Ranking
11th
in UK for Education (QS World)
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on what life is like as an online student.
Course overview
Do you have at least 60 masters level credits from an Initial Teacher Education programme? Unsure what to do next but keen to make use of the credits, engage in professional development, and perhaps progress to a Masters?
Our part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Studies provides a distinctive research- and practice-focused programme to develop your educational knowledge, understanding and skills.
Course Structure
This course will run over 1 year in a part time mode.
Semester 1
Semester 1
The 'Learning, teaching and research' module will provide an opportunity for you to investigate and research your teaching in relation to numerous issues.
Semester 2
Semester 2
The 'Curriculum development and research' module will allow you to identify and investigate an aspect of your professional practice as a qualified teacher with the aim of improving that practice. The focus for this module will normally be your work as a subject teacher in an educational setting and the development of curriculum and how you create lessons and other opportunities for your learners to learn the subject most effectively.
Semester 3
Semester 3
The 'Team work and mentoring' module will allow you to identify and investigate an aspect of your professional practice as a qualified teacher with the aim of improving that practice.
The focus for this module will normally be your work with other staff in your school and how you contribute to overall school improvement as a member of the school staff.
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Course highlights
Our Teaching Studies PGDip at Birmingham is designed to help education professionals level up their Initial Teacher Education qualification. With flexible learning options, the course allows you to refine your research skills and develop practical insights.
- Successful completion will allow you to progress onto the MA in Teaching Studies
- The modules will be delivered through online and distance learning
- Assignments can be tailored by you to suit your particular interests and career and professional development needs
- Top 50
in the world for Education and Teaching subjects
QS World Rankings 2026
- 3rd in the UK
for 4* Education research (REF 2021)
Course delivery
The modules on the PGDip Teaching Studies programme will be delivered through online and distance learning. Content includes research methods and research ethics, which support the development of research-based knowledge, understanding and skills and equip students to undertake research in practice.
Each module has a 4000-word assignment and includes the integration of research, policy, review and professional practice. Assignments can be tailored by you to suit your particular interests and career and professional development needs, depending on your setting, phase, specialism, role and experience.
Module information
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The three modules on the Teaching Studies PGDip will allow you to identify and investigate aspects of professional practice as qualified teachers with the aim of improving that practice.
Because some Universities award more than 40 Masters Level credits for an Initial Teacher Education PGCE, the following will apply:
- Students holding 40-60 Masters Level credits will be required to take all three modules
- Students holding 61-80 Masters Level credits will be required to take two modules
- Students holding between 81-119 Masters Level credits will be required to take one module
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum development and research | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Learning, teaching and research | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Team work and mentoring | 20 | Semester 3 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 60 credits
towards Master's study
Additionally, you must:
- receive a satisfactory reference from an academic and/ or professional person who can comment on their academic learning and/ or professional practice in learning and teaching.
- provide a personal statement that clearly explains a rationale for wanting to complete an MA where learning and teaching is the focus.
- provide evidence (via their previous qualification(s), personal statement and/ or reference) that earlier study contributing the 60 credits (above) was in an area relevant to learning and teaching practice.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £3,750
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
The Teaching Studies PGDip equips you for leadership roles in education, enhancing your expertise in teaching and learning. Whether you're advancing in your current role or exploring new opportunities, the course provides valuable research skills to help boost your career prospects.
This course also paves the way for future academic growth, including the possibility of pursuing Master's and PhD study. Successful completion of the PGDip will allow you to progress onto the MA in Teaching Studies.
- 2nd
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
From application through to graduation, we will support you throughout your exciting online learning journey.
Why study online?
Studying online allows you to study at your own pace and fit your studies around your other commitments. All whilst enjoying the same level of support and access to experienced academic staff.
How does online learning work?
All of your learning materials for our online courses can be accessed in your own time, on our user-friendly virtual learning environment. This is accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to supporting you throughout your exciting online learning journey.
Visiting campus
As an online student, you are still able to access all of our on-campus facilities in Dubai or Birmingham.