International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) (Distance Learning)Short course

If you live outside the UK and you're looking to gain an internationally-recognised teaching qualification, this one-year International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) course will enable you to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) without having to travel to the UK.

We accept applications from secondary teachers (teaching pupils aged 11-16) who teach English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography and modern foreign languages. 

You'll need to be already working full-time or on a full-time work placement in a secondary school outside the UK, with support from your school to take this course. 

You'll study this course online, being taught by our expert teacher training team through distance learning. Alongside your online study, you'll do at least 120 days of teaching practice within your school-based role, including an intensive teaching placement. You'll also spend time teaching in an alternative school setting.

As you develop your teaching skills through your studies online, you'll be able to put them into practice immediately, with in-person support from a mentor based at your school. Your mentor will be trained and supported by us at the University of Portsmouth.

Once you complete the course, you'll have earned International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS), which automatically qualifies you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) too. You'll be qualified to teach in all English schools (provided you have a visa or immigration status giving you the right to work in the UK), ready for a teaching career in high demand.

About iQTS and QTS

Holders of iQTS and QTS will be qualified to teach in all English schools (provided they have a visa or immigration status giving them the right to work in the UK).

To teach in schools where QTS is a legal requirement, the iQTS holder will need to complete the statutory induction period in the same way that early career teachers trained in England do.

They can complete their induction either in a DfE-accredited British School Overseas (BSO) or in an eligible school in England.

Why study with us?

The University of Portsmouth has been delivering excellent teacher training for over thirty years, and we have a wealth of experience in this sector.

Ofsted graded all of our initial teacher training courses as either good or outstanding, and we are one of only a small number of universities awarded the right to grant International Qualified Teacher Status.

On this course, you'll:

• gain the skills and experience you need to achieve International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), studying online and working in your current role or placement outside the UK
• learn from our experienced and friendly lecturers and academics in online sessions, and work independently using our wide variety of online resources
• receive in-person support and guidance from a mentor at your school
• complete the course with an internationally-recognised teaching qualification that enables you to teach in the UK if you want to

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

• lesson observations (remotely from your University tutors and in person from your mentor) 
• regular feedback and target setting
• a final portfolio of evidence that will be assessed to judge whether the iQTS Standards have been met

• A Bachelor’s degree from a UK or non-UK institution of higher education, or the equivalent.
• GCSE Mathematics at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
• Applicants must be living and/or working overseas to be eligible for the course.

Selection process

• All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. This interview will include an admissions test.
• All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
• Additional checks, as appropriate, will be carried out to ensure the iQTS entry criteria are met.

English language requirements

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. 

• Check that you meet the requirements set out above in terms of the subject and age range you are teaching, and your employment status in an eligible school is assured for the duration of the iQTS course.
• Check with your employing school that they are able to comply with the expectations of the iQTS course, particularly with regards to mentoring requirements, as set out in the guidance.

Book your place

• Beginning in September 2024 - please contact Stephanie Sandy or Andrew Porter.
• Beginning in September 2025

To find out more about this course, please contact Stephanie Sandy or Andrew Porter.