# Study Education in the UK — degrees, the route to QTS and careers

> UK Education degrees split into Education Studies and teacher-training routes; teaching in schools needs QTS.

Education in the UK is studied both as academic Education Studies degrees (the theory, policy and practice of learning) and as teacher-training routes that lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is required to teach in most state schools in England. International students often take Education Studies or a Master's in Education (such as an MA Education or TESOL), while QTS routes have specific requirements. International tuition typically runs from around £15,000 to £28,000 a year. Confirm QTS eligibility and fees with each provider.

## Quick facts
- **Two paths:** Education Studies (academic) vs QTS teacher training
- **Teaching requirement:** QTS needed to teach in most state schools (England)
- **Intl. tuition:** ≈ £15,000–£28,000 / year

## Key takeaways
- Education Studies degrees are academic; teaching in state schools requires Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- International students often choose Education Studies or a Master's such as MA Education or TESOL.
- QTS teacher-training routes have specific entry and English requirements — check eligibility early.
- International tuition is typically around £15,000–£28,000 a year (often the lower end).

## Education Studies versus teacher training (QTS)
It is important to understand the two distinct paths. Education Studies degrees are academic programmes exploring how people learn, the sociology and psychology of education, policy and curriculum — they do not, by themselves, qualify you to teach. To teach in most state schools in England you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), gained through an initial teacher training (ITT) route such as a PGCE with QTS or an undergraduate degree with QTS. Many international students study Education Studies, an MA Education, or specialist Master's such as TESOL, while those wanting to teach must check QTS route eligibility carefully.

## Entry, careers and choosing the right route
Entry requirements vary by route: Education Studies offers commonly sit around BBC to BBB, while QTS routes have specific subject-knowledge, English-language and school-experience requirements. Graduates work in teaching (with QTS), education policy and administration, charities and NGOs, educational publishing and edtech, training and international schools. For international students, the right starting question is whether you want to teach in the UK (which means planning a QTS route and confirming visa eligibility) or build an education career more broadly. Study UK Now helps you choose the route that matches your goals and confirms requirements.

## Frequently asked questions
### Do I need QTS to teach in the UK as an international student?
To teach in most state-funded schools in England you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), gained through an approved initial teacher training route. An academic Education Studies degree does not by itself confer QTS. International students should check QTS route eligibility, English requirements and visa implications early. Study UK Now helps you confirm the right pathway and current GOV.UK requirements.

### What is the difference between Education Studies and a PGCE in the UK?
Education Studies is an academic degree about education as a field — theory, policy, psychology and society — and does not qualify you to teach. A PGCE with QTS is a teacher-training qualification that prepares and certifies you to teach in schools. If your goal is classroom teaching, you need a QTS route; if you want a broader education career, Education Studies keeps options open. Study UK Now advises on the right choice.

## Sources
- [UCAS — teacher training](https://www.ucas.com/teaching-in-the-uk) — UCAS
- [GOV.UK — Qualified Teacher Status](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/qualified-teacher-status-qts) — GOV.UK

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Verified: 2026-06-17