How To Become A Teacher Without An Education Degree
Many people assume that teaching is only open to those who studied education at university. It isn't. In the UK, you can become a teacher without an education degree and in some cases, without following the traditional university route at all. If you have been putting off exploring teaching because you didn't study education, this article is for you.
Why Your Degree Subject Doesn't Have to Be Education
One of the most common questions we hear is: can I become a teacher without an education degree? The answer is yes. In England, the qualification that matters most for teaching in state schools is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), not an education degree. The government is clear that you can gain QTS through teacher training after a degree in any subject, as long as you meet the entry requirements for the training route you choose.
In fact, many schools actively want teachers who bring real-world subject knowledge and life experience to the classroom. A background in engineering, sport, languages, healthcare, business or the arts can be a genuine strength, particularly at secondary level where subject expertise matters. The point is: your degree opened the door. Teacher training is what gets you into the classroom. Knowing how to become a teacher without an education degree is simply a case of understanding which route suits your background.
What You Will Typically Need
Before you start teacher training in England, most routes require the following. Get Into Teaching sets this out clearly on its qualifications page.
- A bachelor's degree (most providers ask for at least a 2:2).
- GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or an accepted equivalent.
- For primary teaching: GCSE science at grade 4 (C) or above as well.
For secondary training, providers will also look at whether your subject knowledge is strong enough to teach a specific subject to GCSE level or beyond. This can come from your degree, your A levels, or relevant professional experience, it does not have to come from an education course.
The Main Routes Into Teaching Without an Education Degree
Postgraduate Teacher Training
The most common route for people who want to become a teacher without an education degree is a postgraduate teacher training course, typically one year full time. These courses lead to QTS and are available through universities and school-led providers across England.
This is where you can search for courses, compare university-led and school-led options, and submit your application. It is worth searching early, as popular courses, particularly in shortage subjects like maths, physics and computing can fill up quickly.
School-Led Training
If you learn best on the job, school-led training routes put you in a classroom from day one. You work alongside experienced teachers, receive structured mentoring, and build your confidence quickly through real teaching experience. Get Into Teaching explains that routes to QTS mostly involve school placements with some theoretical learning, so even university-led PGCEs include a significant amount of time in school.
School-led routes tend to suit career changers, teaching assistants ready to step up, and anyone who wants a practical, hands-on training experience. Some salaried school-led routes also allow you to earn while you train, although competition for these places can be strong.
Assessment Only QTS
If you are already working in a school in an unqualified teaching capacity, for example as a cover teacher, higher-level teaching assistant, or unqualified teacher, you may be able to become a teacher without an education degree and without completing a full training programme.
The Assessment Only route is designed for people with a degree and substantial classroom experience who can demonstrate they already meet the Teachers' Standards. This is not a beginner's shortcut. It is a recognition route for people who are effectively already doing the job and can provide strong evidence of their practice. If that sounds like you, it is worth exploring.
What About Financial Support?
Depending on your subject and the training route you choose, you may be eligible for bursaries or scholarships to help with the cost of training. These are available in shortage subjects and can make a significant difference to your finances during your training year.
The government's teacher training funding page sets out what financial support is available, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and subject-specific bursaries. Get Into Teaching also has a dedicated funding hub covering all the types of support available, including extra help for people with disabilities, parents, carers and veterans.
What if You Don't Have a Degree Yet?
For most routes leading to QTS in England, a degree is a standard entry requirement. If you don't have one yet, that doesn't mean teaching is out of reach, it means the path is a little longer.
Many people start by working in schools in support roles, building experience and confidence while they plan their next step. Common starting points include:
- Teaching assistant or learning support assistant roles
- SEND support roles
- Behaviour mentor or pastoral support
- Cover supervision
These roles give you genuine insight into school life, help you understand what teaching really involves day to day, and demonstrate commitment to a training provider when you do apply. They can also be incredibly rewarding in their own right, particularly in SEND settings, where the difference you make to individual pupils can be profound.
Once You Qualify: What to Expect
Once you have QTS, you are eligible to apply for teaching roles in state primary, secondary and special schools across England. Most newly qualified teachers start on the main pay range, with a starting salary of at least £32,916 in England (higher in London).
From there, pay increases with experience and responsibility. Senior roles, subject leadership and special educational needs coordination (SENCo) all come with additional allowances and progression opportunities. If SEND is an area you are drawn to, there is real demand for qualified and passionate teachers in specialist settings across the country.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Now you know how to become a teacher without an education degree, the next step is to get a clear picture of the kinds of roles available once you qualify. Senploy is a great place to start browsing live vacancies across mainstream and SEND settings gives you a realistic sense of what schools are looking for, what salaries look like in your area, and where demand is strongest.