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Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education with PGCE and QTS

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Run by Emerson College and validated by the University of Buckingham, this is a Level 7 employed-route graduate teacher training pathway for all Steiner Waldorf schools.

Would you like to know more about this course? Click here to download the PGDip Waldorf Prospectus 2025-27.

Our two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education, with an optional third year leading to a master’s degree, is a Level 7 internationally recognised qualification for aspiring Waldorf educators.

This essential program provides comprehensive training to become a fully qualified Waldorf class teacher, subject specialist, or Upper School educator. It also integrates PGCE and QTS qualifications, ensuring that graduates meet the highest standards of professional teaching certification.

Key points:
A blended learning course combining online learning and face-to-face residentials.

Year 1: For teaching assistants, learning mentors or cover teachers in a Waldorf school. Learn about Steiner Waldorf philosophy, principles and practice while developing your artistic path to achieve a PG Cert (60 credits at master’s level).

Year 2: Progress your teaching through supported, reflective practice in the classroom while working towards your PGCE with QTS (60 credits at master’s level).

If you are ready to apply, please click this link to be taken to the application form.

Programme
Course fees
Applications
CPD & Certificates

This course offers an employed-route graduate teacher training pathway for Steiner Waldorf schools, making it ideal for teaching assistants, learning mentors, or cover teachers looking to advance their careers.

This course consists of two parts:

Year 1: A Postgraduate Certificate in Waldorf Education (worth 60 credits at master’s level), delivered by Emerson College:

Module 1: Philosophy, Principles, and 21st Century Practice in Waldorf Education (40 credits)

Weekly directed sessions (online) and regular study groups will guide students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the philosophy, principles, and contemporary practice of Waldorf education.

Module 2: Waldorf Artistic and Creative Practice (20 credits)

A combination of online sessions and residentials, this module will guide students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and skill in personal, professional and practical artistic practice in Waldorf education.

Three weekend residentials (Friday to Sunday) to be held at Emerson College, Forest Row and Steiner Academy, Hereford.

Year 2: A Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship, with PGCE (worth 60 credits at master’s level) and QTS, delivered by the University of Buckingham:

Working under the guidance of a mentor in their school and a University of Buckingham tutor.
Gradually take on a teaching role (up to 80% timetable)
Minimum three-week placement (between Nov and Mar) at a second ‘mainstream’ school. Full details of the apprenticeship are available here.

Completing both elements of the course comprises a Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education.

MA in Education (Waldorf Education) – 60 master’s credits (Optional)

An additional 60 credits at master’s level can be gained through the completion of a master’s dissertation, and students can be awarded an MA in Education (Steiner Waldorf) by the University of Buckingham.

Would you like to know more about this course? Click here to download the PGDip Waldorf Prospectus 2025-26.

The current fees for this course are:

PG Certificate in Waldorf Education course fee: £4,500
Postgraduate apprenticeship with QTS: £1050 (£450 apprenticeship levy, plus £600 for PGCE element)
MA in Waldorf Education (optional): £2000

Additional Costs:

Residential weekends: accommodation, board and travel expenses for three weekends to be met by the school or the student.

The course is not eligible for the government’s Postgraduate Student Loan scheme, but other funding options are available including an interest free loan from the Godparents Anthroposophical Training Fund. If you would like to apply for funding from them, please download and complete this form, returning it by email to the email address on the form. Applications will be considered at the GATF meeting on 2nd June 2025, so applications should be sent to admin@gatf.org.uk by 23rd May.

Please contact our registrar if you would like further information about other bursary options and funding opportunities.

This is a postgraduate level course therefore the minimum requirements for acceptance onto the course are:

Bachelor’s degree (in an appropriate subject for Upper School)
GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths
GSCE grade C/4 in Science for class teachers

In addition, the following criteria apply:

Students on the course must be employed by a Steiner Waldorf school, or Waldorf-inspired school.

Please note that any school wishing to put forward a candidate for the PGCE with QTS must have met all the Independent School Standards at its most recent inspection and cannot have an inspection grade of ‘inadequate’.