Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education
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Our two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education, with an optional third year leading to a Master’s degree, is an 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.
Run by Emerson College and validated by the University of Buckingham, this is an employed-route graduate teacher training pathway for all Steiner Waldorf schools.
Key points:
A hybrid course of regular online and face-to-face residentials.
Year1: 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 Masters level).
Year 2: Progress your teaching through supported, reflective practice in the classroom while working towards your PGCE with QTS (60 credits at Masters level).
- Programme
- Course fees
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- 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.
The PG Certificate in Waldorf Education (Year 1) consists of two modules:
Module 1: Philosophy, Principles, and 21st Century Practice in Waldorf Education (40 credits)
Twelve directed weekly sessions (online) will guide students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge of the philosophy, principles, and contemporary practice of Waldorf education. Two weekend residentials (Friday to Sunday).
Module 2: Waldorf Artistic and Creative Practice (20 credits)
This module will guide students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and skill in personal, professional and practical artistic practice in Waldorf education. The use and development of artistic and creative practice in Waldorf education will be introduced.
In Year 2, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship with QTS plus PGCE will include:
- Working under the guidance of a mentor in their school and a University of Buckingham tutor.
- Gradually take on a teaching role (up to 50-80% timetable)
- Minimum three-week placement (between Nov and Mar) at a second ‘mainstream’ school.
Full details of the apprenticeship are available here.
MA in Education (Waldorf Education) – dissertation at L7, 60 master’s credits (Optional)
Trainees can also graduate with an MA in Education (Waldorf Education) by taking an extra self-funded module which involves completing a master’s dissertation, under the guidance of a research supervisor. Taught content will include a module on research methods.
- 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 two 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. Please contact our registrar if you would like further information about 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’.
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