Routes Into Teaching

The Undergraduate Route (BEd, BA / BSc, PGCE, SCITT)

Undergraduate is the term given to those who have not yet completed a first degree. The undergraduate route for initial teacher training entails the completion of your chosen degree studies - whether BEd, BA, or BSc - with QTS. The majority of undergraduate courses tend to be BEd's, and most of these tend to be in primary teaching. That's not to say that you won't be able to find an undergraduate programme in secondary teaching, just be prepared to travel for it.

So, why choose a BA with QTS over a BEd, or a BEd over a BSc with QTS? Here's what's involved.

BEd (Bachelor of Education)

These courses are predominantly 4 years long and entail a total of 32 weeks school based training. Dependent on your existing qualifications, you may be able to follow shortened versions of these courses (minimum 120 Higher Education credits and relevant experience). The BEd has no single subject bias, meaning it concentrates on teaching and professional development rather than on any one subject. Consequently the majority of BEd's are found to be in primary teaching where the focus is on general teaching and not on subject specificity.

BA with QTS / BSc with QTS (Bachelor of Arts with QTS / Bachelor of Science with QTS)

Again, these courses tend to be 4 years in length and involve school-based training placements amounting to 32 weeks in total. The fundamental difference between these courses and the BEd is that the BA/BSc with QTS does have a single subject bias. For this reason, the BA/BSc with QTS courses are more geared towards secondary teaching. In essence, they can be closely likened to the postgraduate route of a first degree followed by a PGCE . The BA/BSc with QTS routes do have their limitations however, specifically with the choice of subject you can study. Owing to the nature of the courses you must study a National Curriculum subject .

It is possible in some cases to undertake a conversion course (usually fairly intensive and run throughout the summer break) if you are unhappy with the course you are doing and wish to switch, either from BEd to BA/BSc with QTS or vice-versa. Your course tutor is the best person to speak to with regards to this.

In all cases you will not be awarded your QTS without completing the Key Skills tests, no matter how well you do in your other assessments.

For information on eligibility click here . For a list of ITT providers in the South West click here .

Once you know which course is for you it's time to start thinking about applying. You can get your application form (and UCAS handbook listing all UK undergraduate courses) from your school or college, or directly from UCAS. Applications should be received by UCAS between the start of September and no later than the middle of January in order to begin your course in the following academic year. Aim to get yours in early to avoid disappointment. You can keep a track of your application's progress via the UCAS website.

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