Teacher Education

Program Overview:

The Teacher Education program at the University of Oxford is designed to prepare aspiring educators with the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and professional standards necessary to excel in teaching. Drawing on Oxford’s rich academic tradition and commitment to excellence in education, the program combines rigorous theoretical understanding with practical teaching experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to undertake teaching roles across a wide range of educational settings.

This program offers a robust curriculum that encompasses pedagogical theories, curriculum development, classroom management, inclusive education, and assessment methods. Trainees will engage with cutting-edge research and innovative teaching strategies, fostering reflective practice and lifelong learning. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse student needs and promoting an equitable learning environment, aligning with contemporary educational priorities.

Designed for individuals seeking a career in teaching, the program includes extensive school-based placements, providing real-world experience under the supervision of experienced educators. Throughout their training, candidates develop essential skills such as lesson planning, student assessment, and effective communication, all within a supportive academic community committed to professional development.

Applicants to the Teacher Education program should demonstrate a strong academic background, a passion for education, and a commitment to fostering learning and development in young people. The selection process is competitive, ensuring that admitted trainees possess the qualities required for a successful career in teaching.

Graduates of the program are awarded professional qualifications recognized by UK educational authorities, enabling them to teach in a variety of settings including primary, secondary, and further education. They are also prepared to contribute to educational research and policy development, supporting the advancement of teaching practices nationally and internationally.

In addition to core teaching skills, the program encourages the development of leadership qualities, collaborative working abilities, and a dedication to continuous professional improvement. Oxford’s Teacher Education program aims to produce highly competent, reflective, and innovative teachers who can make a significant impact on their students and the wider educational community.

This two-year course is for university and school-based mathematics or science teacher educators who are interested in increasing their knowledge and skills base required for effective and inspirational teacher education.  The course focuses on the processes of research and practice to inform the design and teaching of teacher education programmes, the ability to conduct research to develop practice, and the ability to participate in debates about teaching and teacher education in your own subject. 

The course combines online learning with two residential components in Oxford.  It involves four taught units comprising investigations focused on participants’ own practice and tasks which involve individual and group work.  Assessment will be through an assignment for each of the units, plus a dissertation in the final term of the second year of the course.  Areas covered in the assessments include: issues in subject teaching and learning; analysis and critique of current practice; analysis and critique of research articles; links between theory and practice; construction of arguments for particular processes; implementation and evaluation of a task; and implications for teacher education.

The university’s Virtual Learning Environment (WebLearn) is used to support the work on each task and sustain critical discussion.  Supervision of students’ work will mainly be offered within small groups, and from a University supervisor within either the mathematics or science area.  Each subject area will be taught separately, with whole group presentations taking place during the residential weeks

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in the relevant subject area for their work in their educational institution.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:One page
• Written work:Either one essay of 4,000 words or two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The Teacher Education program at the University of Oxford prepares students for a career in secondary education, focusing on teaching practice, subject knowledge, and educational theory. The course is designed for individuals who wish to become qualified teachers in secondary schools across the UK and internationally. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines academic study with practical teaching experience, enabling trainees to develop the skills and confidence necessary for effective classroom management, lesson planning, and student assessment. The program emphasizes research-informed teaching methods, inclusive education, and the promotion of critical thinking among pupils. Students undertake specialized training in their chosen subject areas, such as sciences, humanities, or arts, while also exploring broader educational issues, policies, and pedagogical strategies. The course typically lasts one to two years, depending on whether candidates study full-time or part-time. Throughout the program, trainees engage in placements within Oxfordshire schools, working under the supervision of experienced mentors. These placements are complemented by seminars, workshops, and tutorials at the university, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of teaching practices. Upon successful completion, graduates receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), allowing them to teach professionally in schools across the UK. The program also supports career development and progression, with opportunities for specialization, further postgraduate study, or leadership roles within educational settings. The University of Oxford's Teacher Education program is recognized for its high standards, rigorous academic requirements, and strong links with local schools and educational organizations, making it a highly esteemed pathway for aspiring teachers committed to excellence and innovation in education.