Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

About the course

Our graduates make good teachers. It's that simple. The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course helps you develop an understanding of research, policies and practice relating to education in general and secondary education in particular. You'll analyse and reflect on what you learn to connect research with the classroom.

We teach an approach to your work that will stay with you throughout your career. Our graduates are dedicated to lifelong learning, developing their professional practice, and using classroom-based research. You'll learn everything the qualified teacher needs to know about planning, teaching, learning, assessing, policies and processes.

Subjects covered

• Biology
• Chemistry
• English
• Geography
• Languages (French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Urdu)
• Mathematics
• Physics with Mathematics
• Physics

Age range

Secondary (11–18)

Teaching

• Seminars
• Group work
• Tutorials
• Individual consultations
• Practical activities

You'll spend 24 of the 36 weeks in schools.

Assessment

Continuous.

CPD credits

As well as a PGCE qualification and Qualified Teacher Status, you'll gain 60 credits at masters level if you successfully complete the course. You can put these towards study for an MA in Applied Professional Studies in Education.

Your Career

We offer postgraduate courses that will launch your career in education or aid your continuing professional development. Our graduates work in the UK and overseas in schools, universities, and local and national government. Some deliver education as teachers and lecturers; others use their skills in a variety of careers covering policy development, education, administration, psychology and social work.

About Us

We value creative teaching that challenges inequalities in the education system. We believe in increasing opportunities for education, for everyone. You’ll benefit from this inclusive approach, as a student and as a professional.

You'll be taught by leading academics like Professor Cathy Nutbrown, who was recently commissioned by the government to lead an independent review looking at ways to strengthen teaching qualifications. This year, Cathy won an Outstanding Impact in Society award for her work on literacy.

Specialist resources

Our research seminar programme gives you access to the latest findings, often before they’re published. The University’s library has online catalogues and databases, e-books and e-journals. There’s a wireless network in the department.

Apply now

Apply online now at the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR).