Teacher Training courses

Our courses

What is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a globally recognised qualification that unlocks teaching opportunities worldwide.

In England, QTS is essential for teaching in primary, secondary, and special schools funded by local authorities. While private and academy schools can hire teachers without QTS, most prefer candidates who hold this qualification.

If you're aiming to teach in further education or work in early years education, QTS is not a requirement. However, it remains highly valued due to its numerous benefits:

• It is regulated by the Department for Education, ensuring a high standard of training.
• Teachers with QTS are placed on the qualified teacher pay scale, earning higher salaries compared to those without it.

QTS is recognised worldwide as the gold standard in teaching, in turn, enhancing career prospects and earning potential in education.

What is a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an academic qualification that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of teaching practices, educational theory, and research, setting you apart as a knowledgeable and skilled educator.

A PGCE also offers a pathway to a Master’s degree, awarding up to 60 master’s-level credits that can count toward the 180 credits required for a full Master’s qualification. 

For those aiming to teach in further education or early years settings, a PGCE is the qualification you’ll need. However, if your goal is to teach in primary or secondary education, you’ll require a PGCE that includes Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

We never forget what the end goal is - to get you in front of students so you can develop their talents 

So, we make sure there’s always plenty of opportunity to do just that. Even in your course work you’ll be able to use mock classrooms for Early Years and Primary practice, and we also offer a science lab and music room. You should feel right at home in the school environment.  

We’ll make doubly sure of that with your placements too. Thanks to our links with schools, colleges, early years facilities and local authorities, we can give you the chance to get out there and get teaching. We aim to get you teaching early on, right from the first term in fact. There are lots of opportunities along the way to try different teaching settings, to give you a better feel of the options for your career. 

Depending on the subject and the age range, competition for teaching posts can be really high. So, we give you the chance to stand taller than the rest, with the latest research, cutting-edge teaching and exciting placement opportunities.  

Great teachers aren’t born, they’re made

We’ve been helping to make them since 1947, when we first started training teachers. We operate strong and credible partnerships with local and national education providers, including leading The Education and Training Consortium. By choosing to study with the University of Huddersfield, you’ll join an inspiring, passionate and committed community focused on making your studies as enjoyable, rewarding and productive as possible. We look forward to welcoming you. 

I am extremely happy with how the university has tailored each placement to help us experience different schools, preparing us with both the theory behind teaching and pedagogical knowledge- to help put theory into practice.

Momina Hanif, Primary and Early Years Education with QTS BA(Hons) 2022

Student experience video

Samantha Robinson studying Primary Education (Early Years and Key Stage 1) BA (Hons) with QTS