Becoming a teacher: Northern Ireland
Discover more about getting into teaching in Northern Ireland, including the qualifications needed and accredited initial teacher education providers at
To teach in Northern Ireland, you must be registered with GTCNI. You can complete Initial Teacher Education (ITE) via a four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Early years
Learn about acceptable qualifications for early years specialists from the Department of Education.
Primary and post-primary
Find course options for primary and post-primary ITE at Department of Education - Initial teacher education courses.
Learn more about the Northern Ireland curriculum from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
The largest employer of teachers is the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools which plays a central role in supporting teachers.
Further education
The minimum qualification requirements to teach further education in Northern Ireland are set by The Department for the Economy.
