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.
This course will run over 1 year in a part time mode.
The 'Learning, teaching and research' module will provide an opportunity for you to investigate and research your teaching in relation to numerous issues.
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.
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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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.
for 4* Education research (REF 2021)
The modules on the PGDip Teaching Studies programme will be delivered through 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.
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:
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 |
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.
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:
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.
towards Master's study
Additionally, you must:
Part-time
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
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.
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
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:
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.
