaching experience, you could gain QTS without further study through our assessment-only route.

Already a qualified teacher?

Get ready for your next step with our master's courses.

Disclaimers

¹The GTCNI has confirmed that NITE’s PGCE with iQTS course will lead to registration with the GTCNI for the course year 2024-25.

²The PGCE with iQTS is a professional teaching qualification awarded by Coventry University’s National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).

The Department for Education (DfE) in England recognises iQTS as equal to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). Those who have successfully completed the iQTS qualification with NITE will be automatically awarded QTS.

If the iQTS holder then wishes to teach in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in England, they will need to complete an induction period. They will be able to complete their induction either in a DfE-accredited British School Overseas (BSO) or in a relevant school in England.

As iQTS is a professional qualification, it does not necessarily grant holders with the required teaching licence or access to a teacher induction programme in their respective countries. Prior to accepting a place on our PGCE with iQTS course, prospective candidates are advised to check any necessary local requirements for a teacher licence and/or induction programme with their teaching authority.