University of Northampton

What you'll study

This graduate certificate centres on professional practice mapped to the UK professional standards for teachers. Study balances academic study with school-based evidence collection and reflection. Typical study themes and modules include:

• Professional Practice and Professional Standards – understanding and evidencing the standards through lesson planning, classroom management and professional responsibilities.
• Curriculum, Planning and Assessment – approaches to curriculum design, formative and summative assessment, differentiation and using assessment data to inform planning.
• Inclusive Pedagogy and SEND – strategies for meeting diverse learner needs, adapting provision and working with support services.
• Subject-specific Pedagogy – applying effective teaching strategies in your subject or phase, including secondary subject methods or primary curriculum approaches.
• Professional Development and Reflective Practice – building a professional learning record, continuing professional development (CPD) planning and reflective enquiry.
• School-based Evidence Portfolio – collating lesson observations, pupil progress evidence, professional discussions and other artefacts required for the iQTS recommendation.

Delivery is typically blended, combining university-led sessions, online study and substantial school-based professional activity. Assessment is largely through the professional portfolio, reflective assignments and observed practice rather than traditional exams.

Entry requirements

• A degree at honours level or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University.
• An initial teaching qualification or substantial teaching experience gained outside the UK; applicants should be able to demonstrate recent and sustained classroom practice.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where required (for example, a recognised test or prior study in English) in line with institutional policy.
• Two professional references, including at least one that can comment on recent classroom performance, and a satisfactory enhanced DBS (or international equivalent) and health declaration where applicable.
• Successful interview and professional discussion to establish suitability for the programme and readiness to compile the iQTS portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates use the programme to support employment as classroom teachers in UK independent, international and state-sector schools, where recognition against UK professional standards is valued. The portfolio and evidence-gathering skills developed are also useful for roles such as curriculum coordinator, subject lead, pastoral leader and specialist support teacher. Many candidates progress to further study such as a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), Master’s level study in education or leadership programmes as a route to middle and senior leadership.

Why study at University of Northampton

• Practice-oriented provision with an emphasis on producing a professional portfolio aligned to UK teaching standards.
• Strong links with a range of schools locally and internationally that enable supported, evidence-rich placement activity and professional mentoring.
• Experienced faculty who combine academic expertise in education with current school practice and international perspectives on curriculum and assessment.
• Flexible delivery designed to accommodate practising teachers, including blended learning options and focused support for compiling evidence for iQTS.
• Institutional support for career development and further study routes, including access to employability services and continuing professional development opportunities.