Secondary Education, PGCE

These exciting one-year programmes comprise two elements; university-based teaching (60 days) and school-based experience (120 days). These enable student teachers to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to teach in secondary schools. Practical teaching experience is gained in two main schools, where student teachers are allocated a subject-specialist mentor who offers feedback and guidance. University sessions are designed to prepare student teachers for both teaching and assignments.

Both certificates enable student teachers to be formally assessed against the national standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The postgraduate certificate also offers an opportunity for Master's-level credits to be gained through the submission of appropriate assignments.

Please note

Applicants for this programme are subject to the following:

• Criminal Records Bureau check
• Occupational health screening

In addition, all candidates will be required to attend an interview.

School

Education

Location

Avery Hill Campus

Attendance

1 year full-time

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

A 2.2 or above in an honours degree in a relevant subject

PLUS GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, or equivalent.

• Candidates must attend an interview.

• It is recommended that applicants spend some time observing in a secondary school before interview.

Assessment

Continuous assessment of classroom skills and teaching effectiveness builds towards a professional development portfolio. There are also written and practical assignments with opportunities for Master's-level credits in the postgraduate version

Qualified Teacher Status

Career options

Graduates are equipped for careers working in secondary schools and other educational settings.

Please note

Applicants for this programme are subject to the following:

• Criminal Records Bureaucheck
• Occupational healthscreening

In addition, all candidates will be required to attend an interview.

Aims of the programme

• To develop the practical knowledge and theoretical understanding for teaching secondary school children.
• To develop students knowledge of the National Curriculum.
• To widen individual skills, expertise and knowledge of a specialist subject.
• To develop a wider understanding of English education, for example, the 'Every Child Matters' agenda.
• To establish a broad understanding of different influences and philosophies underpinning education.

Content

• Subject Enhancement (30 credits)
• Teaching Studies (30 credits)
• Professional Studies (30 credits)
• School Experience (30 credits)
• Professional Development Portfolio as a record of the standards for QTS (30 credits)

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

• Postgraduate finance pages
• International students' finance pages