Online Teaching (PGCert)

You need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject to study this course, as well as 2 years' relevant work experience within education or training.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Recognition of professional experience

We will consider applications from mature applicants over the age of 26 who can demonstrate work experience as an educator or profession related to education, and enter with a degree-equivalent qualification.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

PGCert Online Teaching comprises 4 taught modules, usually completed within one academic year as online study. 

A typical week would be approximately 5 hours of directed learning through our virtual learning environment, and webinars supplemented by your additional self-directed learning and reading. Your contact hours will vary depending on your module or option choices.

Your lessons will usually be delivered in 6-week teaching blocks, taking 2 modules per semester. Modules 1 and 2 would normally take place between October and January, and modules 3 and 4 between January and June.

Some people may study the programme as part of a corporate CPD programme or a University partnership with another organisation. In both cases, the programme may run outside of the usual University semester or term times.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

Our postgraduate certificate in online teaching is delivered fully online. You'll access course materials and communicate with tutors and fellow students through the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). This platform provides: 

• videos
• activities
• readings
• web-based resources
• access to the University’s electronic library

Video conferences, forums, chat rooms and emails will also be used during the programme to help you interact with tutors and other students.

Assessment

Formal assessment, also known as summative assessment, for this PGCert includes producing accessible online teaching material, together with a rationale and explanations that links material to literature in the field.

For module 1, you will produce a podcast that is accessible and incorporates assessment and evaluation. For module 3 you will produce a comprehensive online learning session which includes:

• a lesson plan
• podcasts
• activities
• synchronous and asynchronous interaction
• online text summaries
• guidance and assessment

You will have choice around the topic presented and the subject matter, as well as the flexibility to balance creative and imaginative activities that foster learning within the framework of learning theory and inclusive practice.

Informal assessment, or summative assessment, includes the use of online quizzes and discussion forums, where the feedback is delivered through a personalised podcast. 

There are also bi-weekly webinars which are facilitated by tutors, but led by questions and comments from students, where you can seek clarification and elaboration from tutors.

Academic Support

We provide multiple ways for you to seek and access support online, including the allocation of personal tutors who offer regular opportunities for you to check in one-to-one and discuss your progress.

There are weekly formative assessment activities that enable tutors to monitor engagement and progress. You can book one-to-one tutorials to discuss individual issues in confidence. 

We will also signpost to University support services and professional service resources, and students are encouraged to use social media to provide peer support to one another.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £4,200.
• EU and international students pay £4,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000