A different degree or a gap in your subject knowledge does not necessarily mean teaching is out of reach.
Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are designed to help applicants develop or refresh the subject knowledge they need before starting teacher training. They can provide a route into teaching for graduates who have the potential to become excellent teachers but need additional subject-specific preparation first.
If you apply to i2i, we’ll consider your whole profile, including your qualifications, experience and subject knowledge. If we believe SKE would help you meet the subject knowledge requirements for teacher training, we may make an offer that is conditional on you successfully completing an appropriate SKE course. However, SKE courses are designed to refresh and develop your subject knowledge and align it with the curriculum. They do not replace the subject qualifications required for entry to teacher training.
You may be considered for SKE if:
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your degree is in a different but related subject to the one you want to teach
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you studied your chosen subject at A Level but not at degree level
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your degree was awarded more than five years ago and you have not recently used your subject knowledge
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you studied for a languages degree, but need to improve knowledge either in a main language, second language or both
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you have relevant professional experience that provides a foundation of subject knowledge, but you need to develop this further for teaching.
Find out more
If you think SKE could be relevant to your route into teaching, please get in touch. We can look at your qualifications and experience, explain your options and help you understand what you may need to do before starting your teacher training.
You can also explore the latest SKE guidance and available courses through the Department for Education's Get Into Teaching service.
About Subject Knowledge Enhancement Programmes
SKE courses vary in length depending on your existing subject knowledge and the requirements of the course. They can range from shorter refresher or booster programmes to more extensive courses.
Courses may be delivered online, face-to-face or through a combination of both, and can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Your SKE provider will advise you about the structure, hours and duration of your course.
We’ll discuss your SKE requirements and help you understand your options as part of the application and offer process.
Eligibility & Funding
DfE Funded SKE
SKE funding and eligibility are reviewed by the Department for Education and can change between academic years. Current DfE guidance should therefore be checked before making decisions about SKE funding.
Currently, the DfE lists funded SKE provision in Computing, Mathematics, Modern Languages and Physics. The DfE's course directory is updated as provision changes.
Where a funded SKE course is available, you must normally have received a conditional offer from an ITT provider that requires you to complete SKE. You are free to choose your SKE provider, and we can help you identify an appropriate course.
The DfE currently states that eligible applicants may receive an SKE bursary of £175 per week, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and funding arrangements. Bursary eligibility includes holding a 2:2 or above undergraduate degree, or a master's degree or PhD.
SKE funding and course availability can change, so please check the latest DfE information when you apply.
Self-funded SKE
SKE courses are also available on a self-funded basis in some subjects. This can provide another option if you need to develop or refresh your subject knowledge but a DfE-funded SKE course is not available for your subject or you do not meet the criteria for funding.
Self-funded SKE courses are offered by a range of providers and may vary in subject, length, format and cost. You can explore available courses and choose the option that best suits your needs and circumstances.
If you are considering an SKE course as part of your route into teaching, we’re happy to discuss your subject knowledge and help you understand the options available to you.
