PGCE FAQs

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a full-time 36 week course which is developed and delivered collaboratively by the Swansea University Schools’ Partnership (SUSP). The course furnishes you with the skills, knowledge and school experience that enable you to become a successful, qualified teacher.

The Swansea University Schools’ Partnership (SUSP) PGCE programme consists of 60 credits at level 7 (Masters Level) and 60 credits at level 6 (final year of Bachelors degree) on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).

The SUSP PGCE is a one year full-time programme. Throughout the academic year, you will spend 120 days on school placements and 60 days in University-based provision.

To apply, select your chosen pathway here: Secondary /  Primary and click ‘apply’ on the top right-hand corner of the course page. You will be directed to the UCAS website where you will be able to begin the application process.

PGCE tuition fees for UK students for academic year 2026/27 are £9,790. International and EU students are £20,250.

After successful completion of the programme, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to the Education Workforce Council (EWC). This will enable you to teach as a New Qualified Teacher (NQT). QTS allows you to teach in England and Wales, as well as a number of other countries. We advise that you check with the respective country’s teaching association to confirm transferability and recognition.

Please visit our PGCE Funding page for more information on student loans, additional funding for eligible students as well as Welsh Government Teacher Training Incentives. 

PGCE Secondary students studying PGCE Biology, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Physics and Welsh, with a previous degree classification of 2.2 or higher, will be entitled to receive an incentive of £15,000. 

The incentive payments totalling £15,000 will be made in three instalments at the following points during a student’s ITE programme and early career: 

• £6,000 in January following completion of the first term of your PGCE (In-programme payment)
• £6,000 in July or August on successful completion of your PGCE and award of QTS. Where assessment by a resubmission exam board is required, payments will be made prior to 31 December (QTS payment)
• £3,000 on successful completion of your induction in Wales (Final incentive payment)

For more information, please view the 2026/27 guidance notes here.

The Ethnic Minority Initial Teacher Education (ITE) incentive 2026/27 is a grant available to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students studying an accredited postgraduate ITE programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). For more information, please view the 2026/27 guidance notes here.

Yes, the Iaith Athrawon Yfory Incentive Scheme is an incentive paid to eligible persons who complete an accredited secondary postgraduate ITE programme in Wales that enables them to teach through the medium of Welsh or teach Welsh as a subject. A total of £5000 for eligible student teachers is paid in two instalments:

• £2,500 for eligible persons on completion of an eligible secondary postgraduate ITE programme in Wales leading to QTS;
• £2,500 for eligible persons on successful completion of induction at a maintained Welsh-medium or bilingual secondary school or teaching Welsh in any maintained secondary setting in Wales.

The starting salary for new teachers in Wales is currently over £33,000.  Over your working life, you can expect to increase your salary as you gain experience and take on additional pastoral/academic duties, such as within your faculty or as a tutor. Continuous professional development (CPD) will also be offered to increase and improve your skills throughout your career.