Education in Wales

To become a teacher, you need a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our PGCE will qualify you to work at either the primary or secondary school phases and focuses on the curriculum in Wales. You can study through the medium of English, Welsh or a combination. Teaching is online, including live online seminars, with face-to-face support provided in school. You’ll experience teaching in two different schools in Wales (at least 120 days over the two years). Students endorsed by a school participating in the scheme may be fully funded (salaried route) or you can self-fund and could be eligible for a student loan and/or a maintenance grant (part-time route).

This PGCE is designed for the Curriculum for Wales and supports the reform agenda for the professional learning of teachers.



We currently offer the following age phases or subjects:



Primary, Secondary Maths, Science, Welsh, English, Design and Technology, Computing/ICT



NEW FOR 2025: Secondary Modern Foreign Languages



You can follow one of two routes: the salaried route or the part-time route. Both routes include the same modules and are a mix of online and face-to-face sessions with mentors and practice tutors.



For module details please see "Course Web Page".

We strongly recommend you read the Frequently Asked Questions before making an application to ensure you are eligible.



The entry requirements for this programme are set by Welsh Government and the Education Workforce Council and are therefore essential for all salaried and part time applicants. Some pathways within the PGCE have additional entry requirements.



For the part-time route you must have a home address in Wales. For the salaried route, you must have a home address in Wales or England and be able to complete your teaching experience in two Welsh state schools.



As a minimum, candidates must hold a standard equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above in:



mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy

either English Language or Welsh First Language

a science subject, if you want to teach in primary school (learners aged 4 – 11).

If you do not currently meet the GCSE (or equivalent) requirements, you will need to re-sit your GCSE to gain the required grade(s). However, you may already hold a qualification which is equivalent to the GCSEs above.



Please contact Wales-PGCE@open.ac.uk for advice on the qualifications we can accept as equivalent.



You must have gained the required grade(s) before the programme commences, or your place will be withdrawn.



Please note these entry requirements are set by Welsh Government and are statutory.



It should still be noted that the application process is competitive, and that GCSE grades are one component of how we consider your application.



A full UK honours degree (or equivalent). You must hold a degree with at least 50% relevance to the subject if you want to teach to become a secondary school teacher (learners aged 12 – 16). For those applicants applying to Secondary Welsh, your degree does not necessarily have to be in this area if you can demonstrate that you are a fluent language user, as consideration may be given dependant on depth of knowledge.



Due to high demand for places, entry to our primary part-time programme is limited to applicants who possess a 2:2 or above at degree level.



Experience working in a school environment/with young people if you want to study the salaried route. Be prepared to complete a voluntary week in school before starting the course if you want to study the part-time route.



Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Wales-PGCE@open.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.



In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate the following:



Aptitude, capability, and resilience to meet the required QTS outcomes by the end of your PGCE programme.

Personal and intellectual qualities to become an excellent practitioner.

You can read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English and/or Welsh.

Personal functional skills in literacy, numeracy and digital competency applicable in a professional teaching and learning context. This will be evaluated through an assessment.

During the application process you’ll need to do the following:



Apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to show that you are not or have not previously been barred or excluded from teaching or working with learners, or have a criminal background that might prevent you from working with children or vulnerable people. Safeguarding is a legal requirement.



Confirm you understand that you will need to complete an extended period of time in a second school.



If you’re applying for the salaried route, you must have a named employer school. You must include a supporting statement endorsed by the headteacher in your application. Applications without the school’s endorsement letter will not be accepted. If you are a career changer, for secondary subjects we can match you to one of our partner schools across Wales. You’ll also need to register with the Education Workforce Council as a Learning Support Worker before starting the programme.



You’ll also need access to a computer with internet connection.

Application deadlines

Application dates will vary slightly every year and are subject to change. Application dates for September 2025 entry are shown below:



Pathway Opening date for 2025 Closing date for 20251

Primary salaried (with endorsing school) 21 October 2024 30 June 2025

Primary part-time2 21 October 2024 30 June 2025

Secondary salaried (with or without endorsing school) 21 October 2024 30 June 2025

Secondary part-time 21 October 2024 30 June 2025



1We reserve the right to close applications sooner if places are filled. There are a limited number of places available, and demand for the primary part-time route is particularly high. It is in your best interest to apply for the route of your choice at the earliest opportunity. We regret that we cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date. Due to this high demand, entry onto the primary part-time programme may be limited to the reserve list.



2For primary part-time applicants: Due to extremely high demand for places, entry to our part-time programme is limited to applicants who possess a 2:2 or above at degree level.

2 years



How long does it take?

You’ll complete the qualification in two years. The modules start in September each year and finish the following June. You’ll receive your results in July. Break weeks coincide with the Welsh school holidays.



For more information about either route or how and when to apply, email Wales-PGCE@open.ac.uk.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

On achieving your PGCE, we’ll recommend you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), as either a primary or secondary school teacher, depending on which option you chose.



The programme is employability-focussed and will prepare you to enter the profession. As a vocational teaching qualification, it’s accredited by EWC (Education Workforce Council) and monitored by Estyn. The combination of academic and practice-based skills and experience is central to the programme, ensuring you’re familiar with ‘practice as theory and theory as practice’. Your eportfolio will assess your skills and experience against relevant learning outcomes and professional standards.



The PGCE is based on experience in Welsh schools and the delivery of the the Curriculum for Wales, but it is also valid in England. If you wish to teach in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you must register with the appropriate country’s professional body. They’ll assess applications on a case-by-case basis.



Why become a teacher? Read more about why teaching is such a worthwhile career and how the Open University’s PGCE Wales programme prepares your for the profession, visit A unique route into teaching.