Routes into Teaching in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland teaching is an all graduate profession and Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) must be achieved. There are two routes into teaching through universities in Northern Ireland, although training can be undertaken anywhere in the United Kingdom.

If you do not already have a degree you will take the undergraduate route.

If you have a degree you will take the graduate route.

Further information can be found on the Northern Ireland Department of Education website.

Undergraduate Route

A Bachelor of Education (BEd) provides an initial degree in education plus Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It is a popular course for primary teachers but also for secondary teachers. The course usually lasts 4 years full time but can be done part time. Further information can be found on the Northern Ireland Department of Education website.

Applications are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Graduate Route

To study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) you need an undergraduate degree plus GCSEs in Maths and English, and sometimes Science. The PGCE course can be completed full or part time in a university or college. Subject knowledge is assumed and the course concentrates on developing teaching skills and leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). For more information look at the Training and Development Agency website or the Northern Ireland Department of Education website.

Applications are made through the GTTR.

Many teachers in Northern Ireland are trained in England.