Do I need a master's in education to be a primary or secondary teacher? What is the difference between this qualification and the postgraduate certificate or diploma in education (PCEd or PGDE)?
David Bunton, associate professor at the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Education:
The PCEd, known as a PGDE in some institutions, is a professional training programme preparing someone to be a teacher in a subject she or he is a graduate of.
It covers broader education issues and the nitty-gritty of teaching. Those on such programmes will be assessed for their teaching practice.
The master's in education is an academic degree for teachers and other people working in the education sector, providing a deeper academic understanding in a selected area of specialisation such as school administration and management, educational evaluation and comparative education. The areas of specialisation covered in master's programmes differ from institution to institution.
Philip Keung, assistant registrar at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd):
Schools now expect new recruits to have either finished a bachelor of education or PGDE or PCEd training.