The Open University in Wales

To become a teacher, you need to attain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through an accredited provider. The Open University in Wales' innovative part-time and salaried PGCE routes will qualify you to work at primary and secondary school level, and you can study through the medium of English or Welsh, anywhere in Wales.  

Together in partnership with the Welsh Government, Regional Consortia and nearly two hundred schools across Wales, we have created two innovative routes into the teaching profession. Our unique part-time and salaried PGCE routes combine supported online learning with high quality, practical in-school experience over a two-year qualification. 

The salaried PGCE:  

The salaried route means you can work in a school and earn a salary whilst studying. It’s ideal if you already work at a school as a teaching assistant or in a non-teaching role. You’ll need to get agreement from your school to apply for this route. You will study for your PGCE around your existing school duties as part of your full-time employment in a school and your costs of study are covered by a training grant from the Welsh Government. You can still apply for the salaried route if you don’t work in a school, but you’ll need to have a school willing to sponsor you, which we could help you find. Click here to find out more about this route. 

The part-time PGCE:  

If you don’t work in a school, or the salaried route isn’t right for you, there is a part-time option available. The part-time PGCE is only available to study at The Open University in Wales. This route is ideal if you want to study your PGCE around your existing part-time employment or other life commitments such as parenting or caring. This route can be self-funded or you can apply for a student loan and part-time maintenance grants to help with the costs. Click here to find out more about this route. 

What subjects can I study?  

On both the salaried and part-time routes, you can study to become a primary school teacher.  

On the salaried route you can study to become a secondary school teacher in Maths, Science, Welsh, Design and Technology, Computing/ICT or English.  

On the part-time route you can study to become a secondary school teacher in Maths, Science, Welsh, Design and Technology, Computing/ICT, English, English with Drama or English with Media Studies.  

Click here to find out more about the subjects on offer. 

Why choose to study with The Open University in Wales?  

• The Open University in Wales’ PGCE qualification is designed for teaching in Wales and for the Welsh curriculum.  
• The programme is employability focused and will prepare you to enter the teaching profession. As a vocational teaching qualification, it's accredited by the Education Workforce Council and monitored by Estyn. 
• The Open University is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in supported online learning. We understand the critical importance of part-time higher education and have supported learners to balance study with work and other life commitments for over 50 years. 
• Whether you are already working in a school in a non-qualified teaching role, or are looking to change your career, the flexibility of the PGCE with The Open University allows you to study for your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) alongside your existing commitments. Whether that’s working, parenting or caring, you can fit teacher training around your life. 
• At The Open University you will have expert guidance every step of the way. You’ll be taught by curriculum tutors who are practiced specialists in their field. You’ll be supported by a personal in-school mentor and by our dedicated Student Support Team in Wales. Plus, with regular online seminars and student forums you’ll become part of a positive, engaged and supportive community committed to seeing you succeed. 

Want to find out more?  

Visit our website to find out more about the part-time and salaried PGCE routes and read frequently asked questions.  

You can also join one of our PGCE online open events where you will hear from past and current PGCE students as well as our expert curriculum tutors. You’ll also have the opportunity to get your questions answered by our expert PGCE team. Click here to find out when the next PGCE online open event is happening.