Minimum educational qualifications for admission to initial teacher education courses in Northern Ireland institutions

The minimum educational qualifications for admission to initial teacher education courses in Northern Ireland institutions are:

1.    For BEd (Hons) courses

Subject to paragraph 3 below:

• passes in two subjects at GCE Advanced level together with a Grade C or above in three other subjects at GCSE level;
• passes in three subjects at GCE Advanced level together with a Grade C or above in one other subject at GCSE level.

An institution may accept passes in examinations other than GCE/GCSE if it is satisfied that they are of equivalent standard.

2.    For Post-Graduate Certificate in Education courses

Subject to paragraph 3 below, an approved university degree or alternative qualification which meets the Department’s eligibility requirements for teacher salary purposes.  Enquiries regarding such qualifications should be made to:

Telephone Local:  028 7131 9000
Telephone International:  +44 (0)28 7131 9000

email:  miscellaneous.enquiries@deni.gov.uk

It should be noted that these are minimum requirements for admission to BEd and PGCE courses, and the higher education institutions may seek qualifications over and above these.

3.    For all courses

For admission to any initial teacher education course, applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in English language and mathematics.  In addition, all new entrants to primary level courses must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in a science subject or subjects.  An acceptable level of competence is defined as a GCSE level pass at Grade C or higher, or an equivalent qualification.  Enquiries regarding equivalent qualifications should be made to the:

Telephone Local:  028 9026 1200
Telephone International:  +44 (0)28 9026 1200

It is for institutions to satisfy themselves that candidates meet these minimum requirements.  They should be prepared to assist candidates who do not hold a GCSE pass at the requisite level (or its equivalent), but who are otherwise considered acceptable, to attain the required standard before starting the course, and to undertake the assessment of candidates’ ability themselves.