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.

In studying 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).

You can study through:

• Summer School
• Study Centres
• Distance Learning (online)

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.

The units of the PGCiE are the same as those offered on our part-time MA Education course, and teaching groups may include those working towards the MA as well as those registered for the PGCiE qualification.

Changes to teaching

Following developments relating to coronavirus (Covid-19), on-campus teaching of units scheduled for the forthcoming Summer School 2021 will not go ahead. There may also be disruptions to our Study Centres. If you have applied for any of the advertised units, we will be in touch about changes to arrangements.

We will announce alternative arrangements for units that had been scheduled for Summer School. Please check back here regularly.

Career prospects

With 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 excellent support for teaching or leading in an international context.

There’s 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).

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

• Education in an international context
• either Curriculum studies or Understanding learners and learning
• 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 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

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 University of Bath. Local administration charges will apply for Study Centres.

You must pay the cost of attending the Summer School or Study Centres if you choose those routes. 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 or Study Centre then 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: 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)