Skip to main content

International Education PG Cert

2 years part-time distance learning, starting in April 2026

Apply to Bath Create your prospectus Find out about our Postgraduate scholarships

Gain the skills and knowledge to further your career as an international educator. You will have the flexibility to study alongside work or other commitments.

International education is becoming increasingly important for many national and international schools worldwide. If you are a teacher, lecturer, or leader in this field - or looking to take on such a role - our Postgraduate Certificate in International Education (PGCiE) course can provide you with essential skills and knowledge to boost your career.

You will study education at an advanced level in an international context with a focus on key issues that influence curricula across the planet. Throughout the course, you will explore current education topics and how to embed them positively within your professional practice.

Gain key skills

You will leave this course with:

  • demonstratable analysis and critical thinking skills
  • enhanced professional practice abilities
  • a greater theoretical understanding of current educational issues
  • an improved awareness of educational issues relating to sustainability and global citizenship
  • greater knowledge of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allowing you to better understand global challenges and how to address them through education

Learn from experts in their field

You will learn from experts in international education policy and practice, as well as staff in the wider Department of Education. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Flexible and collaborative learning

All units are self-led and online, meaning you can complete this course entirely through distance learning. This gives you the flexibility to study alongside other commitments.

However, you will interact and collaborate with other students and tutors as you learn.

You will also receive support for your coursework assignments and have access to a wealth of online resources via the University library.

Graduate prospects

With an enhanced understanding of international education and related issues, and a specialist qualification in this field, you will be in a strong position to develop your career.

While this course does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status in the UK, a specialist postgraduate qualification in international education is regarded by many schools to be important for teaching or leading in an international context.

There is also the option to continue your studies with the part-time MA Education and a doctoral qualification, such as our part-time Doctor of Education (EdD).

2027/28 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in April 2026 and ends in 2028.

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.

Units

This course lasts up to 2 years, and requires completion of 3 units.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Year 1

Year 2

  • 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
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Essay
  • Oral presentations
  • Portfolio
  • Reflective assessment
  • Set exercises

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above in an appropriate subject or

  • a degree that is not a 2:1 or above plus at least 2 years 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 or

  • an advanced diploma in education and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

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.

For this course, alternative ways of demonstrating English language proficiency through professional experience may be available. For example, if you're a class teacher, teaching in English, on an International Baccalaureate programme or similar in a recognised English-medium international school (an IB World School) and you have been teaching in such a school for at least two years. If you think this might apply to you, please describe your experience clearly in your application.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

Other qualifications

We welcome applications from graduates from all countries so if you can’t see your country in the list, please contact our admissions team for advice about your specific entry requirements.

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

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for International Education PG Cert part-time distance learning

Fees

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

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

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.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    International Education
  • Final award
    PG Cert
  • Mode of study
    Distance learning, part-time
  • Course code
    THED-ADC65
  • Department
    Department of Education
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    1 July 2020

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    1 July 2020

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

Course enquiries

On this page