Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
Distance Learning -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
21 Sep 2026
Boost your career prospects
Our distance learning programme is aimed at practising teachers, including those who aspire to teach in early years, primary or secondary schools or further education. It’s also appropriate if you already have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or if you’re undertaking a period of training leading to QTS or equivalent. Additionally, the course is relevant to practising teachers in both UK based and international schools globally. Please note, this PGCE does not lead to the award of QTS.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Gain a critical, research-informed appreciation of your sector of education, and understand the challenges facing educators and institutions
- Expand your knowledge of education and reflect on and share best practice with your colleagues on the course
- Scrutinise government and sector-wide policies and analyse theoretical, pedagogical and policy discourse and debates
- Focus on the specific context of your practice with assignments that can be tailored to whole school priorities, your region’s policy agenda and your subject specialist teaching
- Benefit from outstanding, supportive approach to online learning and opportunities to network through our course community
Study to fit around you
Our distance learning programme is designed to fit around your existing professional commitments and will involve assessments relevant to your working life.
To view our full range of on campus PGCEs, and for more information, please visit our teacher training pages.
Why study the PGCE Education course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Flexible distance learning through our Virtual Learning Environment
- Engage with a professionally experienced expert teaching team
- Opportunities to network through our course community
- We offer distinctive and creative programmes that are responsive to the changes taking place in society
Get Into Teaching Develop the skills to inspire the next generation - find out about from our current students about our Undergraduate and Postgraduate routes into Teaching.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.
All applicants should be studying or have recently completed a QTS course. Experienced teachers practicing in international schools abroad, who are teaching an English curriculum, are also welcome to apply.
Please note that this course does not recommend the award of QTS.
All applicants must have grade C passes in GCSE English Language (or equivalent) before making their application.
When embarking on a career in teaching, you should also ensure that you have all the necessary subject specialist qualifications that are required for teachers in your location and age phase
Applications to this course should be supported by a reference from the applicants current employer and should be completed using our Employer Supporting Statement form .
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 5.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a second class honours degree. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.
All applicants should be studying or have recently completed a QTS course. Experienced teachers practicing in international schools abroad, who are teaching an English curriculum, are also welcome to apply.
Please note that this course does not recommend the award of QTS.
All applicants must have grade C passes in GCSE English Language (or equivalent) before making their application.
When embarking on a career in teaching, you should also ensure that you have all the necessary subject specialist qualifications that are required for teachers in your location and age phase
Applications to this course should be supported by a reference from the applicants current employer and should be completed using our Employer Supporting Statement form .
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 5.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements. Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 5.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
Distance learning
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you’ll have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you’ll also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Technical requirements for distance learning study are detailed in the full guide. Visit our distance learning website for more information.
Overall workload
Each module on our distance learning courses is individually designed to maximise your learning so study requirements will vary. As a general guideline, you’ll need to allocate around 10 hours per week to complete each module, plus a further five hours for additional reading and assignments. However, this may vary depending on the module. Teaching and learning will be delivered using a range of interactive resources. This typically includes audio and video content, group discussions, reflective exercises, quizzes, online reading and much more. All these resources are delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment and can be accessed at a time and place that suits you.
What you'll learn
Undertake a project to develop a specific area of study that will enhance your future work and contribute to your success in school. This module enables you to identify and build knowledge and skills in an area of personal development. You'll have the opportunity to negotiate, manage and present a study aligned with your individual learning outcomes. Additionally, you'll apply theoretical knowledge in an educational context.
Explore a relevant subject in detail to plan, deliver and assess content in your specific setting. You'll develop and enhance your subject knowledge and how to teach that subject within your chosen subject area. If you're undertaking initial teacher education, this module provides the opportunity for you to develop subject expertise relevant to your educational setting. If you're already in a teaching role, it enables you to enhance your current knowledge, skills and understanding through experience and reflection.
By exploring what makes a successful teacher, you'll examine how an effective learning environment can benefit pupils and enhance their learning. This module aims to support trainee teachers, practising teachers and others in education. It offers an opportunity to reflect on essential professional values and practices needed to create an effective learning environment that meets the diverse needs of young learners. You'll analyse the role of the professional teacher within the context of changing educational policies. Through personal reflection, you'll identify teaching and learning strategies that can support the learning and well-being of those in education.
Fees and funding
£2,890
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £2890. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£3,350
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £3350. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£2,890
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £2890. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study via distance learning, you'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£3,350
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £3350. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- If you choose to study via distance learning, you'll need access to a computer, the internet, and any necessary course software. Visit the course Teaching & Learning 'Modules, Workload & More' section for more details
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Studying a PGCE in Education at Leeds Beckett was great. It covered all aspects of teaching that you might want to do – primary, secondary, various subjects. You’re not overloaded with paperwork and you’re able to build up your teaching hours over time.
Keiren Lord
PGCE Education
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
As a research-informed professional, your teaching practice will be significantly enhanced. Completion of this course could also help you gain the skills required for a promotion to a leadership position in your school.
Job roles include:
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
- College tutor
- University lecturer
This PGCE has been developed to support the empowerment of teachers globally. Using our unique approach to digital learning, our course is flexible, accessible and contextually relevant. We pride ourselves in offering outstanding student support irrespective of where in the world our student lives and works. Our inclusive approach underpins and enhances student experience and achievement."
Meri Nasilyan
Course Director
I'd say to anyone, if you are thinking about going into education, just do it. It's such a rewarding career, not one child is the same so your always learning. If that's something you enjoy, to learn and develop and not be in a job where it is the same thing day in and day out, a career in teaching is perfect for you.
Lauren Harper
PGCE (School Led)
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
what is distance learning?
A great option for flexible learning
Very simply, to study by distance learning means you don't have to be based in Leeds to take one of our courses. Wherever you are and whatever you want to study, it's a great option for flexible learning.
When you choose one of our distance learning courses, you can do just that – study at a distance, at a pace that suits you.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you'll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are the modules taught online but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
Our extensive list of distance learning courses means that whether you are from the UK or further afield, changing your career path or looking for that promotion, we have a course that suits your needs.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
