Ranking
11th
in UK for Education (QS World)
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.
The 'Learning, teaching and research' module will provide an opportunity for you to investigate and research your teaching in relation to numerous issues.
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
- 3rd in the UK
for 4* Education research (REF 2021)
Course delivery
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.
Module information
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 to 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 for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Curriculum development and research | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Learning, teaching and research | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Team work and mentoring | 20 |
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.
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- 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
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
- 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.
Fees and scholarships
- £3,634
Part-time
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’ve 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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
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.
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.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.