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Postgraduate Study: PGCE Progression to MEd

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Overview of the course

This course option is only offered to University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education PGCE graduates (PGCEM)

Trainees who successfully complete all examined elements of the Cambridge PGCE course can apply to undertake the part-time Master of Education (MEd) in just one year. If you completed your PGCE at another institution and would like to study part time please view our 2 year part time MPhil courses pages.

PGCE trainees can decide if they wish to:

  1. go straight on to the MEd in the Michaelmas term following completion of their PGCE or
  2. take a maximum of a 2 year gap between completing the PGCE and starting the MEd.

Trainees must complete the MEd within three years of successfully completing their PGCE.

We offer our students:

  • Access to outstanding research facilities;
  • The opportunity to work closely with specialists in their field;
  • A supportive, stimulating environment with excellent supervision;
  • A strong community or like-minded students who will provide mutual support

We aim to support our students to develop:

  • The capacity to analyse contemporary educational issues and practices using systematic and research led approaches;
  • Knowledge and understanding of current practices and outcomes of teaching and learning;
  • A critical understanding of research methods and methodologies for educational enquiry;
  • The practical, organisational and presentational skills necessary for the successful reporting of educational research.

Visas for part time study

If you are an international applicant wanting to study part time, it may be possible for the University to sponsor you for a visa. Please see our visa webpage for further information.


route mapChoosing your course

You should select a course from the list below that reflects your current and future interests:

(The Educational Leadership and Improvement route is not available as 1 year part-time PGCEM course, but can be taken as 2 year part-time MPhil course).


lectureOur Research Methods Strand

The research strand covers a broad range of social science research methods and is essential for Masters level understanding and critical engagement with the research literature in many specialist areas and in education more generally.

It offers opportunities and encouragement to apply the knowledge gained to your thematic area, and vice versa. Masters students on the majority of routes are required to attend a generic research methods strand, taught across thematic routes.

Please note - Transforming Practice route does not attend, they have their own alternative Research Methods arrangements.


clock timeSession Times for the Thematic Courses

For all courses, except Transforming Practice, sessions will start at 2pm on a Wednesday and continue to run through school half terms.

Transforming Practice students will follow a weekly online model of work with around 5  conferences, usually on a Saturday. There is some variation in the duration of sessions across courses that meet on Wednesdays.

If you require further details, please see the course pages above or contact the course coordinator.


apply buttonHow to Apply

Applications for the PGCEM course are managed centrally by the Post Graduate Admissions Office.

Applications are considered in three batches; firstly after the 5th December and then after the 22nd February and finally the application deadline of 16th May. It is possible that some applications from the early batches are held for consideration in further batches.

Please note some routes may fill up well ahead of the advertised closing date. You are advised to apply by the December deadline if possible. We aim to make decisions on applications within 12 weeks of the applicable application batch deadline.

You are not considered a 'continuer' for the purposes of this application as you are previously registered as a 'postgraduate' and not a 'graduate'. You should follow the instructions as if you were a new applicant.

Admissions process

During the admissions process you will also hear from the Faculty and your College. Please view this PGCE to MEd Admission process overview for further information about what to expect from each department and who to contact for specific queries.

Application form

The application form is a generic form used across the whole university for a number of programmes so some sections are not applicable to PGCEM applicants - please view this step by step guide on what to submit on your application.

Self-service account

You will be given access to a self-service account please ensure you note your email address correctly and check for updates regularly as important information and actions will be sent you periodically. You are responsible for checking what actions and information is required to submit via your self-service account - please check you can access regularly.


calendarApplication deadlines

Applications from students who wish to commence the PGCE-MEd in October 2024 will open in September 2023.

Please do remember that university regulations will only allow for a maximum two year gap between completing the PGCE and starting the MEd.

  • The deadline for 2024-2025 registration is 16th May 2024.
  • Some routes may fill up and close earlier than this. Please check the course pages above for further information.
  • Applications are considered in batches; the first batch after the 1st December, then after the 22nd February and 16th May (application deadline).

You are advised to apply by December of the year prior to when you wish to start. Some applications may be considered in early batches may be carried over to be considered further in later batches.

The Faculty will not accept applications submitted after the deadline and can not offer further places once a route is full.


studentsPersonal Supervision

One of the great strengths of studying at Cambridge is the level of individual support you will receive.

You will be assigned an expert in your field to guide you through your course. You will meet with them regularly to discuss progress and will be able to send them your work for feedback and advice.

The Faculty has around forty academic staff teaching on the Graduate programme offering a very wide range of expertise. PGCE-MEd students are entitled to 4.5 hours of supervision.