If I want to teach in higher education rather than schools, should I prioritise a postgraduate qualification in the subject I plan to teach over a degree in education?
If you plan to teach in higher education, a postgraduate qualification in the subject you want to teach may be more directly relevant, particularly for academic or subject-specialist roles. However, an education degree can develop useful skills in teaching, assessment and curriculum design. The best priority depends on the role, discipline and entry requirements of the institutions you are considering.
Key points
- Academic roles may value advanced subject knowledge, research experience or a relevant postgraduate degree.
- An education qualification may be valuable for developing university-level teaching practice and for teaching-focused or professional education roles.
- Compare job descriptions and postgraduate course requirements in your intended country and discipline before deciding.
Things to check
- Requirements vary substantially by university, faculty, country and role; some positions may require additional teaching qualifications, professional experience or research credentials.