The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the status of Professional Development Qualification (PDQ) Centre. This means that UNNC is now licensed by Cambridge International to deliver PDQs courses, and in fact is the first PDQ centre in East Asia to be approved to deliver PDQs wholly online.
What are Cambridge PDQs?
Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications (Cambridge PDQs) are practical, convenient and impactful CPD solution for schools and educational institutions. UNNC is offering two Cambridge PDQ certificates:
- Teaching and Learning
- Teaching Bilingual Learners
150 hours of learning
Each course consists of :
- Guided learning: live interactive sessions, discussion forums, and feedback
- Individual study and collaborative learning: reading, research and discussion
- School-based learning: applying new ideas in practice and reflecting on experience
From top academics
The curriculum is designed by the experts at Cambridge Assessment International Education and delivered by top academics from UNNC.
Online over 4，8，or 24 months
Whether you want a short, intensive CPD programme to boost performance fast, or a longterm programme to improve staff retention, Cambridge PDQs can be the answer.
With 4 key targets!
We know that all schools want four things from their CPD, and our Cambridge PDQs are designed to maximise these benefits:
- Impact
- Retention
- Community
- Flexibility
IMPACT
- All the necessary theory, with a focus on its practical implementation to improve staff performance
- Energise the workplace with collaboration between engaged, reflective and passionate teachers
- Create positive brand association with UNNC and Cambridge Assessment International Education
RETENTION
- Sign your teachers or leaders up to 24-month courses to maximise staff retention
- Recruit more staff by offering new employees a Cambridge PDQ
- Your staff will feel valued, engaged and happy to receive a globally-recognised qualification
COMMUNITY
- Candidates select a mentor from their school or institution, who will receive free training
- Each year, candidates and mentors will be invited to an annual PDQ day at UNNC with all alumni
- The mentorship system encourages continuted collaboration and improvement beyond the course
FLEXIBILITY
- Choose from 4-month, 8-month or 24-month schedules for the results you desire
- Your staff will study part-time and online, with classes arranged at times that suit you
- Course content can be tailored to your school's specific context, values and stategic goals
Application for Academic Year 2026-27
Programme Date: 19 October, 2026 to 26 April, 2027
One-hour live sessions every two weeks, totalling 12 online sessions. Teaching sessions will take place on weekday evenings from 19:00 to 20:00 (specific teaching dates are subject to adjustment). All other academic coursework for the programme can be completed flexibly around participants’ schedules. The final submission deadline for the ePortfolio is 24 May 2027.
Tuition fee: CNY 13,500 Group discounted tuition fee: CNY 12,000 (for groups of three or more enrolling on the same programme)
Application deadline: 20 September 2026
Scan the QR code below to sign up
Should your school or organisation have any bespoke requirements, please contact us via the contact details at the bottom of the page. We can arrange campus tours at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and we are also available to deliver an on-site presentation at your institution.
Certificate Programme (one module): Duration: 4‑month, 8‑month or 24‑month courses
Tuition fee: CNY 13,500 or CNY 12,000 per participant
Diploma Programme (two modules): Duration: 8‑month or 24‑month courses
Tuition fee: CNY 27,000 or CNY 24,000 per participant
Frequently asked questions
*Please click on the questions below for answers
Who assesses candidates, and how?
The UNNC academic team will provide regular feedback throughout the course.
At the end of the programme, candidates must submit a portfolio of work to Cambridge Assessment International Education for final assessment.
What qualifications do I need?
To register for our Cambridge PDQs, there are just two simple requirements. All applicants must…
- be practicing teachers/educational managers (currently in a job)
- have English level of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent*
*If you do not have recognized certification for your English level, UNNC will provide a direct-entry written language test.
What impact will a PDQ have on my classroom/school?
The course encourages candidates to design learning activities/leadership plans specific to their own professional context.
Candidates will develop their reflection skills to keep improving beyond the end of the course.
The mentor system encourages collaborative learning which can make for a more supportive and dynamic workplace.
Can I do a PDQ anywhere else in China?
Yes, there are other PDQ centres in China but we are the only organisation in East Asia that is licenced to provide PDQs wholly online. What really sets us apart though is our fantastic delivery team: our current cohort got 100% distinctions in their final Cambridge marked assessment.
Is it diffcult?
Yes, this is a challenging programme that requires considerable reflection, reading and hard work. Candidates must be willing to study for approximately 6-8 hours per week for the duration of the course. Of course, the tutors will be there to provide 1-on-1 support whenever needed.
Who will be the mentor?
Participants will need to identify an experienced member of staff at their school who can act as a mentor and who will receive guidance from C·ambridge and your programme leader. It is important that your mentor is someone who you trust and with whom you have a good working relationship.
Sometimes our schedules change.What if someone misses a class?
Instead of attending the live class, candidates can watch the playback afterwards in their free time. Of course, it is preferable to attend the live class, but we understand that life sometimes gets in the way, so we try to make the PDQ flexible and accessible or everyone.
What certification will candidates receive?
At the end of the 7-month course, upon successful completion of an assessment, candidates will receive certification from both UNNC and
Cambridge Assessment International Education.
The Cambridge PDQ Certificate is the equivalent of RQF Level 4.
What else does UNNC offer for schools?
We also offer:
- MA International Higher Education
- MA TESOL
- MA Applied Linguistics
- PhD Education
- PhD Studies of English
- ...
To find out more, contact BDO@nottingham.edu.cn
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