What is Teacher Training?

Teacher training transforms individuals into inspiring educators who make a real difference to people’s lives. Great teachers aren’t born; they’re made through expert training and hands-on experience. Whether you aspire to teach young children, motivate teenagers, or support adult learners, teacher training equips you with essential skills and techniques to engage students and ignite a passion for learning.

Teacher Training isn’t just about learning to teach—it’s about developing the ability to spark new ideas, build self-confidence, and guide others on their educational journey. With a teaching qualification, you’ll gain the tools to make a lasting impact across diverse educational settings, empowering generations to reach their full potential.

Why study Teacher Training at Huddersfield?

  • Established expertise - we have been developing great teachers since 1947.
  • Strong partnerships - we work with education providers, including the Education and Training Consortium.
  • Recognised excellence - we are ranked 10th in the Guardian League Table for Education.*

Our courses will equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to start, change, or advance your teaching career. With flexible study options and specialisations spanning early years to lifelong learning, you'll be ready to make a real impact. From day one, we’ll ensure you gain valuable classroom experience—thanks to our strong partnerships with schools, colleges, early years settings, and local authorities. You’ll start teaching early, with opportunities to explore different learning environments and refine your skills. With the latest research, innovative teaching methods, and exciting placement opportunities, we’ll help you stand out and step confidently into your teaching career.

*Guardian League Table 2025, published in September 2024.

 

Our courses

Facilities 

The School of Education is located in the Richard Steinitz Building, offering a well-equipped environment for future educators. Facilities include modern teaching spaces, dedicated study areas, and specialist classrooms designed to support teacher training and professional development. 


Hear from our graduates

Amrita Murukesh

Secondary School Teacher at Yasmina British Academy in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

“Becoming a teacher has always been my dream, and the PGCE provided the perfect path to making that a reality in just 12 months. The course’s combination of structured theory, practical school experience, and the opportunity to gain QTS status was perfect".

Matt Davies

Teacher and Assessor in Electrical Installation

"The PGCE Lifelong Learning course has transformed my career. The subject specialism module deepened my understanding of its role in shaping learners' futures. It equipped me with advanced teaching strategies, allowing me to engage students at a deeper level".

Momina Hanif

Primary School Teacher at St Matthews CE Primary School in Bradford

"Training to teach has been incredible—seeing children grow fuels my passion daily! This course has built my confidence, skills, and experience to become the inspiring teacher I’ve always wanted to be".


Find out more about our Teacher Training courses

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Early Years

Guide young learners in foundational subjects and inspire curiosity from an early age.

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Primary Education

Develop and deliver engaging lessons across a range of subjects, helping young learners build essential knowledge and skills.

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Secondary Education

Share your passion and specialise in a specific subject to guide teenage students through critical areas of study. You'll prepare them for exams, further education and careers pathways.

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Lifelong Learning

Teach and support adult learners in practical, further, or higher education settings, equipping them with the skills needed for personal or professional growth.


What is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a globally recognised qualification that unlocks teaching opportunities worldwide.

In England, QTS is essential for teaching in primary, secondary, and special schools funded by local authorities. While private and academy schools can hire teachers without QTS, most prefer candidates who hold this qualification.

If you're aiming to teach in further education or work in early years education, QTS is not a requirement. However, it remains highly valued due to its numerous benefits:

  • It is regulated by the Department for Education, ensuring a high standard of training.
  • Teachers with QTS are placed on the qualified teacher pay scale, earning higher salaries compared to those without it.

QTS is recognised worldwide as the gold standard in teaching, in turn, enhancing career prospects and earning potential in education.

 

What is a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an academic qualification that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of teaching practices, educational theory, and research, setting you apart as a knowledgeable and skilled educator.

A PGCE also offers a pathway to a Master’s degree, awarding up to 60 master’s-level credits that can count toward the 180 credits required for a full Master’s qualification. 

For those aiming to teach in further education or early years settings, a PGCE is the qualification you’ll need. However, if your goal is to teach in primary or secondary education, you’ll require a PGCE that includes Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

 

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Huddersfield Centre for Research in Education and Society (HudCRES)

Our research centre is focused on educational and social challenges.


Information for commuter students

Benefit from having a gold-rated University on your doorstep without having to pack a single box! 

Whilst living at home you’ll be able to access all the support and opportunities that open doors to new hobbies, lifelong friends and experiences that make your time at university unforgettable.

How to apply

Here is what you need to know about applying to the University of Huddersfield.

Open Days and Campus Tours

Attend one of our Open Days or Campus Tours to get a feel of The University and see if it is right for you.

Chat online to our students

Find out what life is really like at Huddersfield by chatting to one of our existing students.