iPGCE Hong Kong
Our Hong Kong International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) is a Master’s level, online course approved by Hong Kong’s Education Bureau (EDB)* and awarded by the University of East London (UEL) that can help you prepare to apply for teacher registration in Hong Kong.
Contents
Key details
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Duration
12 months -
Location
online -
Cost
£5,880 plus VAT (as applicable)* -
Funding
self-funded -
Level
EYFS (early years), primary and secondary
Course description
If you’re teaching in Hong Kong and want to improve your classroom practice, develop your pedagogy and gain a postgraduate qualification at Master’s level (60 UK level 7 credits – equivalent to one-third of a full Master’s degree), our iPGCE Hong Kong could be ideal for you.
Delivered in partnership with the University of East London (UEL), this online course helps you become a reflective and empowered practitioner. You’ll engage critically with educational issues, connect theory to practice and explore teaching and learning through a research-informed lens.
Our iPGCE Hong Kong course will help you to:
- critically engage with a wide range of education issues from an age phase perspective
- connect theory, research and policy with your own classroom practice
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develop your expertise through academic study and classroom-based research
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prepare for teacher registration in Hong Kong through a dedicated Teaching Practice module
Successful completion of the course leads to the award of the International Postgraduate Certificate in Education by UEL.
Why choose the iPGCE Hong Kong?
The iPGCE Hong Kong gives you a highly regarded postgraduate qualification at Master’s level, worth 60 UK Level 7 credits. Designed for educators working in Hong Kong schools, it can help you progress your career, strengthen your professional profile and build a strong foundation for further academic study. It also shows your commitment to excellent classroom practice, reflective teaching and ongoing professional growth.
For teachers in Hong Kong, the additional Teaching Practice module makes this course a strong option for those seeking recognition and teacher registration in Hong Kong.
The iPGCE Hong Kong is an excellent choice if you want to:
- access career opportunities in Hong Kong schools and internationally
- demonstrate advanced pedagogical knowledge to support progression into middle or senior leadership
- strengthen your professional profile with a respected postgraduate qualification
- show your commitment to high-quality teaching and ongoing professional development
- build confidence for further study, such as an MA or NPQ
- get ready to apply for teacher registration in Hong Kong
Learn from experts
Throughout the course, you’ll be supported by an experienced iPGCE pathway tutor who understands the realities of teaching in international school settings. Your tutor will guide you through each module, help you engage with academic reading and assignment tasks, and support you to connect theory with your own classroom practice.
Alongside your in-school mentor, they will help you build confidence, deepen your reflection and make steady progress throughout the course.
Read our interview with one of our Hong Kong pathway tutors.
Awarded by the University of East London
Successful completion of the iPGCE leads to the award of the International Postgraduate Certificate in Education by the University of East London (UEL). UEL is a careers-first university with more than 125 years of history and a strong focus on inclusion, innovation and real-world impact.
It has been recognised as University of the Year for Teaching Quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
For teachers, this means studying towards a qualification awarded by an established UK university with a strong academic reputation and a clear commitment to preparing learners for future career success.
Entry requirements
Applicant requirements
To join our iPGCE Hong Kong course you must:
- be working or volunteering in a Hong Kong school by the time you start your course
- teach a whole class or large group of 8 pupils or more for a minimum of 4 hours per week for the duration of your course
- be teaching in the age phase that matches your iPGCE route
- have the full support of your school for the entirety of the course, with a suitable in-school mentor in place
- hold a Bachelor’s degree awarded by a UK university or a recognised international qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree
- if English is not your first language, or your undergraduate degree was not completed in English, achieve IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with no less than 6.0 in any element
- have day-to-day access to a computer, the internet and a classroom context
Hong Kong international school requirements
The school must:
- agree to fully support the learner throughout the course
- verify the applicant’s compliance documents
- provide a suitable in-school mentor
Course delivery
Our iPGCE Hong Kong course is delivered through our online platform, Tes Learn.
The course runs over an academic year of approximately 38 weeks and is delivered online.
You will access self-study sessions through Tes Learn, attend live and recorded lectures, and can also join optional live online support sessions.
Throughout your course, you’ll be supported by your iPGCE pathway tutor, your school mentor, course leaders and the Tes support team. Your assessor will visit in term 1 and term 3 and provide constructive feedback on your teaching practice.
The iPGCE Hong Kong course is age phase specific and is available in:
- early years foundation stage (EYFS)
- primary
- secondary
You can teach any subject, but you must be teaching within the age phase that matches your route.
As a reminder, the Tes Institute iPGCE does not lead to the award of qualified teacher status (QTS).
Our Masters, iPGCE and PGCE programmes are validated by the University of East London (UEL). Their academic policies can be found here: https://www.uel.ac.uk/about/governance/student-policies
Course leader
Alison Lawton
After beginning my primary teaching career in the UK, I moved to Dubai, UAE, where I worked as a teacher and consultant for 10 years. While in Dubai, I completed an MA in Education. I began working for Tes Institute in 2018 as an iPGCE, AO and S2T pathway tutor and QTS assessor. I found it incredibly rewarding visiting teachers across the UAE and supporting educators internationally as they studied online.
On my return to the UK in 2021, I was appointed as SKE Deputy Director and enjoyed working with teachers as they enhanced their subject knowledge.
Now in the role of iPGCE Head of Programme, I enjoy supporting students located across the world as they strive to delve deeper into educational practice and theory, develop their criticality and become highly skilled and reflective practitioners. In all of the work that I do, I think back to my own teacher training and endeavour to provide a robust structure of support for students as well as nurturing them as they enhance their professional practice. Read more.
Course modules and assessment
Provided in partnership with UEL, the course includes three core modules:
- Developing effective subject knowledge and pedagogy
- Investigating strategies for raising pupil learning and achievement
- Teaching practice
For the first two modules, you will complete classroom-based research and submit two 4,500-word Master’s level assignments, one for each module.
As a learner in Hong Kong, you will also complete a third module, Teaching Practice, which is unique to iPGCE Hong Kong and is designed to prepare you for teacher registration in Hong Kong.
Module 1: Subject knowledge
This module focuses on how teachers build strong subject knowledge for teaching and how they use that knowledge to support pupil learning.
You will explore questions such as:
- what effective pedagogy looks like in your subject or phase
- how teaching approaches influence pupil understanding
- how to adapt teaching for different learners
- how to evaluate your own practice using educational theory and research
The aim is to help you think more deeply about the choices you make in the classroom and how those choices affect learning.
As part of this module, you will complete classroom-based research and submit a 4,500-word Master’s level assignment on developing effective subject knowledge and pedagogy.
Module 2: Active inquiry
This module is centred on inquiry, reflection and improvement.
You will investigate strategies that can support pupil progress and consider how to evaluate their impact in a thoughtful and structured way. This helps you build a more evidence-informed approach to teaching.
Areas of study may include:
- assessment and how it supports learning
- metacognition
- inclusive practice
- reflective practice
- theories of learning
Like the first module, this also includes classroom-based research and a 4,500-word Master’s level assignment: Investigating strategies for raising pupil learning and achievement.
Module 3: Teaching practice
The Teaching Practice module is unique to iPGCE Hong Kong and plays an important role for teachers who want to apply for registration in Hong Kong.
This module focuses on evidencing your teaching practice in a real school context across the academic year. You will demonstrate your development as a teacher through documented practice, mentor support and formal assessment.
As part of the module, learners are expected to complete:
- a minimum of 4 hours of teaching per week
- at least 100 hours of teaching practice across the course
- 15 mentor meetings with an in-school mentor
- 15 lesson observations
- weekly records of teaching hours
- two visits from an assessor
This structure gives you regular opportunities to reflect on your teaching, respond to feedback and show how your practice is developing over time.
Course fees and funding
Our iPGCE Hong Kong course costs £5,880 plus VAT (as applicable).
The course is self-funded. To help you manage the cost, you can request to pay in instalments.
*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.
Course application and start dates
The application deadline is 5pm BST/GMT on the dates listed below.
The course runs across an academic year, and we offer three start dates each year in September, January and April.
Course start dates
| International Post Graduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) application deadline | International Post Graduate Certificate of Education (iPGCE) start date |
|---|---|
| Monday 31st August 2026 | Monday 14th September 2026 |
Learner stories
We’re proud of the impact this course has had on our learners’ professional journeys. Read the feedback from our learners:
Jason's story
The iPGCE has really helped me grow as a teacher in ways I didn’t expect. My lessons are more thoughtful, I’m better at spotting what individual students need, and I feel calmer and more confident when things don’t go to plan.
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“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.”
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“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!”
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“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.”
Next steps
You can apply for our iPGCE Hong Kong online by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.
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1Apply
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2Application review and confirmation
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3Enrolment
Before applying, you should make sure that:
- your school can support you throughout the course
- you have access to an appropriate in-school mentor
- you understand the current registration requirements in Hong Kong
- the qualification is suitable for the schools or employers most relevant to your career plans
If your application is successful, our support team will guide you through the compliance process and confirm that you are ready to start the course. Once your documents are uploaded and your fees are paid, you’ll receive confirmation of your place, along with an induction timetable to support your first week on the course.
You’ll also be invited to a welcome webinar, and your mentor will be invited to attend online training.
Documents you will need
List of documents required to apply
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Confirmation of School Support form
If your application is successful, you will also need to provide the following documents at the compliance stage:
- Degree certificate
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
We’ll guide you through how to get these verified by your school leader before submitting to our secure online portal.
Apply for our iPGCE Hong Kong
Need more information?
Contact us about this course.
FAQs
iPGCE Hong Kong includes an additional Teaching Practice module designed to support teacher registration in Hong Kong. This includes formal evidence of teaching practice, mentor meetings, lesson observations, weekly teaching-hours records and two assessor visits. You'll submit evidence of your classroom practice in the form of lesson observations and mentor meeting notes completed by your school-appointed mentor.
Yes. The Hong Kong route includes a dedicated Teaching Practice module designed to prepare learners for teacher registration in Hong Kong.
On successful completion of the iPGCE, students can then make a separate application for Teacher Registration to the Hong Kong authorities. Our graduates have successfully passed the HKCAAVQ assessment as well as being fully awarded by EDB, but as the authorities consider each application on a case-by-case basis, we recommend that individuals check with the HKCAAVQ and the EDB for the full requirements for teacher registration in Hong Kong before applying for the iPGCE course.
Read more about how to become a registered teacher in Hong Kong.
Our Hong Kong 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 course lasts approximately 38 weeks to one academic year.
You are expected to complete a minimum of 100 teaching hours across the course. You must teach a whole class or large group of 8 pupils or more for a minimum of 4 hours per week for the duration of the course.
You’ll need to have access to regular classes to develop your teaching practice – applying your learning from the Tes Learn sessions and working with your mentor to build on this. You'll also need to conduct classroom-based research for your university assignments that you need to complete to pass the course.
You need to ensure your teaching is in the subject/phase you applied for, otherwise your study sessions won't be relevant.
The course involves approximately 10-15 hours of study each week, encompassing 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.
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. If you feel pressured at any point, you must let your pathway tutor know.
Alongside your level 7 modules, you’ll access a suite of professional development sessions on Tes Learn to support your academic study and teaching practice.
Topics include:
- subject-specific pedagogy
- inclusive practice and adaptive teaching
- assessment and metacognition
- reflective practice and theories of learning
- writing at Master’s level
- supporting EAL learners
You’ll also submit evidence of your teaching practice, including lesson observations and mentor meeting notes, through the platform during the course.
You’ll be supported by your pathway tutor, your school mentor, course leaders and the Tes support team.
You’ll also receive two visits from a qualified assessor appointed by Tes Institute and formally approved by the University of East London. Assessors are experienced practitioners who may be independent of the UEL faculty but are trained to their rigorous standards.
Your in-school mentor supports you throughout the course by helping you reflect on your teaching, linking your learning to your classroom practice and providing guidance in your school setting. They work alongside your pathway tutor to help you stay on track and make the most of the course.
They’ll meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your teaching practice as well as carrying out lesson observations.
We provide a comprehension induction for mentors, so they’ll know exactly what they need to do and the time commitment required. We estimate 30-40 hours across the school year.
Your mentor will carry out 15 lesson observations and 15 meetings with you during the course. We provide an observation form and a form for mentor meeting minutes. These can be completed actively during observations and meetings to reduce the time needed.
There will be a webinar for mentors during the induction period so they know what their role entails and the time that it will take. There will also be updates throughout the course.
The Teaching Practice module includes formal evidence of teaching practice, 15 mentor meetings, 15 lesson observations, weekly teaching-hours records and two assessor visits across the year.
In Hong Kong, the iPGCE is available in EYFS (early years foundation stage), primary and secondary.
Assessment includes:
- completion of the Tes Learn self-study sessions and learning diaries
- successful completion of two Master’s level assignments
- submission of evidence from your teaching practice
- 15 mentor meeting records
- 15 lesson observations conducted in school
- a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice, including at least 4 hours per week
- two school visits by an assessor
The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. On successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate from UEL and a transcript showing your level 7 credits.
No. The Tes Institute iPGCE does not lead to the award of qualified teacher status (QTS). If your goal is QTS, we recommend that you look at iQTS instead.
Not currently. We may change this in future if there is strong demand.
The course fee for learners in Hong Kong is £5,880 plus VAT (as applicable). The course is self-funded.
You will need to pay for your course before you begin. You can request to pay in instalments. You’ll be sent instructions on how to pay after you apply.
Your application will be reviewed, and if successful, the Tes team will support you through the compliance process. Once your documents are approved and fees are paid, you’ll receive confirmation of your place and your induction information.
Yes, all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The required proof depends on your undergraduate degree and where it was studied.
- If you studied your undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country, your degree certificate and transcript are sufficient to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If your undergraduate degree is from a country where English is not the first language but your degree was taught and assessed in English, you can provide a letter or transcript from your university confirming this.
- If your undergraduate degree was not taught and assessed in English, you must provide an IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any element.
You'll receive an email that will provide initial reading materials and a link to register for the introductory webinar – which will take place on or soon after your iPGCE Hong Kong start date.
In the webinar, you'll go through the course structure and what it entails. You'll be shown how to sign up for the online platform you'll be using, Tes Learn, and how to navigate it. This is where you'll find the resources to support you during the course.
Alongside the Tes Learn sessions you'll study, there are online lectures to help you understand each assignment and what you will need to do. Your pathway tutor and the iPGCE team are here to support you. We also have a link tutor at the University of East London.
We try to schedule our lectures at the best possible time for learners to attend, but we realise that you might have other commitments that prevent you from attending every lecture. We record all lectures and make them available for you to watch later. You'll be able to email any questions you have to your pathway tutor or the programme team.
Your pathway tutor is the person we allocate to you to oversee your online work on Tes Learn. You'll find out who your tutor is in the induction period.