Course Overview
Our integrated PGCEi & QTS AO programme awarded by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) offers a dual pathway for aspiring international educators. This course combines the Post Graduate Certificate in Education International (PGCEi) with the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Assessment Only route, providing a globally recognised qualification and access to teaching in the UK and international schools.
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education International and Qualified Teacher Status Assessment Only (PGCEi & QTS AO) programmes are designed for those seeking international teaching qualifications and meeting the necessary standards for teaching in the UK.
This dual pathway offers both the globally recognised PGCEi and a streamlined route to QTS in the UK.
QTS is an English teaching qualification, application for registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland can subsequently be made through the “qualified abroad route” and is reviewed by the council on a case-by-case basis.
The QTS AO component involves preparing a teaching portfolio, followed by a 12-week placement and assessment, leading to a QTS recommendation. The award of AO QTS is subject to meeting all the required standards set by the UK Department for Education.
Awarded by Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU), graduates will hold an instantly recognised degree from one of the world’s leading universities for sports science and physical education.
The PGCEi curriculum promotes an inclusive, accessible academic environment, focusing on socially just, research-informed education practices. This international programme integrates culturally relevant case studies and policy critiques, applied to local contexts.
Derek Fox
Derek is an associate faculty member at Portobello Institute, where he leads the PGCEi programme. With over 30 years’ experience, Derek has designed and delivered programmes up to Masters Level and has presented to exam boards at institutions such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.
Derek’s holds Undergraduate and Postgraduate awards in organisational behaviour, psychology, psychometrics, people management, and engineering, as well as Certifications in training, e-learning, and programming languages. He holds a C.I.P.D. Certificate in Training Practices and has completed John Townsend’s Master Trainer programme.
In addition to these academic qualifications Derek is also licensed and certified to administer and facilitate an extensive range of personal development instruments, including:
- MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Step I
- 5 Behaviours of a cohesive team™
- EQi® (Bar-On Emotional Intelligence)
- DiSC® (Behaviour instrument)
- MBTI Step II™
- Think on your Feet®
- Belbin® Team Role Theory
- Korn Ferry™ Dimensions (Previously Hay Group, Talent Q)
Derek is a member of the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD), the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CiPD), the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
Derek has published a number of books including his popular ‘Discovering your Style and Dealing with Difficult People’ and is a regular contributor to business and press publications.
This PGCEi has been specifically designed for delivery by online learning, with one-to-one tutorial support and modular webinars designed specifically to prepare you to complete the module.
The PGCEi is delivered over 3 semesters with supported webinars held during scheduled weekends. This programme consists of three core modules. You will complete one module in each semester. The QTS AO takes place during an additional fourth semester.
Each PGCEi module has 4 * one-day workshop webinars designed to support you. Webinars are generally held on a Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Attendance is recommended for an optimal learning experience and achievement.
The QTS AO element of this integrated programme is “Assessment Only” and it requires you to build evidence on our online system of your portfolio of experience.
There are 2 phases to this programme – pre-assessment and the formal assessment phase.
Please see the ‘Entry Requirements’ for more information on entry criteria.
During the pre-assessment phase of the QTS AO element, you will prepare your portfolio – this will be audited against the teaching standards and areas for development will be identified to be completed during the formal assessment phase.
The formal assessment phase takes place over a 12-week placement block during which you will receive two formal assessment visits.
Upon successful completion of the assessments, you will be recommended to the Teaching Regulation Agency for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.
To be eligible for the Assessment Only route, you must meet the following criteria:
- Teaching Experience: You should have a minimum of two years of teaching experience, which includes a minimum of 3 months (one semester) in at least two different schools.
- Degree Qualification: Hold a UK undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification.
- Irish Leaving Certificate and UK GCSE Requirements when awarded from 2017 onwards: Every subject passed at Higher level, where grades of 1-7 have been achieved, may be considered at least comparable to GCSE grades A*-C/9-4 Every subject passed at Ordinary level, where grades of 1-4 have been achieved, may be comparable to GCSE grades A8-C/9-4.
- Irish Leaving Certificate and UK GCSE Requirements when awarded up to and including 2016: Every subject passed at Higher level, where grades of A-D/ A1-D3 have been achieved, may be considered at least comparable to GCSE grades A*-C/9-4 Every subject passed at Ordinary level, where grades of A-C/ A1-C3 have been achieved, may be comparable to GCSE grades A8-C/9-4.
- Subject Knowledge: Demonstrate strong subject knowledge in the area you wish to teach.
- Teaching Standards: Provide evidence that you meet the Teachers’ Standards across all areas.
- School Support: Have the support of a school willing to host your assessment and provide a suitable environment for evaluation.
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Applicant’s application will be reviewed by the Portobello enrolment team.
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3Applicant will be contacted by the Portobello enrolment team to confirm place on the course or for more information.
Course: €8,395 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €630.00
Option 1
30% deposit payment (€2,826.00), followed by 10 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €395.
- €659.40 due in month 1
- €659.40 due in month 2
- €659.40 due in month 3
- €659.40 due in month 4
- €659.40 due in month 5
- €659.40 due in month 6
- €659.40 due in month 7
- €659.40 due in month 8
- €659.40 due in month 9
- €659.40 due in month 10
