What Degree Do You Need to Become a Teacher? A Guide to Qualifications and Pathways

Earning a bachelor's degree is the foundational requirement to become a qualified teacher, but the specific path you choose depends on your career goals, preferred age group, and subject specialization. The journey to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)—a legal requirement to teach in most UK schools—involves selecting from several accredited degree pathways, each designed to equip you with the necessary pedagogical theory and practical classroom experience. This guide breaks down the types of degrees, their duration, and the skills you'll gain to help you make an informed decision.

What are the different degree pathways to becoming a teacher?

Teacher degrees are higher education courses that lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the professional accreditation required to teach. Your choice of pathway primarily depends on whether you aim to teach at the primary or secondary level.

The main undergraduate routes include:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd): An honours degree ideal for aspiring primary school teachers, combining academic study with professional practice and often including integrated work placements.
• BA or BSc with QTS: This route is common for future secondary school teachers, allowing you to delve deep into a specialist subject (like Maths or History) while simultaneously completing teacher training.
• Opt-in QTS: Some non-education bachelor's degrees offer the option to add Initial Teacher Training (ITT) modules, allowing you to gain classroom experience and QTS without extending the typical three-year degree length.

For those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another subject, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the standard route. This one-year, intensive training program focuses on developing teaching skills and leads to QTS.

How long does it take to get a teaching degree?

The time investment varies based on the pathway. A standard full-time undergraduate degree (like a BEd or BA/BSc with QTS) typically takes three to four years. Part-time study options can extend this to four to six years.

The postgraduate route involves two stages:

1. A three-to-four-year bachelor's degree in your chosen subject.
2. A one-year PGCE or similar teacher training program.

Based on our assessment experience, the most time-efficient path is often an integrated undergraduate degree with QTS, while the PGCE offers flexibility for career changers.

What skills can you expect to develop during a teaching degree?

A teaching degree provides systematic instruction far beyond subject knowledge. You will develop a robust set of transferable skills highly valued in and outside the classroom. The curriculum is designed to build your competencies in:

You will also build foundational knowledge in the sociology and economics of education, preparing you to create effective and inclusive learning environments.

What career options are available with a teaching degree?

While the primary outcome is a teaching role, the qualification opens doors to various education-focused careers. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the specific institution. The following table outlines potential career paths, with salary figures reflecting data listed on ok.com at the time of writing.

To summarize the key points for your career planning:

• A bachelor's degree is essential, with multiple pathways available to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• The duration of training ranges from three to four years for an integrated degree, or one year for a PGCE if you already have a degree.
• You will develop highly transferable skills in communication, organization, and problem-solving.
• A teaching qualification offers diverse career opportunities within the education sector, from classroom teaching to advisory roles.

When choosing your path, consider your passion for a subject, your desired age group to work with, and the learning style that suits you best to ensure a rewarding career in education.