Please note: we're offering an updated and revised version of our PGCiE course from October 2024. This covers the same core topics, but has a new structure and updated content. Find out more about our updated PGCiE course

If you are a teacher or leader in this field, or looking to take on such a role, this Postgraduate Certificate in International Education (PGCiE) will provide you with sought-after skills and knowledge to boost your career.

During this course, you will explore issues relating to education in an international context, considering what it means to offer an international curriculum, the concept of culture, and issues relating to international schools.

There’s also the option to explore curriculum issues in greater depth, or to focus more on understanding issues relating to learning in an international context.

The final unit encourages you to reflect on what you have studied so far, and how it relates to your own professional practice.

Our Department of Education conducts research into international education, international schools and international curricula including the International Baccalaureate. You’ll be working with staff who are researchers themselves, who teach and supervise research on master’s courses and doctoral programmes, and who publish books and articles in this field.

We have strong links with international education organisations, including the International Baccalaureate and Fieldwork Education (developers of the International Primary Curriculum, International Middle Years Curriculum and International Early Years Curriculum).

Flexible and collaborative learning

You can choose to study this course in a variety of ways

All units are self-led and online, meaning you can complete this course entirely through distance learning. But you can combine this with short periods of face-to-face learning at our Summer School.

However you choose to study your units, you will interact and collaborate with other students and tutors as you learn. You will receive online support for your coursework assignments and have access to a wealth of online resources via the University library.

Please note: Units studied during a Summer School will still require you to work through and complete the materials online. Summer Schools are designed to complement and enhance your self-led, distance learning.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Compulsory units

This course lasts between 1 and 2 years, and requires the completion of 3 units. You must complete your units within 2 years.

You should complete the units in the order below.

1. Education in an international context
2. either Curriculum studies or Understanding learners and learning
3. Educational enquiry (consisting of a reflective assignment drawing on both issues studied in the first two units and your own practice)

Learning and assessment

Learning

• Lectures
• Online resources
• Practical sessions
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment

• Coursework
• Essay

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

British qualifications

You should have:

• a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above, or
• a degree that is not a 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in a relevant field or sector, or
• a teaching qualification (gained after at least the equivalent of 2 satisfactory years of higher education) plus at least 2 years of relevant experience in a relevant field or sector.

Minimum non-graduate qualifications

• an advanced diploma in education and at least 2 years of relevant experience or
• a teaching qualification (gained after at least the equivalent of 2 satisfactory years of higher education) and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree (for example, professional experience in education).

If your first language is not English, but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Requirements for your country

View entry requirements for your country.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses:

• 2022/23 academic year
• 2023/24 academic year
• 2024/25 academic year

Extra costs

You must pay a deposit of £200 per unit if studying at the University of Bath. This is non-refundable but will be deducted from the total unit cost.

There is an administration charge of £50 per unit if studying at the Summer School.

You must pay the cost of attending the Summer School. This includes travel, breakfast and evening meals and accommodation. You must cover the costs of IT equipment to enable participation on the course from a distance.

How to pay

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, or bank transfer.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

If you undertake a Summer School, you will be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink, alongside any unit and registration fees.

Course title: International Education

Final award: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)

Mode of study: Distance learning, Part-time

Course code: Multiple

Department: Department of Education

Location: University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY

UK/EU application deadline: Various

Overseas deadline: Various

Application eligibility: UK and Overseas students are eligible to apply

Regulator: The Office for Students (OfS)

The deadline to apply for this course has now passed. However, we're offering an updated and revised version of our PGCiE course from October 2024. This covers the same core topics, but has a new structure and updated content. Find out more about our updated PGCiE course

Summer School 2024

Our 2024 Summer School is only open to current MA Education or PGCiE students.

Find out more and book your place