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Learning and Teaching in International Contexts (Online), PGCEi

Shape the future of education anywhere in the world with this flexible online PGCEi.

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Time investment: 1 year full-time

Location: Online

Cost: £3,990

Language: English

About this degree

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Teach with a global perspective

Education looks different around the world, and understanding those differences can transform your practice.

This online PGCEi helps you explore how your teaching practices can be applied in international classrooms.

You’ll work through three core modules over one year, gaining practical tools to inspire every learner at every level.

Develop inclusive teaching strategies

This qualification emphasises the uniqueness of every classroom, helping you find the approaches that work for all learners.

You’ll explore creative teaching and assessment methods that build confidence in your delivery, while exchanging ideas with teachers from around the globe.

Teacher leading a hybrid class with students and a video call, surrounded by international flags and global studies materials.

Children and an adult creating a handprint mural together in a colourful art classroom.

Reflect and grow as a global educator

You’ll be encouraged to link theory to practice, becoming a more confident, creative, and adaptable teacher.

By examining the cultural, social, and political factors shaping education, you’ll strengthen your professional practice and expand your impact as a global educator.

Where you’ll be studying

Studying at Teesside University

Teesside University delivers 100% online, career-focused education designed to help you thrive anywhere in the world.

With a Gold rating (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023) and recognised for outstanding student experience, Teesside combines expert teaching with research that drives real-world impact.

Flexible and innovative, they offer online courses that fit around your life, empowering you to upskill, reskill, or take the next step in your career.

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Learning outcomes

Grow your teaching practice 

Strengthen your teaching through critical reflection and evidence-informed strategies, developing the confidence to evaluate and enhance your own approach.

Compare global approaches 

Explore how cultural, social, and political factors shape education in different countries, and build a comparative understanding of international curricula and contexts.

Lead with creativity and innovation 

Experiment with creative and research-informed methods for teaching, learning, and assessment that adapt to diverse and complex classroom settings.

Research with purpose 

Develop practitioner-led research skills that connect theory with practice, using educational research to inform and transform your teaching.

Additional information

To join this course, you’ll usually need one of the following, including GCSE (or equivalent) English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above:

A first degree with at least a 2:2 classification.
In exceptional cases, if you don’t meet this, you may still be considered if you can show significant relevant experience or further study.

You’ll also need to provide a signed practice agreement confirming you’re employed as a teacher in a school or college in an international context.

Alternatively, if you’re not currently employed, you must show you have at least 50 hours of teaching practice planned, fully supported by a school or college in an international context, including all local suitability checks.

In every case, the agreement must confirm that the school or college will provide a mentor for your placement.

If you’re an international student or English is not your first language, you’ll need to demonstrate English language skills equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component. You can do so with one of the following accepted tests:

UKVI approved IELTS (Academic)
Non-UKVI approved IELTS
Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) – B2 and C1 tests
Pearson’s PTE Academic
PTE Academic UKVI
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
TOEFL iBT
WAEC grades A1 to C6
NECO grades A1 to C5
SPM grades A to C
Kenya High School Certificate Grade C+ or Higher
Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education grades 1 to 6
Uganda Certificate of Education grades 1 to 6

This course is fully online and led by a team with experience in education across different countries. It’s designed to help you grow both academically and professionally, so you can apply what you learn directly to your own teaching context.

You’ll explore a variety of creative and inspiring ways to teach, learn, and assess. The course encourages you to get involved with educational research and evidence-based practices, while online discussions give you plenty of chances to share ideas and learn from others around the world.

You’ll also develop your skills in reflection, supported by a flexible online learning environment that adapts to your academic and professional needs.

You’ll be assessed through a practice-based research project, a comparative essay, and an Individual Learning Portfolio (ILP).

The ILP includes a reflective journal, observations from your mentor or peers, self-assessments linked to recorded teaching excerpts, critiques of your practice, and target setting for your professional growth.

It also involves observing other teachers, gathering evidence of learning and assessment, and completing a focused professional development project.

This PGCEi is designed for teachers and aspiring educators who want to grow their expertise and open up opportunities in international schools and educational settings. You’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to progress in your career, while understanding global perspectives on teaching and learning.

Alongside your studies, you’ll need to be working in a teaching or teaching-related role, or arrange a voluntary placement of at least 50 hours. This hands-on experience helps you put theory into practice and strengthen your professional development.

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Modules

This module invites you to reflect on how cultural, social, and political factors shape education across different countries. You’ll explore philosophies and purposes of education in both the UK and global contexts, developing a broad and comparative understanding of educational systems and curricula.

Discover global approaches to learning, teaching, and assessment, including strategies for navigating complex and challenging educational environments. You’ll build skills to evaluate your own practice critically while experimenting with creative and evidence-informed teaching methods.

Explore how practitioner-led research can inform and improve educational practice. This module helps you connect research theories with real-world teaching, enhancing your ability to make informed, research-based decisions in diverse educational settings.