Become a registered teacher in Hong Kong with our iPGCE

If you're looking for a qualification that can help you become a registered teacher in Hong Kong, then take a look at our International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE). 

Since 2019, our iPGCE has been approved by Hong Kong's Education Bureau (EDB)* and meets the required qualification standards set by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). 

What is the iPGCE?

Our iPGCE is a fully online postgraduate course at Master's level (worth 60 UK level 7 credits – equivalent to one-third of a full Master’s degree) provided in partnership with the University of East London (UEL). 

The course will enable you to upskill and take the next step in your international teaching career. Focusing on the academic study of teaching and learning, it will help you to become an empowered, reflective practitioner who can critically engage with a wide range of education issues and build on your professional experience to link theory with research, policy and practice. 

Upon successfully completing the course, your iPGCE qualification will be awarded by the University of East London (UEL). You’ll also be ready to apply for teacher registration in Hong Kong.

What will I learn on the Hong Kong iPGCE?

In Hong Kong, our iPGCE course covers three modules:

• Subject Knowledge 
• Active Inquiry 
• Teaching Practice

For the first two modules, Subject Knowledge and Active Inquiry, you will undertake classroom-based research and submit a 4,500-word MA-level assignment for each module:

• Developing effective subject knowledge and pedagogy
• Investigating strategies for raising pupil learning and achievement

The third module, Teaching Practice, is unique to the Hong Kong course and is designed to prepare you for your teacher registration application. You will evidence and demonstrate your teaching capabilities, including:

• Up to 15 lesson observations throughout the year 
• 15 mentor meetings with your in-school mentor 
• Two visits from a Tes and UEL-approved assessor 
• Teaching a whole class or large group (8 pupils or more) for a minimum of 4 hours per week for the duration of your course

How many hours a week do I need to study for the iPGCE?

On average, you’ll need approximately 10-15 hours of study each week, including the online Tes Learn sessions and your own academic study.  

Some weeks you might find you do more than this and some weeks it will be less. The time you spend will be shaped by your own research interests and what you hope to achieve on the course. 

There are writing weeks included in the academic calendar to allow you additional study time when the assignments are due. There are also holiday periods and catch-up time at the end of the course. 

We find that our learners really appreciate the breaks and the ability to manage their own time, as this makes it much easier to fit your study around your day-to-day work and personal life.

What is it like studying the iPGCE?

We’re grateful to receive fantastic feedback from our iPGCE learners in Hong Kong. Here are a few examples to give you a sense of the overall experience. 

Our first learner reflects on the overall impact of the course:

“My experience with the iPGCE program has been transformative. The curriculum is well-structured, combining theory and practical application. Engaging with diverse peers and expert faculty enriched my learning. The focus on real-world teaching strategies has boosted my confidence and skills. Overall, it’s a rewarding journey that prepares educators for impactful careers in education. Highly recommend!”

In this next example, a learner talks about their experience working with their dedicated Tes Institute pathway tutor:

“My pathway tutor was incredibly supportive throughout my journey. They provided personalized guidance, helping me navigate challenges and stay focused on my goals. Their encouragement and constructive feedback fostered a positive learning environment. I always felt comfortable reaching out for assistance, which significantly enhanced my experience. This support made a lasting impact on my confidence and growth as a learner.”

Finally, feedback from a learner on the online course delivery and communication:

“I really appreciate this self-learning approach, as it allows me to complete lectures and assignments on my own schedule. I can watch recorded lectures whenever I need to and review all the materials available on the Tes Learn platform at any time. Additionally, I find the email reminders and the feedback from my Tes pathway tutor incredibly helpful. They support my engagement in the course and enhance my learning experience.”

How much is the iPGCE?

Our course fees for learners in Hong Kong are listed on the iPGCE course page. The course is self-funded. To help you manage the payment, you can request to pay in instalments.

When can I start my iPGCE course?

We have three start dates per year for our iPGCE course in January, April and September. You can find the application deadlines listed on the iPGCE course page.

What is the process to apply for teacher registration in Hong Kong?

To apply to become a registered teacher in Hong Kong, you will need to meet the criteria and follow the application process provided by the Education Bureau (EDB). 

This includes holding a relevant teaching qualification (such as the iPGCE) and providing evidence of your teaching experience. 

You may be required to provide supporting evidence to the EDB of the academic standards of your educational qualifications. The Qualifications Assessment (QA) by HKCAAVQ provides an independent service to assess the academic standards of your educational qualifications** as well as whether your teacher training qualification(s) meet the required standard in Hong Kong.

Next steps

Whether you're aiming to gain a formal teaching qualification or to develop your academic knowledge to become a more advanced practitioner, our iPGCE can help you to get there. 

Ready to apply? Visit the iPGCE course page to find out more.

* Our Hong Kong specific iPGCE is registered with the EDB (252988) and has successfully passed qualification assessment by the HKCAAVQ. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.

** The assessment will assess whether the totality of an applicant’s educational qualifications meets the standard of qualifications in Hong Kong.