Postgraduate Certificate in International Education (PGCiE)

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.

Course overview

Study education at an advanced level in an international context.

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.

If you started studying PGCiE in April 2024 or before, you can read details about your course and its structure here

Course structure and units

This course lasts 1 to 2 years and can be completed through distance learning.

Course structure

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 between 1 and 2 years, and requires you to complete 3 units. You must complete your units within 2 years of starting the course.

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.

Find out more about distance learning with us

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

Video materials
Online resources
Lectures
Seminars
Workshops

You are expected to spend, on average, around 10 hours per week studying. This will be made up of structured and interactive online content, with support from Bath academics throughout.

Assessment

Coursework
Essay(s)
Oral presentation
Portfolio(s)
Reflective assessment
Set exercises

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, oral presentations, a portfolio, and a reflective assessment.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

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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).

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Our Department

When you join this course, you will become a member of our Department of Education.

We offer a range of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. Among the areas in which we conduct research are international education, international schools and international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate.

You will work with staff who are researchers themselves. Many teach and supervise research on master’s and doctoral programmes, and publish in their fields.

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).

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Entry requirements

View entry requirements.

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

Changes to teaching

Summer School

We plan to host our 2025 Summer School in Bath. This may change in line with government guidance.

If you are unable to attend the Summer School, you can choose instead to study the units via distance learning. You will be able to discuss your options with your Director of Studies nearer the time.

Our on-campus provision has been developed to be flexible in the face of possible changes in public health advice. If the UK government restricts how we can deliver the campus-based elements of your course, we will make alternative arrangements. We will announce alternative arrangements. Please check back here regularly.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for this course.

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:

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.

IT requirements

To take full advantage of the online resources available to you, you will need regular access to a computer with a microphone and camera, along with a reliable internet connection. The University will make available to you the key software you need for your course, such as access to Microsoft Teams through your University account.

How to pay

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

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.

Application information

View application information.

Course title: International Education

Final award: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)

Mode of study: Distance learning, Part-time

Course code: THED-APC32

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)

Apply for this course

Apply to start this course or attend one of our Study Centres. This course has multiple start dates.