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What is a PGCE course?

A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) is an academic qualification. You can get this through teacher training.

You do not need one to be a qualified teacher in England, but it can help you develop your teaching skills and knowledge.

The qualifications you need to teach in England

You need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in most primary, secondary and special schools in England. You can get QTS through undergraduate or postgraduate teacher training.

Find out more about qualified teacher status (QTS) .

Many teacher training courses also offer you a postgraduate qualification such as a PGCE, but you do not need one to teach.

Teacher training courses

You can do a teacher training course that leads to:

QTS with PGCE
PGCE without QTS

Getting a PGCE without QTS means you will not be qualified to teach in most primary, secondary and special schools in England, although some schools will employ teachers without QTS.

If you get a PGCE without QTS you will also not be entitled to the same benefits during your training and career as QTS with PGCE. For example, better pay and support when you start teaching.

Read about Nathan who chose to get QTS with PGCE .

Benefits of having QTS with PGCE

A PGCE can give you a better understanding of teaching practices, educational research and theory.

It can also be beneficial if you want to teach in other countries because it’s an internationally recognised academic qualification. However, you should always check the local requirements of the country you’re looking to teach in.

It can also award up to 60 credits at master’s level which you could use towards a full master’s qualification. This is usually 180 credits.

You may want to do a master’s in education, for example, for your professional development and to gain additional expertise in your teaching career.

Types of PGCE courses

You can get QTS with a PGCE in primary or secondary education. Your course will involve both school placements and academic theory.

You can do this through a school-led, university-led, or an apprenticeship teacher training programme.

You can do a full or part-time PGCE course.

As part of selecting your course, you will need to decide if you want to train to teach at a primary or secondary level. Learn about deciding who to teach .

You can also do a PGCE without QTS in further education .

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for a postgraduate teacher training course usually include an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.

You also need the following GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent qualifications:

science (if you want to teach primary)

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, you’ll need to show that they meet the standards set for teacher training in England.

You can get help comparing English and international qualifications .

What is a postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE)?

A PGDE in England is very similar to a PGCE, the difference being the number of academic credits you are awarded at the end of your course.

PGCE courses can contain up to 60 credits at master’s degree level, and PGDE courses can contain up to 120. This usually means that doing a PGDE will include more assignments.

More teacher training providers offer a PGCE than a PGDE.

Find your teacher training course

You can search for postgraduate teacher training courses to get QTS with a PGCE.

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PGCE assignments are a struggle

I'm a primary trainee doing a SCITT with PGCE course and I just need to vent about the PGCE assignments. First one is due in on Monday and it has given me such a headache writing it, I have barely been able to rest over half term. The only input relating to it was a lecture last week so most of the course have been in the same position of writing it exclusively in half term.

They are constantly banging on about how important it is to engage in the research and this should inform our teaching but the set question is not a great one (at least 3 rolled into one - the question itself is 7 lines long) and it's not making a great case for being research-led. I have a first class English degree and have previously enjoyed academic writing but the PGCE seems like such a massive after thought on the course despite the fact it takes so much time. It's also tricky writing critically at MA level when they also want us to make a case of evidence informing practice - if I'm criticising the theory how can I then say I'll use it in the classroom? I find it hard to present work I'm not proud of but I know I'll have to accept that just submitting anything and passing will be fine.

Anyone else feel like the PGCE element of training is a waste of time? Any tips welcome please.

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mrsstrickey
Sep 9, 2020

What to expect on your PGCE

Miss K joins us for Wednesday Wisdom this week... Having trained in Performing Arts at University, Miss K made the decision to be a TA with special needs children in a mainstream secondary school. After 3 years of working as a TA, she took the amazing step into teaching. She completed a PGCE in Secondary English at Bath Spa University. Like many of you, she is starting her NQT year in September and has some advice for those who are just starting their PGCE (being fresh from the course!). You can follow Miss K on Instagram @missenglishnqt and Twitter @missenglishstar

I would like to start by congratulating you on considering or securing your place on a PGCE. Becoming a teacher is hard work, but like anything that is hard work, the rewards are worth it. Every day you will have an impact on the lives of young people. There is that famous quote that says ‘they may not remember what you said, but they will not forget how you make them feel’ my advice is to hold that close as you start this journey. This is my golden tip because developing strong and positive relationships with students will make all the difference to your experience as you train to become a teacher.

I am going to separate this post into sections related to some of the phases of training on your PGCE, as well as some of the most common concerns and things I wish I had known at the start of my training year. There may be some variations to your training depending on your specialism e.g Early Years, Primary or Secondary, but I will try to keep this as generalised as possible to suit all specialisms.

University Phase

To begin your training most of you will have a university-led phase. During this time, you will engage with a variety of sessions, from tailored lectures and activities with your subject specialism, as well as lectures that apply to the whole cohort like SEND and behaviour management. You will have subject mentors for secondary and I assume primary also have their own mentors. These will be the tutors who will supervise you during your PGCE and be your main point of contact. Ahead of your PGCE, my best suggestion is to familiarise yourself with the national curriculum and your subject. Find out what is taught most and what your responsibilities are, as these are discussions that are likely to take place at university. If you are not already familiar, then my next suggestion is to familiarise yourself with these key terms and their abbreviations:

Pupil Premium – PP

Free School Meals – FSM

Special Educational needs and disability - SEND

Looked after child – LAC

Assessment for learning - AFL

The reason I suggest this is that you will hear them during your university phase and as soon as you get into school. Teachers often talk with just the acronym, so the sooner you know them and understand the basics of what they entail, then the quicker you will be comfortable with ‘Teacher Talk’ as I like to call it.

Assignments

Perhaps the most time-consuming focus of your university training will be the written assignments that you need to pass in order to gain the PGCE qualification. There are 3 assignments and they vary in length depending on your training provider, however, the general summary of them goes as follows; two 3000-word assignments and one 5000-word assignment. The titles of them may differ, but they will generally cover the following topics: SEND, Assessment for learning, and a whole school policy. The main piece of advice here is don’t panic about these! You can resubmit if the assignment is not right the first time. There are also lots of sources that your provider will point you towards in order to support your writing.

Placement 1

Placement 1…your first real dive into teaching. An incredibly exciting time, but also a time that lots of you will feel apprehensive about and that is completely normal. Let me start by saying this. No one expects you to be perfect! Your first placement is all about finding your feet as a teacher, working out who you are and what works best for you. I coined this the ‘trial and error placement’ because it gives you the chance to make mistakes and learn from them.

By the time Christmas arrives, you should be teaching around 10hours a week. You will be given a lesson planning outline that will help you think about the key events in a lesson, as well as timing, differentiation, and assessment. Be aware, these can be time-consuming and most teachers will want to see them before you teach the lesson. Take the time to trial a multitude of different strategies and teaching methods because this is the best way to find your stride in the classroom.

While on placement, you will have a training mentor who will oversee your timetable and progress. You will have regular review meetings, most providers will ensure this happens once a week, where you discuss your progress and targets for the following week. It is crucial that you are honest about any struggles you have had; I don’t think enough trainees ask for help when they need it. Sometimes you are just in need of a little advice or reassurance. The biggest rush you will experience is the first time you teach a lesson that was successful, and it will happen more often than you think if you regularly reflect on your practice.

Placement 2

This is the longer of the two placements (primary and SCITT may have more) and the placement where you also face an increase in teaching hours. You will start with around 10 to 12 hours teaching and increase to 16 by the end of the placement. This may vary and I was certainly impacted by the arrival of Covid-19 on my placement. However, virtual teaching is an experience in and of itself, you should really have a go at teaching at session online and who knows? It may become part of the next scheme of teacher training.

You might start this placement feeling like you take a step backward because there is quite a gap between placement 1 and 2. It is absolutely okay to feel this way and have a wobble, but you will very quickly find your feet again. This placement is all about gaining the confidence in your teaching and improving your classroom practice. By placement 2 you may feel ready to start moving away from detailed lesson plans because you already know how to structure a lesson. This is individual to each teacher, don’t compare yourself. You will gradually be handed more independence and take on more responsibility, not only within your teaching but also in wider school responsibilities like parent’s evenings and lunchtime or after school commitments. I also think it is important to say that, although at this point you will be close to finishing your training, you are still a brand new teacher and you have lots still to learn and your practice still has a lot of developing to do. It is okay not to be the finished article by the end of your PGCE, but I promise you will have a lot more confidence in your ability, who you are in the classroom, and what works best for you and the students you teach. This way you can go into your new school as an NQT ready to work on yourself and enjoy the freedom to make your lessons suit your style and the needs of those students you are working with. As always, your students are your priority and if you shape your practice around them you are doing the best you can do.

Student relationships – This is my go-to mantra. Relationships are key to success in the classroom. Show them who you are from the moment they meet you, be kind and welcoming, and take an immediate interest in getting to know them. Learn names as quickly as you can!

Don’t compare yourself – Every trainee moves at a different pace and you will all have different backgrounds so some may find adjusting to school easier than others. There is no right way, you need to do what is best for you. Also, remember most teachers you meet have been doing their job for years and will appear to know everything…. they have taught it repeatedly for years, of course, they know more! so don’t feel inadequate everything comes with time.

Keep in contact with people on your course – This one may seem obvious, but it is ridiculously important. Keeping in touch will get you through some of the tougher times (because you will have them) and it also means you have a space to let off a little steam when you need to. Don’t bottle emotions up, talk about it, you will feel relieved once you do.

Time management – The PGCE is a balancing act and if you don’t time manage you will find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Decide what your priorities are for each day/week and get them done. Try to get ahead on assignments; it will make them feel like less of a mountain. Most importantly allow yourself downtime! Take some time off to do what you love and have a breather you will feel all the better for it.

Just make the most of the experience and enjoy it.

Good Luck! X

What is a PGCE?

A PGCE combines substantial school placements with studying the theory behind teaching and learning. Most courses run from early September to July and take nine months to complete if studied full time. Some longer part-time and distance learning options are available.

PGCE courses can either be university or school-led and the majority of programmes lead to QTS, making you eligible to teach in a variety of countries. Scottish PGDE courses, and Welsh and Northern Irish PGCEs, are similar in structure to university-based programmes.

There is a shortage of teachers in some subjects, such as maths and physics, while other programmes are more competitive, such as physical education. You should research this with the provider you're interested in and be prepared to look in other areas of the UK for places.

If your undergraduate degree doesn't link closely to the subject you intend to teach you may be offered a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course as part of your application. This is taken before the PGCE so you'd be studying for a little longer.

Do I need a PGCE to teach?

You only need QTS to teach in England. The PGCE is an additional qualification offered by some providers, which you can gain alongside QTS.

However, it's advisable to gain a PGCE if you want to teach in Scotland and other countries such as the USA, as the PGCE is an internationally recognised qualification. It's possible to gain a qualification such as a PGCert with PGCE, if you have QTS and want to gain Masters credits and a university qualification. Find out more about the routes into teaching .

Be aware that not all courses award QTS - the further education PGCE, for example. Speak to your training provider if you are unsure about whether your programme awards QTS.

Types of PGCEs

In England a PGCE may be led by a:

higher education institution (HEI)
school/charity/multi-academy trust (MAT)
consortium of schools in partnership with the HEI, such as Teach First

Different types of PGCE include:

Primary - prepares you to teach children aged 5-11. Programmes focus on the core curriculum, although some may allow you to specialise in a certain subject. This is the most popular PGCE and demand for places is high.
Secondary - focuses on a particular subject and prepares you to teach children between the ages of 11-18.
Further/Adult education - if you want to teach in further education colleges or conduct adult education classes, completing one of these PGCEs means you can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status rather than QTS.

All types include placements for a minimum of 24 weeks in at least two key stages and schools.

To see what's available, search for a PGCE .

What does a PGCE involve?

It can be a challenging nine months, balancing lesson planning, teaching, marking and your own assignment deadlines.

Often starting with an academic focus, PGCE courses usually cover teaching and learning theory, managing classroom behaviour and current educational issues . After the first few weeks you'll spend up to two-thirds of your time on placement in schools, teaching in two different key stages. Your placements will help you to explore theory in practice. You'll be immersed into school life gradually, with an emphasis on research-informed and evidence-based teaching.

You will also work towards meeting the professional standards, which determine recommendation for QTS. Assessment is ongoing and progressive, developing the academic standards required for the Masters-level PGCE and QTS. At the same time, you will work through personalised development plans to ensure that you're able to target individual strengths and improvements.

In this way, your academic performance and teacher development are closely linked. You will reflect, get feedback from others and be assessed against teaching standards as you progress through the PGCE.

What will I learn?

You will study modules such as the:

Professional teacher - Looking at key issues in teaching and learning, tailored to the context in which you're working. Sessions will often be a lecture and seminar, or workshops.
Subject specialist - Building on your knowledge of the subject range, this would be led by a specialist tutor with expertise in your subject/s, both in university and in your placement, and supported by a mentor. You may study and evaluate key theories and policies, analyse and model best practice, and develop the skills required for teaching the subject. This will be further developed in your placement with your school mentor.
Reflective teacher - Looking at what you're teaching in the classroom, thinking about why you do it, and reflecting on what works. This would include tutorials, group work and peer support to develop your experience in practice.
Research informed teacher - Learning from and participating in research linked to your specialism and teaching.

What's the difference between school-led and university-led PGCEs?

As a university-led PGCE/PGDE trainee you will have more opportunity for studying and reflecting on your progress, as well as spending valuable time with other trainee teachers. You will need to pay fees but bursaries are available. You'll be able to move from a placement if it's not suited to you.

If you'd like to be placed in a school from day one, school-led training may be the route for you. Trainees are often paid as trainee teachers and may have to pay fees. School-led trainees can be chosen by the school, participating as a team member from the beginning. Discover how you can build your experience by volunteering in schools .

Both routes lead to QTS, where you can apply for a teaching position in primary and secondary schools.

What are the entry requirements?

Some course providers may have specific eligibility criteria, but in general you must have:

An undergraduate degree or equivalent. For primary teaching a degree in a national curriculum subject is useful. For secondary, you must have a degree or related degree in the subject you're applying to teach.
GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths (a B in Wales).
GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject to teach pupils aged 5-11 (primary).
An IELTS with an average score of 6.0 if English is not your first language and you don't have a GCSE grade C/4 in English.

Plus, non-academic requirements of:

a declaration of convictions through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

There are some variations and exceptions to these entry criteria so you should check with the admissions department of each individual institution you're applying to.

Applicants with a degree in a subject not included in the national curriculum, such as marketing or education, are able to apply for early years, primary and post-compulsory teaching.

If you have A-levels in a shortage secondary subject, such as maths, and your degree included a large mathematical element, you may be able to do an SKE course and go on to train as a maths teacher.

Some courses are very competitive, so applying early and getting school experience is advantageous. If you aren't sure whether you meet the criteria, or if you gained your degree overseas, you should contact the admissions department of the institution you're considering, or attend an open day.

How much does it cost?

The standard tuition fee in 2023/24 for UK students is £9,250 and approximately between £9,250 and £32,000 for international students, although overseas fees vary widely.

Universities may offer special reductions for alumni, so check with individual providers.

You will also need to consider living costs. You're likely to have additional costs for travelling to school placements. Some providers may offer support towards travel expenses - contact them to find out more.

The majority of trainees find that they have limited time for part-time work, especially while on placement. International students are advised to check their visa restrictions on working.

There are three main ways to fund teacher training and depending on your circumstances you could receive them all. Tax-free bursaries and scholarships are available - the amount of which differs depending on the subject studied, postgraduate tuition fee and maintenance loans are available to help pay tuition fees for unsalaried teacher training routes, and additional financial support is available if you have children or a disability. See funding teacher training for more information.

Will a PGCE/PGDE guarantee me a teaching job?

The Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland offers a guaranteed one-year training post to every eligible student graduating with a teaching qualification from one of Scotland's universities. This is not the case across all of the UK.

A PGCE is a well-recognised and valued qualification and normally includes QTS (although not all courses do), but this doesn't mean that you will automatically be employed when you graduate.

Traditionally, graduates quickly find their first teaching job. The placements completed as part of their course and any additional school experience stands them in good stead. If your school placements go well and the school has a vacancy when you graduate, you may well be offered a job.

Pupil numbers are rising and this increases the demand for teachers. If you've completed a PGCE in a shortage subject, such as physics, maths, chemistry, computing, languages, biology, geography or design and technology, your knowledge and skills are particularly sought after.

To learn more, see how to get a teaching job .

How do I find a PGCE?

You should attend open days and meet course tutors to make sure you get answers to all your questions. Consider asking:

How much does the course cost?
Does the course include a PGCE, as for many overseas teaching roles you will need a university or college teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE)?
Does the qualification lead to QTS?
How much school experience do you get?
Are there grants/loans/bursaries available?
What is the school's Ofsted rating?
What is the employment record after graduation?
What is the institution's reputation and department ranking?
How much access do students have to tutors?
How many lectures and tutorials are there per week? How many days a week do you need to be on campus?

To find out what's on offer and which institutions match your requirements, search PGCEs .

When do applications open?

PGCE applications in England are normally made through the DfE's Apply for teacher training service. Courses in Wales and Scottish PGDE applications are made through the UCAS undergraduate system in the autumn for courses starting in September the following year.

Applications can be made throughout the academic year. However, providers are able to close the applications after a minimum of two weeks if they have enough quality applicants. They may open again later in the year but it is strongly recommended to apply early for the more popular courses.

In Northern Ireland, applications for PGCEs are made directly to the institution.

For more information, see applying for teacher training .

Where can I get more advice?

Alumni - ask them what it was like to study at a particular university.
Careers service - advisers can explore your options, help you decide which course is best for you and assist your application.
Current students - they'll tell you how much work is involved, and recommend books and other resources.
Open days and fairs - you can meet representatives from numerous universities, meet tutors and take a look at the campus. Take a look at upcoming open days and events .
Tutors - find out more about the course content and how your career goals match up.

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Guide to the PGCE

05 th January 2023

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A PGCE, short for Postgraduate Certificate in Education, is a higher-level postgraduate certificate designed to prepare students for a career in teaching through further academic and professional training. Here you can learn everything you’ll need to know about PGCEs and work out if it’s the right type of course for you.

What is a PGCE and why study for one?
What PGCE courses are there?
How long is a PGCE and when do they start?
What are the entry requirements for a PGCE?
How much does a PGCE cost?
What funding is there for PGCEs?
What jobs can you do with a PGCE?
Which PGCEs are most in demand?
When to apply for a PGCE
How is a PGCE graded?

What is a PGCE and why study for one?

A PGCE is a postgraduate level study option and is one of the most common ways for graduates to qualify for teaching professions. Completing a postgraduate certificate in education will allow you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which lets you to apply for teaching roles in the UK and internationally.

A PGCE is a higher-level qualification than a bachelor’s degree. It’s worth 60 credits, like a PGCert, compared to 180 credits for a master’s degree. However, a PGCE is different to other PGCert qualifications as it offers students significant professional experience in teaching environments, along with theoretical training in education. Another difference between the PGCE and the PGCert is that a PGCE typically takes three terms (one academic year) compared to a PGCert’s one term.

The PGCE isn’t the same as a master’s degree, but once you get your qualification you could choose to use it as a foundation for further study towards a master’s degree in education. PGCEs are available at a wide range of higher education institutions across the UK.

The PGCE is a popular choice of qualification for aspiring teachers, as it allows them to teach around the world while only getting a QTS certificate will limit teaching opportunities to England.

What PGCE courses are there?

There are a number of different PGCE courses, and your choice of programme will depend on the subject and age range you want to work with in your teaching career. The types of PGCE available are:

Lower Primary Education PGCE, which focuses on knowledge and skills for educating children aged 3 to 7
Primary Education PGCE, focusing on training students to educate children between the ages of 5 and 11 across the core primary curriculum
Secondary Education PGCE, which equips aspiring teachers with the skills to educate 11- to 16-year-olds in a certain subject
Post-16 and Further Education PGCE, which will allow you to get the separate Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QLTS) accreditation and teach a certain subject in further education

Within this range of courses, you’ll also need to choose a school-led or university-led PGCE course.

University-led PGCE courses will involve learning and training on a university campus in addition to practical teacher training. You’ll need to complete at least 24 weeks of placements in schools, complete theoretical learning around education, as well as obtain a QTS and postgraduate certificate.

School-led PGCEs will involve practical work experience in a school environment from the very start of your course, and offer more peer-based learning from other teachers in your host school.

How long is a PGCE and when do they start?

A full time PGCE course typically takes one academic year, which is the same length as a master’s degree. Doing a part-time PGCE will normally take two academic years.

Start times for PGCEs are generally the same as master’s degrees, with the most common starting time for PGCEs being in the autumn, generally September or October and ending in the summer.

What are the entry requirements for a PGCE?

Though some PGCE courses will have additional requirements for admission, the criteria for entry are typically:

An undergraduate degree, usually in one of the subjects taught in the national curriculum if teaching at primary level, or in the subject you wish to teach if working at secondary level or above
Grade C or above in maths and English at GCSE level
Grade C or above in a science subject at GCSE if teaching at a primary level
Grade C or above in English or IELTS score averaging 6.0 or more if English is your second language

Other requirements for getting onto a PGCE course include:

Professional or voluntary experience working with children in a school or college environment in the UK, at a level corresponding to the PGCE you’re applying for
Medically fit
Declaration of any convictions

In some cases, these are minimum criteria and may not guarantee entry on to the more competitive PGCE courses.

As a result, you could choose to pursue a PGCE with a bachelor’s degree in nearly any subject.

How much does a PGCE cost?

PGCEs are usually more consistent in price compared to master’s degrees, which have tuition fees that can vary widely.

You can typically expect to pay £9,250 as a UK or EU student for the 2021/22 academic year, and between £11,000 and £16,000 as an international applicant.

Additional costs relating to living, as well as travelling to different placements, should also be considered.

You won’t be paid for your placement work during your PGCE.

What funding is there for PGCEs?

There are a number of different options available to you when it comes to funding your PGCE. They include:

Scholarships and bursaries available from your university, charitable organisations or professional institutions. Amounts can vary, and specific eligibility criteria related to previous qualifications, financial need or country of origin may apply.
Government-backed loans for postgraduate students can be applied for, which are available to cover both tuition and maintenance costs. Further loans are available.
Private loans or self-funding through savings.

Go to: Read more about How To Fund a PGCE

What jobs can you do with a PGCE?

The PGCE is one of the most popular routes into teaching roles in the UK and enables you to apply for teaching roles around the world.

Your PGCE will qualify you to teach a particular age range. For secondary teachers and above, you will usually only be able to apply for roles in which you have an academic background and a suitable PGCE qualification for.

You’ll complete several placements in most cases during your PGCE, and graduates can often find employment at one of their placement institutions after they complete their studies.

Which PGCEs are in most demand?

Demand for teachers across the UK is generally high, so graduates of PGCE courses will often find employment quite quickly.

Some subjects are experiencing particular shortages of qualified teachers, such as biology, chemistry, physics, maths, languages, I.T. and geography. As a result, qualifying as a teacher in these subjects will further improve your employment prospects.

PGCE qualifications from prestigious institutions, while often the most competitive to get a place on, are also highly valued by employers.

When to apply for a PGCE

Most PGCE courses accept applications through the year, prior to the admission of students for PGCE courses starting the following September. In Wales and Scotland, applications are accepted in the autumn.

In some cases, applications for a PGCE course will be closed when the course administrators are satisfied with the number of applicants – though it will be a minimum of two weeks after applications open. As a result, submitting your application as early as possible is always recommended. This will also give you time to make other applications if you don’t get your first choice of course.

Checking the application schedule for your chosen PGCE to get specific details is always advised.

How is a PGCE graded?

You’ll typically be observed and assessed throughout your PGCE training programme. You won’t sit exams, but you’ll often be asked to complete assignments as well as being marked on your placement performance.

Different courses and institutions may have their own marking criteria and grade boundaries, but overall PGCE courses are usually graded on a pass or fail basis.

If you decide to extend your PGCE into a full master’s degree in education, you’ll typically be graded against the following boundaries:

Distinction - 70% or higher
Merit – 60% to 69%
Pass – 50% to 59%
Borderline pass or fail – 40% to 49%

Your university or course may use slightly different grading boundaries to these, so it’s always worth checking with your course administrators.

Next: Search for PGCE course

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What does PGCE stand for?

PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education . It is a postgraduate qualification designed for prospective primary and secondary teachers. You'll usually graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is a requirement to teach in most English schools. PGCEs give you substantial teaching experience through school placements, along with a grounding in important educational theory .

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
	Taught / Professional
	Education
	7 (NQF)
	1-2 years
	Usually 60 CATS
	England, Wales and Northern Ireland

There are PGCEs aimed at different subjects and each stage of the school system, so you can pick a qualification that’s tailored to the learners you want to teach:

Lower Primary Education, ages 3-7 – The youngest learners are the focus of this qualification.
Primary Education, ages 5-11 – These courses generally concentrate on the core primary curriculum, although some programmes allow you to specialise in a particular subject.
Secondary Education, ages 11-16 – Secondary Education PGCEs are centred on specific subjects.
Post-16 and Further Education – Completing one of these PGCEs means you can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QLTS) status, a separate classification to the QTS you need to be able to teach in primary and secondary schools.

Is a PGCE a Masters?

PGCEs award up to 60 postgraduate credits at Masters level. This does not mean you'll graduate with a full Masters (which is worth 180 credits), but you'll often have the option to transfer your credits to a full Masters in Education once you've completed your PGCE.

Read more about the difference between a PGCE and a Masters in Education .

Types of PGCE courses

As well as these options, you’ll also have to decide whether you want to take a university-led or a school-led course.

As you might have guessed, university-led teacher training courses are based at a university, but offer plenty of practical teaching experience. You can expect to:

Spend a minimum of 24 weeks on placement at schools
Receive QTS and a postgraduate qualification (usually a PGCE)
Learn about pedagogy (the theory of teaching)

Meanwhile, school-led teacher training courses, delivered by school-centred initial teacher training ( SCITT ) providers, differ in a number of ways and won’t always offer a PGCE (although many do). With these programmes, you can expect to:

Gain the QTS you need to teach in England and Wales
Get first-hand experience from day one of your course , working with and learning from colleagues at your placement school

If you already have three years of work experience (not necessarily in education), you could also be eligible for a salary while training with School Direct .

Both university-led and school-led programmes come with the possibility of generous Government funding .

How much does a PGCE cost?

Most PGCEs have tuition fees of £9,250, but there are lots of funding options available in the form of bursaries, scholarships and loans, as well as paid salaries. We’ve covered the different funding routes you can take.

What are my options for studying a PGCE?

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A Postgraduate Diploma in Education is a completely different qualification to the Scottish Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, even though both are referred to as a PGDE, somewhat confusingly!

The main difference between a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the fact that the Postgraduate Diploma in Education gives you the opportunity to gain 120 CATS credits – twice as many as a PGCE. This means that if you want to convert your PGDE into a 180-credit Masters, you have fewer additional credits to complete than if you’d done a 60-credit PGCE.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is an ideal option if you plan on putting your credits towards a Masters qualification. Most PGDEs take one year of full-time study to complete – the same as a PGCE – but with the additional CATS credits you’ll be earning, you can expect to spend a bigger proportion of your time on academic rather than teaching work.

Scottish PGDE vs PGCE

A Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is effectively the Scottish equivalent of the PGCE .

PGCE entry requirements

You’ll usually need at least a 2:2 degree in the subject you want to teach. In some cases, it may be possible to apply with a joint honours degree, provided 50% of your time at university was spent on your PGCE subject.

Similar requirements apply if your degree subject (and experience) is broadly related to the area you wish to teach in.

For example, if you’ve studied a maths-heavy degree like engineering, you will normally be eligible to begin a PGCE in Secondary Maths. Or, if you studied German at A-level but French for your degree, you should be eligible for a PGCE in Modern Languages. These requirements differ from university to university and course to course, however, so always make sure you read the application guidelines carefully.

You’ll also need to have achieved the following to begin teacher training:

GCSE grade C / grade 4 in English (or equivalent)
GCSE grade C / grade 4 in Maths (or equivalent)

Finally, some courses will require you to observe teaching in a classroom before you apply. Even if this isn’t a stated requirement, it’s worth doing. Read some tips for arranging school experience .

What is the PGCE application process?

Once we’ve helped you find the right PGCE for you , you should begin the application process through UCAS . You’ll need to write a personal statement, find suitable referees and pass professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy.

If your application is successful in the initial around, you’ll be invited for an interview , before finding out if you’ve been offered a place on the PGCE course.

What’s it like to study a PGCE?

The variety of PGCEs on offer means that no two courses are the same. If you’re studying a university-led PGCE , you’ll spend around two-thirds of your time on at least two school placements. You’ll gradually take on more responsibility, working closely with an experienced teaching mentor before giving your own lessons.

These placements will offer you a window into different learning environments, allowing you to broaden your educational horizons.

Back at university, you’ll take modules covering topics like the pedagogy of teaching and curriculum studies, learning from academics and attending lectures and seminars with your coursemates.

If you choose a school-led PGCE , you’ll benefit from being placed in a school right from the start of the programme. This might sound like a worrying prospect – being dropped in at the deep end, so to speak – but you’ll be eased into classroom life gradually. Significantly, many PGCE trainee teachers are offered a job by the network of schools in which they complete their qualification.

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

Interested in school-led teacher training? Take a look at our guide to SCITT courses .

What can I teach with a PGCE?

If you want to teach a subject that you don’t have a degree in, you may have the option of completing a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course to top up or improve your understanding of a certain area. These courses are fully funded and aimed at people who:

Have a degree in a subject that is closely related to the one that they want to teach
Hold an A-level in the chosen subject
Want to refresh their knowledge of the subject
Know how to use their professional experience in the classroom

SKEs are excellent if you want to teach a subject that is eligible for a bursary, but don’t have the particular degree needed to do so. Find out more about these bursaries, along with other funding options for PGCEs .

Where can I teach with a PGCE?

A big advantage of having a PGCE is that it will widen your opportunities for a career overseas. A PGCE is an internationally recognised qualification , so you'll be able to seek work in countries such as America, Canada and Australia – to name just a few. A PGCE is not strictly required to teach in England and Wales (a QTS alone will technically qualify you for this) but if you want to teach outside the UK – or even in Scotland – you'll probably need one.

What are the other advantages of studying a PGCE?

Although PGCEs aren’t the only way to become a teacher , there are some benefits that set them apart from other options.

As we've already covered, having a PGCE allows you to seek work abroad. It can also be the ideal springboard for those seeking to complete further postgraduate study. Many PGCEs allow you to gain up to 60 credits at Masters level , which can then count towards a full Masters qualification once you’ve finished. You could put these credits towards a Masters in Education, for example.

Other ways to become a qualified teacher

A PGCE isn't the only route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can read about other options in our guide to postgraduate teacher training courses .

PGCE Funding

Funding for PGCEs works a little differently to other postgraduate courses. You won’t be able to use a Masters loan for a PGCE, but you can benefit from various bursaries and scholarships specifically intended for postgraduate teacher training.

PGCE bursaries

The UK Government offers tax-free bursaries to graduates looking to teach certain, in-demand subjects. Trainee teachers in these areas could receive bursaries of up to £22,000.

This kind of support is currently available in:

Students with a sufficiently high degree classification (and / or a Masters or PhD in their subject) may also be eligible for additional funding. This can offer between £7,000 and £10,000 in the following subjects:

PGCE scholarships

Scholarships are another funding option for gifted candidates. Offered in place of a bursary, scholarships are supported by professional subject associations and give additional benefits such as access to extra resources and networking opportunities through your training. Scholarships of up to £26,000 are available in the following areas:

If you train on a School Direct (salaried) programme , most of which offer a PGCE, then you can earn a salary as an unqualified teacher.

Student loans for PGCEs

Even if you receive a bursary or scholarship, you can still apply for a tuition fee loan or maintenance loan through Student Finance England. The tuition fee portion isn’t income-based, but the maintenance loan part is.

This is part of the same student finance scheme run for undergraduate degrees, not the postgraduate loans we’ve covered in detail elsewhere on FindAMasters.com. For more information on these student loans, please visit the Government’s student finance page .

There are many PGCEs listed on FindAMasters.com

Find the one for you – start your search now .

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Essential guide for your pgce application.

We are delighted that you are considering applying to London Metropolitan University to train to teach. These guidelines have been written to enable you to complete your PGCE application with confidence and to avoid some of the ‘application pitfalls’ which can await the unwary candidate… Remember to check the deadline for PGCE applications to ensure you can submit yours on time.

Important topics to remember

When preparing to apply for a teacher training course, it is essential to do some research into the education world:

Research the UK education system and the role of a teacher in the present day – do not rely on your own experiences as a school-pupil! The role of a teacher is constantly changing; it is important for you to understand how teaching works in the contexts in which you will be operating.

You will be expected to be able to talk about this in an interview situation:

Find out about current thinking and research in education. What debates are being discussed?
Read up on educational developments that are in the news, in the TES or other newspaper education pages, such as The Guardian Education .
Develop an understanding of the pastoral role of a teacher – what do teachers do other than teach?
Find out about specific issues that teachers are dealing with currently, and what the debates are around them.

Research the particular subject or phase that you are applying to teach. What are the requirements of this particular phase or subject? Many people assume that unless they have a degree in a particular subject, then they will not be able to train as a teacher in that subject. This is not strictly true.

Many people would have the necessary knowledge in a particular subject to be able to train to teach it. The requirement is for a degree, possibly in a related subject, and also to demonstrate that your subject knowledge is good enough. You may also be able to undertake a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course (SKE), to improve your knowledge.

For example, many Secondary Maths teachers have degrees in Accountancy, Engineering, Economics or other subjects with a high maths content; they will then brush up and enhance their maths through a SKE.

For another example, many Secondary Modern Foreign Languages teachers have degrees in other subjects, but because they are a ‘native speaker’ of a language, they are able to train to teach that language.

In researching your chosen phase or subject, you should also explore the aims of the subject and what methodologies are employed currently:

What key topics or texts are covered? These are likely to have changed considerably since you were at school.
How is it represented in the National Curriculum?
How is it assessed - both externally, through SATs or GCSE exams, and internally, through school and teacher assessments?

The ‘gold standard’ for teacher training courses is those which offer QTS plus PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status plus Master’s Level Postgraduate Certificate in Education).

All of the London Met teacher training courses are QTS plus PGCE.

Make sure that you are applying for the correct route for you. There are three main routes offered by London Metropolitan University:

University-led PGCE courses: the most popular route into teaching, based in university with two extended school placements.
Graduate Teacher Apprenticeships with PGCE: employment-based route into teaching, in which you are an employee of the school, working as a teacher up to 80% of a timetable, with 20% release for training.
School Direct unsalaried PGCE courses: almost identical to the university-led PGCE, but linked to a specific school partnership or location. Most appropriate for someone who needs to be working in a very specific locality.

Please note the following about the different routes:

Places on the apprenticeship employment-based routes (salaried routes) are in very short supply and are usually taken by candidates who have a lot of experience of working in schools. Employing schools want to be sure that they are taking on somebody who can ‘hit the ground running’, fulfilling all the aspects of being a teacher from Day 1.
The majority of candidates are more suited to a university-based course; these courses are by far the most popular route into teaching, giving you all the practical experience you need, as well as the supportive environment offered by the university.
Do not be fooled by false claims:
all routes into teaching give a minimum of 120 days school experience;
all routes into teaching give contrasting school placements.
Being based solely in a school for your training is not any better – in fact, for most people it is less good than a university-led route, which offers a more supportive, scaffolded approach to the learning.

All London Met routes into teaching involve training days in university combined with extensive practical experience.

Research your own eligibility for the course:

Do you have the right qualifications? Look at the individual course pages for London Met PGCEs to find the requirements for each subject or phase.
If any of your qualifications are from overseas, are they equivalent? Check with NARIC . You may need to obtain a certificate of equivalency, depending on where your original qualifications were obtained.
Would you need to undertake a GCSE equivalency test? We can advise you on equivalency tests and how to go about them.
Would you be eligible for student finance or a bursary ? This will be assessed during the application process, but it would be important to know of any issues early.
If you are looking to apply for an apprenticeship, you would need to be eligible for Student Funding (with minimum 3 years residency in UK).

"Teachers make the education of their pupils their first concern, and are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. Teachers act with honesty and integrity, have strong subject knowledge, keep their knowledge and skills as teachers up-to-date and are self-critical. Teachers forge positive professional relationships and work with parents in the best interests of their pupils."

-Preamble to the Teacher Standards .

Teaching is emotionally demanding work, and levels of work-related stress, anxiety and depression are higher within education than within many other occupational groups. There is an increasing recognition that the nature of teaching and learning and the contexts in which this takes place demands what we might call ‘everyday resilience’; that the capacity to be resilient is an important factor in teaching and teacher effectiveness over time.

Competence standards relating to teaching, personal and professional conduct have been issued by law. The Teachers’ Standards set a clear baseline of expectations for the professional practice and conduct of teachers and define the minimum level of practice expected of teachers in England.

You are strongly encouraged to familiarise yourself with these standards before applying for this PGCE course.

Applications are all undertaken through DfE Apply . This is a new service, introduced in October 2021.

The application window opens in October, for the following academic year. Early applications are more likely to succeed.

In completing your form, there are a few key things to bear in mind:

Employment record: you need to give a full account of your activities and employment since leaving full time education. This will be important for DBS, but also will give useful background. Don’t assume that if your employment was not ‘relevant’ you should not put it down.
Academic record: similarly, give as complete a record as you can.
References: professional and academic. Employers and university tutors, where possible, offering insight into how you might engage with the subject and role of a teacher. Not family members or friends. Warn your referees and talk about the application with them – if they delay it could hold up your progress. Discussing it with them will also give them a clearer idea of the sort of relevant detail that would be good to include. For example, employers may not know much about your academic ability, but they would be able to comment on some of the transferable skills: how well you work with others, your reliability, your interest in learning etc.
Personal Statement: this is crucial for your application:
If there is any study or exam that you plan to undertake prior to the course, explain this in your personal statement, particularly where it relates to your eligibility to join the course.
Use your personal statement to demonstrate your understanding of education and engagement with education matters. Be prepared to answer questions in interview on what you have written!
Demonstrate what you would have to offer as a teacher. If you have not taught before, think about other things that you have done which might demonstrate the types of skill which you will need as a teacher. What transferable skills do you have?
If you have undertaken another role in education (pastoral or personal mentor, teaching assistant etc.) make sure that you are able to demonstrate an understanding of what you will need to learn to become a teacher.
Make sure you have spent time writing a good personal statement. This is your first opportunity to make a good impression. Try to use a good writing style and include relevant discussion.
Always proof-read. Check for accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as for clarity and style. Do this more than once.
Ask somebody else to check it through and give you honest feedback.

All London Met interviews will ask you to undertake a presentation. The nature of this will depend on the course you have applied for. However, it is essential that you prepare yourself well to undertake the presentation:

Research the topic and be prepared to talk about your sources.
Practise the presentation aloud, either to a critical friend or in the mirror.
Make sure that you are aware of the types of technology you can use (if any – some courses specifically ask for no technology to be used in the presentation).
If you are using technology, ensure that you are able to work it under pressure, and that you have a back-up. Most teachers will have a Plan B in their head, specifically for if the technology does not work.
The interviewer is likely to ask you some questions as a follow up to your presentation. Be prepared for this – they will not be trying to catch you out, but to give you an opportunity to discuss your understanding and to demonstrate your ability to talk about ideas.

There will also be a ‘formal’ interview. The questions are generally very similar for each interview, in order to ensure that the process is fair. Again, the interviewer is aiming to give you positive opportunities to demonstrate why you will make a good teacher. In thinking about how to answer questions, prepare yourself to talk about relevant experiences or transferable skills which you have demonstrated.

The interviewer is also likely to ask you about any aspects of your application which need clarifying or which might affect your ability to take up an offer.

Please also prepare some questions yourself and be ready to ask them.

Please note: the rules, regulations and entry criteria for teacher training are set out by the DfE; London Metropolitan University has implemented an interview process which enables us to assess whether you meet these criteria, which we do as impartially as we are able.

On the London Met Routes into Teaching pages, there is a series of blogposts aimed at giving you detailed information on improving your application.

You will also be asked to undertake short Maths and English diagnostic assessments. These are designed to ensure that you have the core competencies required of a teacher. These assessments are mainly used to set learning targets for pre-course and during the course. The university is responsible for ensuring your Maths and English are of an appropriate standard by the end of the course.

Maths Assessment:

This will consist of 30 questions, each worth 1 mark, divided into 3 key topic areas:

Ability to undertake mathematical sums and calculations.
Ability to solve mathematical problems.
Ability to understand graphs and data.

English Assessment:

This will consist of a short (500 word) hand-written discussion on an educational topic which will be given to you at the start of the assessment. It is designed to assess your ability to:

Write clearly, accurately and legibly. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are part of the assessment.
Present ideas and structure a discussion or argument on the set topic.

Subject Knowledge Assessments

For courses at secondary level, in particular, you will be required to demonstrate your subject-specific knowledge. This might be through a set of exam questions, or through discussion during the interview.

There may be some discussion during the interview as to whether you require a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course (or SKE), particularly designed for those who may be a bit rusty, or who have not studied the subject to degree level.

You should expect to hear within a few days, whether your interview has been successful.

Conditional Offer

If you have been successful, you will receive a conditional offer. There are some conditions which everybody will have to meet, and there are some which may be specific to you or the particular course which you have applied for:

Everybody will need to complete the following:

Fitness to Teach Health Form

DBS application
Statutory Declarations regarding criminal convictions and barred lists
Original certificates for GCSEs and Degree
Proof of residency

Some people will also need to supply:

NARIC letter or certificate of equivalency
GCSE Equivalency certificates
Degree transcripts
Overseas police checks
Evidence of visa status
GP or health specialist letters
Statements regarding criminal convictions

You will need to accept the conditional offer and then to meet all of the conditions before you are able to enrol.

If you have not met the conditions, you will not hear about enrolment and you will not be able to enrol.

As a training provider, we have a responsibility to ensure that trainees have the health and physical capacity to teach and will not put children and young people at risk of harm. The activities that a teacher must be able to perform are set out in the Education (Health Standards) (England) Regulations 2003. Under these Regulations, we are responsible for ensuring that only trainees who have the capacity to teach remain on the programme.

Successful applicants offered a place on an ITE programme will be asked to complete a fitness questionnaire prior to commencing the programme. This will be assessed by our Occupational Health team.

You may be asked to provide further information in a meeting with the assessor, or a letter from your GP or specialist.

Applicants should at an early stage disclose any disability that may have implications for fitness to teach and contact our Disabilities and Dyslexia Service team for professional advice where necessary. People with disabilities or chronic illnesses may have the capacity to teach, just as those without disabilities or medical conditions may be unsuitable to teach. Any assessment of individual is fit to teach will take account any reasonable adjustments that could be made to assist the applicant in working in the teaching profession.

Our research demonstrates that where early disclosure occurs, disabilities are less likely to have a negative impact on the training course.

If you are unsuccessful at interview, you will receive a letter giving an explanation as to why it is felt that you are not yet ready to train to teach.

You will be given some suggestions for areas that the interviewer feels would help you to progress towards a successful application in the future.

Read about our admissions process and policy , including guidance on how to make a complaint. The complaints procedure can be followed if, for example, you're concerned there's been an administrative error, if you believe you've been treated unfairly because of bias or prejudice, or if there are circumstances unknown to the University that you feel might have affected the decision.

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In this section

Why Leicester?

About the PGCE

Study routes.

Applying to Leicester
Forthcoming events
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School of Education

Whichever course you choose and however you choose to study, your PGCE course will include the same core elements.

Course duration

One year, full-time, from early September to the end of June.

Course content

Taught sessions.

Taught sessions link theory with practice and prepare you for your teaching placements and completion of your assignments. Students following the University-led and Lead Partner routes follow these sessions together at the University. Students following the School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) route will follow these sessions in schools that make up the SCITT partnership.

School experience

120 days of practical teaching placements in schools (three different placements for primary and two for secondary).

Academic assessment

You will be assessed by two 30 credit level 7 assignments with the option to acquire an additional 30 credits.

Award gained

On successful completion of your course, you will gain a University of Leicester PGCE with up to 90 level 7 Masters credits (half a masters), and be recommended to the Department for Education for Early Career Teacher (ECT) status .

See our primary and secondary PGCE courses, including University-led and School Direct options, and subject specialisms for secondary education.

Picking the right route to take when training to teach can be confusing. See our guide to the three PGCE study routes at the University of Leicester, and find out more about each.

Applying for a PGCE at Leicester

Find out about applying for a PGCE with us, including information on vacancies, entry requirements, shortlisting and selection days and more.

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Studying A PGCE

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by Charlotte King
In Courses , Study in UK , Jobs and Careers , Study Advice , PGCE

Studying a PGCE is a popular way of training to become a teacher in the UK after studying an undergraduate degree, as not everyone who becomes a teacher knows that's what they want to do when they are applying for their initial degree..

If you've done a little bit of research into PGCE study, you'll probably have read about how tough the course is! It’s true that it’s a lot of work, but it’s also worth the effort.

So, what's it really like to study a PGCE?

Is there a difference between primary and secondary level PGCE courses?

Primary and secondary level PGCE courses are similar in many ways and the costs are basically the same. Being a PGCE student on either PGCE course will involve lectures, coursework, teaching placements and critiquing of your teaching skills, however there is a reason they are taught separately. This is because different age ranges require different approaches, so the trainee teachers need to be taught different skills dependent on what age group they wish to work with.

Primary school teachers need to have a large range of general skills, along with creative and artistic talents, to make lessons fun and interesting for younger children. Older children and teenagers at secondary schools require a different style of teaching and support to younger ones. So, primary and secondary PGCE courses will train the teachers differently, so they are specialists in their chosen age range.

How much time will you spend studying and attending lectures?

A PGCE is usually taught as a full-time postgraduate course, so expect at least 35 hours a week of lectures, as well as time needed to complete written assignments. There are some part-time PGCE courses that take two years to complete, but the majority of courses are full time. Most former PGCE students will advise you to get your assignments out of the way quickly to leave your mind free to get on with planning lessons and improving your teaching skills.

How much time will you spend preparing lessons and teaching?

When studying a PGCE course you are learning to teach, so initially you are going to need to spend more time planning lessons than a teacher with 20 years’ experience. You’ll probably hear stories of student teachers taking two hours or more to plan a single lesson. However, in real life students can usually whittle this down to about 30 minutes of planning per lesson, and then add in the time to create the resources needed for the lesson. You'll spend at least 24 weeks in teaching placement throughout your PGCE course, and during your teaching placements, you also need to factor in the time you'll spend reflecting and critiquing your teaching skills.

PGCE study – how will you fit it all in?

Your PGCE year is likely to be the busiest year you'll ever have, but you can do it! Complete your assignments as soon as you can, always avoid leaving them to the last minute. Try to spend your time on your school placements efficiently, making good use of all your time by arriving a little early and planning to stay after school time ends until at least 5pm to plan the next days’ lessons and catch up on any marking.

When you're not teaching, you should be doing your marking, planning lessons and creating resources. Make life easy for yourself by using resources that already exist, as well as creating resources that can be easily adapted for future lessons. Take advantage of all the support your fellow teachers, students, lecturers and mentors offer. Use other support as well, like online communities such as the Times Educational Supplement online community of student teachers.

Prepare the people in your life for the fact that you're going to be busy for the foreseeable future, so they’ll know what to expect and when to offer that vital support. Also, make sure you find out about any PGCE funding opportunities so you're not too worried about financing your studies.

Day in the life of a PGCE student

Bearing all of this information in mind, we asked a PGCE student what it’s really like to study a PGCE. Georgia Flint is a School Direct PGCE student at the University of Winchester, and one of our recent Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary winners . This is what her usual day as a PGCE student is like.

“I am currently studying for Qualified Teacher Status on a School Direct PGCE and am the trainee class teacher for a fantastic Year 4 class. This is what a typical day looks like for me.

6:30am – The dreaded alarm, luckily at this time of year it’s light outside so getting up doesn’t seem so bad.

7:15am – This is when I leave for my drive to school, making sure I’ve got my lunch and my laptop I start my commute always listening to Heart radio.

8:00am – Arriving at school, the first thing I always do is turn on my computer and check my timetable for the day’s lessons.

8:15am – Time to get printing. Any worksheets that we need for the day will need to be printed and trimmed to go into the children’s books. Usually this is extra maths challenges and some reading pages for English.

8:30am – After I’ve written the new date on the whiteboard me and my mentor will decide on a morning task. Usually some kind of brainteaser.

9:00am – The school day starts! We have a maths and English lesson followed by a topic lesson like science or PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic education). At the moment I’m teaching decimals and we’re writing about the digestive system.

1:00pm – Usually in the afternoon we do more hands-on learning, like creating a digestive system out of a pair of tights!

3:00pm – Just like that the school day is over for the children. This is usually when I catch up with my mentor about the day and what we’ve got planned for tomorrow. We’ll look through the children’s books and do a bit of marking to see how they found the work today and if we need to go over anything again tomorrow.

3:30pm – Time to check I’ve got everything ready I can for tomorrow and have a look over my planning to see what tomorrow’s activities are and if I need to get any resources for them like Play-Doh or cubes for maths. Then, I check my printouts for tomorrow and send them to the printer if I’m feeling organised!

4:00pm – As a trainee my day finishes usually around this time depending on how much we have to do in the classroom or if we’re working on classroom displays.

4:10pm – Now it’s light in the evening I like to meet a friend for a run after school, we have a lovely common near my school and it’s been really nice to get some fresh air and have a chat. Unwinding like this is vital to staying positive especially in the current environment.

5:45pm – Finally home and first on the list is dinner! I eat early and usually spend the evening watching some TV. I try to be organised and do my school planning during my PPA time (planning, preparation and assessment time). Some evenings I will catch up on some uni assignments but that’s only if I have one due imminently! Having a work/life balance is really important so you don’t burn out.

9:00pm – I shamelessly go to bed very early and usually read for a bit before watching a show before I go to sleep. Most days I am tired but still very happy to get up the next day and do it all again.

I hope it’s been helpful for you to see what a normal trainee teacher day is like! If you’re thinking about going into postgraduate teaching, I would highly recommend a School Direct route. The School Direct route means that the PGCE student spends 80% of their time in school for the duration of the school year. This is different from the PGCE route, which has more time spent at university with placement times at schools throughout the year.”

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What Is A PGCE?

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12 comments

Thandekile edista vezi dec. 22, 2018, 11:03 p.m..

I am young woman in 40's, I like working with people especially children. I did social worker at UNISA, now I wish to add teaching in my box as both will allow me to interact with children and people. I don't have enough funds for my studies, how can I get help in teaching bursaries I tried Funza lushaka but my application was not completed as it reject my ID number and my password. I am looking forward to further my studies but my dream will not be success without your help Thanks Regard Thandekile

Charlotte King Jan. 4, 2019, 9:25 a.m.

If you have an offer on a PGCE course you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/ The UK government also offers great funding and financial support for PGCE students - this article should help you work out your options > https://www.postgrad.com/subjects/teaching_education/pgce_funding/ Good luck.

Jeanette Farrell May 23, 2019, 3:55 p.m.

If I have already completed an MA (self-funded) am I eligible for a tuition fee loan? With thanks.

Charlotte King May 31, 2019, 5:08 p.m.

Hi Jeanette, I think you should still be eligible for tuition fee funding as you haven't previously done a PGCE - but check the Government website to be sure > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training You are eligible to apply for one of our £500 Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries once you have been offered a place on a PGCE > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/ Good Luck! Charlotte

Bonisile Nov. 23, 2019, 5:43 p.m.

I did an undergrad degree in tourism and I would really like to take on PGCE as my additional qualification because of the love of kids and imparting on them

Charlotte King Dec. 1, 2019, 6:30 p.m.

Hi Bonisile – that sounds great. Once you get offered a place on a PGCE course you will be eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500. Good luck with your future plans!

Claire Pritchard Dec. 3, 2020, 12:43 a.m.

I did level 4 teaching / lecturing course . 1 year ) I also did a placement at a further education college . I’m interested in studying for a PGCE Can you advise how long it will take to qualify ? Will having level 4 lecturer qualification help in any way ?

Charlotte King Dec. 11, 2020, 1:01 p.m.

Hi Claire – a PGCE takes one year of full-time study. Our section on Teaching & Education has plenty of helpful advice > https://www.postgrad.com/subjects/teaching_education/

Vineet Sabharwal Jan. 15, 2021, 1:40 a.m.

Hi, I am a primary teacher residing in India. I am scheduled to move to UK along with my husband this year. If you could be kind enough to guide me on the following: 1. Is it possible to find work as an overseas trained teacher in the UK without QTS? 2. To study PGCE, are overseas students eligible for any financial help? 3. How many hours in a day of classes do we have to attend at the university while studying PGCE? Thanks again. Brgds.

Charlotte King Jan. 26, 2021, 7:51 a.m.

1. It is sometimes possible to find work at private (prep) schools in the UK without a PGCE. 2. This is the UK government's advice on funding > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/ Also once you have been accepted on a PGCE program you are eligible to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/ 3. The ratio of class hours versus study hours varies, sometimes on a daily basis on – and tends to be higher if you opt for a School Direct PGCE program. Good .luck!

Bruno Grubb March 9, 2023, 12:59 a.m.

Your posts are always well-written and easy to understand.

Charlotte King March 13, 2023, 4:58 p.m.

Thanks – glad we can help!

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Ten Top Tips for Thriving on a PGCE

Check out these ten top tips for thriving while on a PGCE written by former BCU Secondary Drama PGCE student Natalie Rose.

I can now officially say that I am no longer a PGCE student, but a qualified Drama Teacher, which is slightly overwhelming but incredibly rewarding – and my god what a journey it has been!

If you are nervous about applying and then starting a PGCE, please don't worry. Nerves are okay – it means you care, but rest assured your PGCE year is completely do-able and a great experience. And as someone who has survived - and thrived - I wanted to share my top tips.

1. Build relationships with your fellow PGCE-ers

This is so important and something that you should try and do ASAP (I know it may seem a little daunting at first). When you arrive on your first day you are very probably (if you’re anything like me) going to be slightly apprehensive, but so are the other members of the cohort. You all have a common goal and you will all go through the roller coaster of a journey together. You will share stresses, anxieties, hopes and achievements ; and you will become each others best resources – not to mention becoming lifelong friends.

2. Make use of your support network

As well as having support from friends on your course, during your PGCE you should be receiving support from university tutors and school placement mentors too. They are there for you! If you’re struggling, need extra guidance, or you can’t quite work out how best to meet the needs of particular pupils, ask for help – you’re only human!

3. Let assignments and evidence be your friend

So, this is essentially a Postgrad course; you will have to do assignments, reading, reflections (so many reflections) and you will have to evidence, what feels like, everything! Yes, it’s a bit daunting at first, but you will absolutely get it. Enjoy it – it's your opportunity to become better teachers and the amount of evidence you provide will not only show what good teachers you are – it will give you something to look back at and think – ‘I did that!’

4. Make mistakes

You are a practising teacher and you are not going to go into the classroom and get it right all of the time, or even the majority of time (particularly on your first placement). I learned some of the most valuable lessons within my practice through making mistakes – you’re not going to be perfect all of the time. So, if something goes horribly wrong, yes it's not the best feeling, but turn it into a positive – ‘that lesson was a bit pants, but next time…’

PGCE Drama students sat studying on the floor

5. It’s okay to have a ‘moment’

Cards on the table, a PGCE is tough! The amount of assignments, lesson planning, marking, plus the classroom stresses and behaviour struggles. It can seem incredibly daunting and overwhelming and all you want to do is hide in a cupboard and eat chocolate – but that’s okay! You will get there! A lot of tutors liken it to climbing a mountain and it’s so true, but when you look back and see the progress that you have and will make, it is the best feeling (that mini-fist pump feeling).

6. Enjoy your school placements

Your placements, in my experience will be the most challenging but the most rewarding part of your PGCE. You will experience moments of self-doubt – remember that’s okay – but you will also experience some of the best moments: sending a letter home; making a phone call to parents; seeing the progress of your pupils; and building relationships with other members of staff and your pupils (that’s right, your pupils!). Seize the opportunities to learn, make mistakes, feel like a wally but then learn from that. You ARE becoming a teacher – so enjoy that!

7. Build relationships with your pupils

I cannot stress this enough – GET TO KNOW YOUR PUPILS! The quicker you get to know them, the easier it becomes to manage behaviour, adapt your teaching to meet their needs and to help them progress. Secondary school pupils can be challenging and they will try to suss you out and see how far they can push you; but if you stay positive and maintain your role as teacher you will be fine. Show an interest in them as young people and let them know you are human and not perfect – they love that!

8. Don’t compare yourself to others

I struggled not to do this at first, but really, don’t do this! Yes, you are all going through, or have gone through, the same journey to become a teacher, but don’t think you have to take the same route. Some of you might take the mountainous route, some might sail the stormy seas (getting a bit poetic now), but what I’m trying to say is that it’s okay if you feel like you’re making more mistakes, or finding it harder than your colleagues. This is YOUR JOURNEY, so focus on that. Do what YOU need to do.

9. Remember why you are teaching

You will all have decided to become teachers for different reasons: a stable rewarding career; a new goal in life; to inspire a new generation. Hold on to that and embrace every opportunity. And enjoy it.

10. Remember who you are

Sounds like a bit of an odd one, but don’t let the pressures, work load and the daily antics of teaching re-define you. You are a friend, a son or daughter. You might love reading, photography, walking, socialising with friends – don’t lose that! It will be more difficult, but keep doing what you enjoy and what makes you, you. It’s okay to have a Netflix binge (occasionally!).

So basically, keep calm and carry on. If you know what you are doing and the best way for you to tackle a PGCE, the needs of your pupils will be met and relationships will develop. You know who you are, you have the support networks, you’re making some epic fails – but by doing this, your ability to teach, adapt and learn how to teach, will come more naturally. Keep things in perspective, you are a practising teacher, and hold on to those mini fist pump moments!

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Department of Education

Entry requirements – pgce.

An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above, or equivalent.

It is important that your degree is directly related to the PGCE subject you wish to teach.

For Modern Languages applicants, we expect you to be able to offer two Modern Languages (from Chinese (Mandarin), French, German and Spanish), and can provide a range of placements for various combinations of these languages. We may not be able to offer you an interview if we do not have school placement capacity in your preferred language combination. It is important that you have qualifications in both the languages that you wish to teach. For your main language, these qualifications should preferably be at university level, or you should have it as one of your first languages, e.g. have spoken it from a young age. You will be expected to teach your main language up to and including A-level. For your second language, your qualifications should preferably be at A-level or equivalent (B2 CEFR level). You will be expected to teach your second language up to age 14 as a minimum.

We will also consider applications from candidates who have Third class Honours degrees if they also have extensive UK classroom experience (for example employment as a Teaching Assistant), or have a subsequent higher qualification e.g. a Masters.

If you need to improve your subject knowledge, you may be asked to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.

Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths, or equivalent qualification.

We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSEs.

We’ll consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test in English or maths.

International qualifications viewed as comparable to qualifications taken within the UK can be accepted to meet this condition. In order for the University of Oxford to formally recognise any overseas qualification you must present a Statement of Comparability from UK NARIC. This can be obtained after application or interview and you may need to pay for this. Further information can be found here .

If the Statement of Comparability concludes that your qualifications are not equivalent, then the PGCE Course Director will review your case and we may ask you to complete an equivalency test in English Language or Mathematics. It is likely you will have to pay for this. You will be able to select the provider and type of test, as long as the final result is provided by our deadlines and is a GCSE or a direct equivalent. These conversations will occur after you have accepted any offer, we will not review before an application or interview.

Personal qualities

We seek graduates who enjoy their subject and see its relevance to everyday life. It is also highly desirable that you have a commitment to working with young people, show an interest in school teaching and are confident that you will enjoy the environment of state-funded UK secondary schools. For example, you may have previous experience of working with young people, either on a voluntary or paid basis. You might also have spent time in a UK secondary comprehensive school, observing lessons, and talking with students and teachers.

Other requirements

All offers are conditional upon:

Proof of identity
A GCSE pass in mathematics and English language (grades 4-9 or A*-C)
Evidence of an undergraduate degree
Satisfactory references
Completion of a Financial Declaration form

All candidates will also complete an Occupational Health assessment, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and any relevant international background checks.

During your PGCE interview you will have the opportunity to discuss additional conditions, such as a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course.

All conditions must be met before the course starts and your offer will lapse if these are not met.

We hope that we have answered your questions. If you are still unsure then please contact the PGCE Office on 01865 274020 or email [email protected]

Repeat applications and withdrawals

If you have already applied for one or more of our PGCE courses and have been rejected at the application stage, if you wish to reapply, then please make sure that you have fully addressed all the feedback you were given about why you did not meet the selection criteria – ideally as a section in your personal statement. If we have interviewed you and rejected you for one or more of our courses already, either in the current or previous recruitment cycle, we reserve the right to reject your application without re-interviewing you, unless your application demonstrates that you have fully addressed all the feedback you were given about why you did not meet the selection criteria at that time, again, ideally as a section in your personal statement.

Once you have submitted your application, we would kindly ask that you do not withdraw it until you have received the outcome of your application from us, unless you have accepted an offer at another institution. If you withdraw your application more than two times before it is considered (e.g. applied, withdrawn, re-applied, withdrawn), we reserve the right to not consider your application again until the next year’s admissions cycle.

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PGCE Secondary Mathematics

Year of entry: 2025

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Minimum 2:2 honours degree in mathematics or related subjects with a 50% mathematics content.
Applicants who do not have a substantial amount (50% minimum) of mathematics in their degree may be eligible for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course provided they have either an A-level in mathematics at grade B or above, or grade C if they can demonstrate sustained academic progression since A-level.
Minimum grade C or 4 at GCSE (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics.

Full entry requirements

Apply through the government website

Course options

	Full-time	Part-time	Full-time distance learning	Part-time distance learning
PGCE	Y	N	N	N

Course overview

I have loved my school placement so far, the staff are very friendly and have welcomed me into the team and supported me really well. I have enjoyed hearing from guest speakers as part of the course - previous alumni, experienced teachers and charity representatives - as this has equipped me with advice from those in schools or working with young people on a daily basis. It is also interesting to hear different peoples' experiences of training to teach. Molly Reeve / PGCE Secondary Mathematics Student

Become an outstanding secondary school Mathematics teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Enjoy extensive periods of classroom experience supported by outstanding tutors and mentors.

Look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

You will be able to watch videos about the university, including accommodation, student finance and course-specific sessions.

We'll update our website once plans for PGCE-specific 2022 recruitment events are confirmed.

We also attend the Department for Education's virtual Train to Teach events .

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2024 were as follows:

PGCE (full-time) UK students (per annum): £9,250 International, including EU, students (per annum): £22,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

For general fees information, please visit postgraduate fees

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are three types of Government funding available for teacher training:

tax-free bursary or scholarship;
tuition fee loan and maintenance loan;
extra financial support if you're a parent, or have an adult dependant or a disability.

Depending on your circumstances you could receive all three. Find out more at the Department for Education website .

You can find out more about the scholarships and bursaries on our funding page .

Contact details

Courses in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, no sub-section below 6.0, or
TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in writing and 20 in the other sub-sections, or
Pearson PTE overall score of 62 with a minimum score of 62 in writing and 59 in the other sub-sections, or
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169.

English language test validity

Relevant work experience, professional entry qualification, application and selection, how to apply, advice to applicants.

You must apply through DfE Apply .

Applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered.

You must submit the following with your completed application form:

contact details for two referees who can provide a written reference supporting your suitability for teaching
skills you have that are relevant to teaching
any experience of working with young people
for secondary teacher training: your interest in the subject you want to teach
your understanding of why teaching is important
your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher
any activities you’ve done that could be relevant to teaching like first aid courses, sports coaching or volunteering

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able to, once applications open. It is possible that we may need further evidence of qualifications in order to make a decision on your application, so please ensure that all relevant documents are available on request.

Before submitting your DfE application, please make sure that the information you enter regarding your qualifications is correct and accurate. We have the right to cancel your application if we determine (having carried out any necessary checks), or have reasonable belief, that your application contains false information. If you have any reason to believe that the information we hold about you is untrue, incomplete or inaccurate, you must tell us immediately.

Interview requirements

The interview process includes the following:

an introductory talk from University lecturers;
a personal online interview with one of our tutors and a teacher from a partnership school;
Secondary PGCE applicants will be asked to conduct a short teaching task and complete a subject knowledge assessment.

Aptitude test requirement

Fitness to practise / health requirements.

If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with a confidential health screening check as advised by the Department for Education.

Health screening will be undertaken by the Student Occupational Health Service, who will advise on any follow-up vaccinations or other intervention which may be indicated.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service as advised by the Department for Education.

You must also meet the University's suitability requirements for the safeguarding of children.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.

In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description.

PGCE Secondary (Mathematics) will train you to teach mathematics across the 11 to 16 or 11 to 18 age range.

It will prepare you to teach the National Curriculum, GCSE and A-level.

Completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for qualified teacher status (QTS).

University-based sessions will enable you to reflect on teaching methods, education theories, ideas and concepts, and will enhance your awareness of current educational issues and developments.

The University works with a large variety of schools, comprehensives, grammar schools, specials schools, pupil referral units and sixth-form colleges, which allows us to personalise your school experience to your individual needs.

Mathematics is an exciting and creative subject, and you will construct your own understandings through working collaboratively on engaging, challenging tasks and reflecting on your experiences.

Find out more about your Mathematics tutors Rosa Archer , Siân Morgan and David Swanson .

develop a critical awareness of lesson and curriculum planning, spending time on each with school-based mentors and University tutors;
develop skills and knowledge in inclusive Mathematics teaching;
develop pedagogy and gain an understanding of a range of different teaching strategies in the Mathematics classroom, and in activities beyond the classroom;
develop subject and curriculum knowledge for KS3, KS4 and KS5 Mathematics.

Special features

Our PGCEs are rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (2019), and we have been judged best university provider of initial teacher training in the North of England (Good Teacher Training Guide 2017).
We have links with more than 200 schools, academies and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
Our students come from all over the globe and a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.
Our research improves the quality of education across the world, with 78% of our activity defined as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Teaching and learning

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;

Coursework and assessment

Your school and University experiences are formally assessed. Both your mentors and tutors will help you to record your achievements and set targets from week to week and from placement to placement.

During each placement, a University tutor will observe you teach and discuss your progress with you and your mentor.

At the end of each school experience, you will receive a progress report from your mentor. The report will provide clear feedback and targets in the following areas:

subject and curriculum knowledge;
planning and teaching;
assessment;
wider professional responsibilities.

These reports, together with your record of achievement and development, facilitate your progression as a teacher.

The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available from your University tutors.

What our students say

I have loved my school placement so far, the staff are very friendly and have welcomed me into the team and supported me really well.

Read more about Molly's experience in her student profile.

Disability support

Career opportunities.

I think I have the best job in the world, working with teachers and student teachers committed to improving young people lives. I experience so much joy visiting schools and seeing what an amazing job our trainee teachers do. I am very proud of all our former trainees and year after year I am delighted to see our reputation grow, that our employment rates are extremely high and that a number of our recent PGCE graduates are now mentors on the course. Rosa Archer / Team Leader - PGCE Secondary Mathematics

Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This form of teacher training is recommended for anyone with an undergraduate degree who is looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. While other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE. A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally and internationally.

When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high.

In addition to this, a PGCE qualification can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree, and The University of Manchester offers a range of postgraduate Education courses should you wish to continue your professional development by completing a master's as you progress further in your career.

View careers and employability for more information.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

6 Tested Tips on Making Your PGCE Assignment Powerful

Writing a PGCE assignment can help to understand the teaching practices and educational research in a better way. It is advisable to study this coursework if you want to teach in England, Wales, Canada, Scotland, and other countries like the USA.

According to GOV.UK, in 2022, there were almost 31,747 postgraduate trainee teachers. The number has been increased since 2018. Further, Randstad Education’s research projects a population of 74.5 million in the United Kingdom by 2050. To address the growing needs, the country will require 507,000 skilled teachers.

This statistical analysis shows the importance of learning this coursework and serving in the profession. Consequently, students enrol in the course and write assignments to understand the subject matter better. That’s where a need for writing a good assignment writing guide emerges. The ultimate goal is to make the final document flawless and secure good grades. The guide below is meant to serve the same purpose.

What Do You Mean By PGCE?

The PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education. It is an academic qualification that you can get through teacher training. Bright Network states PGCE is the mix of university education and teaching training. This course is available part-time or full-time and takes 1 or 2 years to complete.

How Do You Write PGCE Assignments?

To write a PGCE assignment, you need to consider some crucial steps such as,

Understand the task
Conduct research
Organise your PGCE assignment ideas
Structure the ideas in the assignment writing template
Maintain coherence
Make final revisions and edits

You need to follow this basic framework to write a winning document. However, if you feel stuck with the process and lack the confidence to practice it independently, get assignment writing help from an expert writer to avoid any writing flaws.

Top 6 Expert Tips To Write a Powerful PGCE Assignment

There are some things common in college or university students. They don’t like getting up early in the morning, feel sad when a friend is absent, and dislike writing assignments. You can find a solution to the first two problems between you, your parents, and a friend, but we can better assist you in the assignment writing process.

These top expert tips can save you from panicking and writing your assignment excellently. Continue reading to know the details. Furthermore, you can ask for assistance from PGCE assignment writersfor customised solutions to your needs.

1. Understand What Exactly You Need To Do

The topic understanding is crucial to define your direction. Before starting the PGCE assignment writing, if you have a single query, it must be addressed by the teacher. Consequently, it will save you time, and you can save yourself from rejection because an irrelevant write-up can never grant you good grades.

For instance, if you are writing an assignment on a course assessment, don’t confuse it with the course evaluation process. Both are different terms involving unique stages and steps to accomplish the task.

2. Plan Your Time Well

Sometimes, we wish there may be more than 24 hours a day before the deadline to accomplish our assignment writing task. It may not be possible, but you can manage your assignment writing in 24 hours. For its implementation, you need proper planning, making a schedule, and sticking to it to get your desired outcomes.

3. Always Start With Research

First, gather all the necessary data from primary and secondary sources for your PGCE assignment. After that, list the resources to brainstorm ideas for which one is relevant and worthy to use in the context. This way, you will better handle the research process and strengthen your argument by considering relatable facts and figures.

The University of Nottingham provides a reading list for PGCE students that includes,

Doing your PGCE at M-level: a guide for students
The good writing guide for education students
Research methods & methodologies in education

4. Prepare a Structure Beforehand

You must have heard about going with the flow, but it’s not always true. Writing assignments is not a piece of cake. Before starting writing, outline the assignment writing template to organise your ideas in this framework. A typical PGCE assignment structure includes,

Introduction
Body paragraphs

For instance, if you are writing on lesson planning, you must be mindful of the main points to be included in the assignment to frame it in the final template. The Singapore Management University provides these key highlights to be included in the topic.

Know your learning objectives
Plan learning activities
Access student understanding
Plan lessons in an engaging manner
Make a realistic timeline

Furthermore, you can also see previous PGCE assignment examples for better comprehension of the structure.

5. Write a Classy Introduction

The introduction section will set the tone for the whole PGCE assignment writing . So, you need to make the mindset of the reader about what you will discuss in the coming context. Also, you don’t need to write it long. After making a draft, make some necessary changes to cut out the irrelevant stuff and exact the most relevant one that aligns coherently with the context.

6. Proofread Before Final Submission

Don’t just hand over your PGCE assignment to the teacher at the last minute after completing the task. Plan your assignment in a way that leaves enough room for making revisions. At least read it thrice before final submission so that the document handed to the teacher is free from imperfections.

How Many Assignments Are There In PGCE?

It is impossible for anyone enrolling in PGCE course study to ignore the importance of assignment writing here. According to Primrose Kitten, the total credit hours of PGCE are divided into 2 or 3 assignments, each comprising 4000 words.

Are PGCE Assignments Hard?

It may seem stressful for the students to handle several coursework assignments, classroom stresses, and behavioural struggles. However, better lesson planning or getting help from your tutor can reduce the struggle.

What Happens If I Fail My PGCE Assignment?

Most of the institutions give you the option to revert this failure and rewrite your assignment. If you can make the necessary changes and submit it by the given deadline, it’s likely to save you from course failure.

PGCE Assignment Topics 2024

After the guide, are you stuck with finding an appropriate assignment writing topic for PGCE? Consider the below-mentioned list,

Describe the top strategies to manage classroom diversity
What are the effective ways to assess the student’s progress?
What are the top benefits of multicultural education?

Writing a PGCE assignment is the ultimate necessity of the course. It is written as a coursework requirement to make you creative in your training duration. The ultimate goal is to perform winning during its practice. How can you write an assignment that impresses the tutor and fulfils your intention to study this PGCE coursework?

The above-mentioned guide was enough to address these concerns. From understanding your topic and organising your ideas to the final edits, all are described well to keep the practitioner on track while writing.

However, if you are entangled in your academic activity and job routine, it might not be possible to perform well in writing even after reading these expert tips. This is where legitimate writing services can help with PGCE assignments to secure better grades. The expert writers in The Academic Papers UK team can handle these tasks efficiently.

ALSO READ: Top Best Models and Methods for Creating a Quality Essay

The Educational landscape is changing dynamically. The new generation of students thus faces the daunting task to choose an institution that would guide them towards a lucrative career.

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Primary PGCE

London, Bloomsbury Ages 3 - 11 Primary

UCL works in partnership with around 200 primary schools to enable Primary PGCE students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to become a primary teacher. We welcome a wide range of students each year to the Primary PGCE course and traditionally under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Our cohorts are typically very diverse, reflecting school communities across London.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

Start teaching

IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for the past decade (2014–2023).

Entry requirements

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. For Primary Specialist Mathematics, a Mathematics degree or degrees with significant Mathematics content would be an advantage.

No specific subjects required.

English Language, Science (one from Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics) and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language, Science or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency and achieving at least a grade 4. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 4 are accepted. For Science, equivalency tests in either Combined Science or Biology with grade 4 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are lower than 2:2 standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £90, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £15.00 if you can submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

About this course

Our Primary PGCE develops effective, confident teachers whose classroom practice is informed by an advanced knowledge of educational theory, and who will continue to learn and reflect throughout their careers. We will help students to acquire the skills and expertise to support children's learning, prepare them to teach in an inclusive urban environment, provide professional development in all national curriculum subjects and ensure that students show a concern for professional values and demonstrate the positive attitudes and behaviour expected from pupils.

A unique feature of the Primary PGCE is our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Pathway, for which students can apply once they firmly accept their offer. The SEND Pathway is a specifically tailored programme, based on the principle of inclusive pedagogy, which allows student teachers to gain deeper insights in how to work effectively with children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Students on the SEND Pathway are able to access placements in special education schools and specialist resource bases, where possible, due to our strong and long-standing partnerships across Greater London.

Who this course is for

The Primary PGCE full-time programme is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) for teaching in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.

What this course will give you

Students on the Primary PGCE programme benefit enormously from the complementary skills and expertise of staff in partnership schools and at IOE. The schools offer placements for teaching experience, and their teachers serve as tutors, mentors and joint assessors for our student teachers. IOE tutors have extensive experience of teaching, school management, inspection, research and consultancy.

Primary PGCE students can gain experience of teaching across one or more key stages: the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1; Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2; lower Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 9) and upper Key Stage 2 (ages 9 to 11).

Students will learn to teach all the primary curriculum subjects. They will also select one subject for specialist study from the range that we offer. For example, in 2023-24, Specialism choices were as follows: Children's Literature, MFL, Geography & Sustainability, Mathematics, PSHE, Music, Computing, Science, Art & Design and PE.

The teacher you want to be

Graduates of the programme have great career prospects, with many taking on further leadership roles within their schools or acting as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Some of our graduates are now Headteachers, and many have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers, SENCOs and lead teachers in the classroom.

Overall, the Primary PGCE programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader. It also lays the foundations for researching, writing and further study in education.

The tools of a great educator

Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
Using assessment to inform planning
Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of the Primary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by a diverse range of schools in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme.

Teachers from IOE are reflective and creative professionals, who strive to ensure the very best for every child. They are excellent communicators and critical thinkers, who have a strong drive towards social justice.

Accreditation

Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The programme is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including lectures, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practical teaching element based in three schools. Students are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in their own time.

Throughout the year, students will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. These activities (totalling 20 days with at least 10 days in school) will help students to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that progress is supported in these pivotal areas. These days form part of the 130 days of teaching practice.

Student teachers are assessed through assignments, presentations, audits, feedback and tutorials. A final assessment is based on a range of evidence including observations of teaching, assignments, subject knowledge development, professional conduct and responses to self-study.

University sessions run 9.00am - 4.30 pm daily. During school placements you will be expected to attend at least 30 mins prior to the start of the school day and leave at least 30 after the school day ends.

Students will have readings and additional self-directed study to complete in addition to these contact hours.

I loved the variety of subjects with primary education and building the foundations for a love of learning that can stay with children. Abbie Sedgeman Primary PGCE Q&A with Abbie Sedgeman

This Programme is run over a period of 36 weeks.

The programme consists of three core modules, two at Masters level (level 7) and one at Undergraduate level (level 6). The Masters level modules carry a total of 60 Masters credits on completion.

As well as taking part in face-to-face teaching at IOE, you will be undertaking at least 130 days of teaching practice in contrasting partnership schools.

All student teachers undertake three school placements:

School Experience 1 in Autumn & Spring Terms (organised by UCL)
School Experience 2 in Spring Term (a one week placement in a contrasting setting (organised by UCL)
School Experience 3 in Summer Term (organised by UCL)

Throughout the year, you will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. These activities (totalling 20 days with at least 10 days in school) will help you to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that your progress is supported in these pivotal areas. These days form part of your 130 days of teaching practice.

Compulsory modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Primary.

School placements

As part of the programme students will spend time on placements at schools or Early Years Centres, during which time their teaching experience will be supported by a tutor and mentor. Students will spend at least 130 days on placements.

During placement periods you should be prepared to travel to and from each school placement. It should be noted that there is variation in how accessible schools are, and whether they have parking facilities.

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Where you'll study

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, is a world-leading centre for research and teaching in education, culture, psychology, and social science. We are one of the UK’s largest teacher training providers, offering a wide range of programmes across all phases of learning and more subjects than any other university. We also offer an extensive range of master’s programmes. Our research addresses society’s most important challenges and feeds into our teaching, enabling our graduates to go on to influence future generations for the better, from individual lives to societal change.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Learn to Teach with IOE

Are you interested in a career in teaching? Join our virtual events to find out more about Teacher Training at UCL, including admissions and student funding information.

Graduate Open Events: PGCE Primary Teacher Training

Fees and funding, fees for this course.

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£9,250
Tuition fees (2024/25)	£25,900

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

Students are responsible for funding their travel to and from placements.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website .

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024 Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Application and next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Got questions? Get in touch

Learning and Leadership

[email protected]

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Primary PGCE : School Placements

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Transcripts

I have taught two great lessons (Maths and English) and one absolute train-wreck of a science experiment. But with a few days of distance, I can now see what important lessons I learned from it - lessons that I probably wouldn't have truly taken on board any other way.

Partnership schools

All trainees spend at least 120 days of the course in Partnership schools, undertaking four key placements (in a minimum of three different schools), in order to develop their teaching skills in a closely monitored environment, and to gain experience of many of the important tasks and responsibilities teachers take on outside the classroom.

120 days (at least) in Partnership schools
Four key placements
Three different schools (minimum)

Additional settings

In addition, trainees will experience at least 5 further settings, which include schools with identified specialisms, centres of excellence and schools with specialist SEN provision. There is also an opportunity for some trainees to undertake a museum education placement.

Listen to Cambridge trainees discussing their experiences of school placements

A variety of contrasting environments

Partnership schools reflect a variety of contrasting environments: rural village schools, inner city schools in Peterborough and Cambridge and urban schools in towns such as Harlow, Stevenage, Ely, Huntingdon, Bury St Edmunds and March.

Daily travelling distance

No trainee is placed in a school which is beyond daily travelling distance, and those who live at distance are, where possible, placed in Partnership schools nearer to their homes. For the final placement a few trainees have the opportunity to work in London.

Block Placements

'Our current PGCE trainees have settled in superbly and are a lovely, positive pair to have in school.' During the first term, trainees spend two two-week placements working in a class with a trainee partner. This pairing provides peer support and allows for collaborative working. Trainees work with small groups of children and will teach some whole class sessions.

An eight week placement takes place across Terms 1 and Term 2 and is spent working with the same trainee partner in a different age phase. During this placement, trainees progress from teaching individual lessons to teaching whole days.

The final ten week placement, taking place at the end of Term 2 and throughout Term 3, provides the opportunity for trainees, working in a class on their own with their mentor, to gain further classroom experience and to confirm that they have reached the required level for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. There is also opportunity for involvement in a wider range of school activities and extending the experience and education of pupils beyond the conventional classroom context.

Other Placements

In the final placement, all trainees spend a full week exploring aspects of SEND. This includes three days based in a Special school environment. [SEN Focus Week] 'I was really apprehensive at first as I didn't know what to expect but it has been such a wonderful experience and I've loved it - definitely the best week of the year. I feel like I've learnt so much in such a short amount of time.'

Trainees also spend a week focusing on the ‘Wider Curriculum’ in their final placement. This involves exploring curriculum and extra-curricular provision, learning about unique aspects of a school provision and developing understanding of wider aspects of the teacher’s role. [Wider Curriculum week] 'I just wanted to let you know we are having a fantastic week. We had a day going through all the functions on the iPad and this afternoon we were making movies in iMovie and writing up lessons in book creator. I am totally converted to iPad teaching! The school have put so much thought and effort into our experience.’

Support in School

'Mentors facilitate the pathway into the teaching profession as they allow you to see the role of the teacher from the inside out'.

Mentors have experience of working with trainees and many are former trainees themselves; they have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the requirements and demands of the Cambridge PGCE.

Trainees have regular meetings with their mentor before and throughout every placement. Mentors support trainees in all aspects of teaching and learning and will help them to reflect and analyse their practice through constructive dialogue and target setting. Mentors observe trainees teach, give feedback on lessons and offer encouragement and advice. Faculty tutors also visit trainees in each placement to observe teaching, offer support and monitor progress.

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IMAGES

PGCE Assignment1 Reflect,Pedagogical Approach
What is PGCE ? Everything You Need to Know About PGCE, and Why You
Teacher Training Assignments: Complete Examples for PGCE, PTLLS, CTLLS
How to prepare for your PGCE essays
(PDF) How to pass your PGCE essay first time
PGCE Level 7 Grade Criteria

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COMMENTS

What is a PGCE course?
What is a PGCE course? | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK
PGCE assignments are a struggle : r/TeachingUK
r/TeachingUK. • 3 yr. ago. [deleted] PGCE assignments are a struggle. PGCE & ITT. I'm a primary trainee doing a SCITT with PGCE course and I just need to vent about the PGCE assignments. First one is due in on Monday and it has given me such a headache writing it, I have barely been able to rest over half term.
What to expect on your PGCE
Perhaps the most time-consuming focus of your university training will be the written assignments that you need to pass in order to gain the PGCE qualification. There are 3 assignments and they vary in length depending on your training provider, however, the general summary of them goes as follows; two 3000-word assignments and one 5000-word ...
PGCE
PGCE | Prospects.ac.uk
Guide to the PGCE
Completing a postgraduate certificate in education will allow you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which lets you to apply for teaching roles in the UK and internationally. A PGCE is a higher-level qualification than a bachelor's degree. It's worth 60 credits, like a PGCert, compared to 180 credits for a master's degree.
PDF Assessment Guidance PGCE Sec 2021-22
Reassessment. If you fail a module, you will be given an opportunity to retrieve the failure. The formal reassessment period for 2021/22 academic year is late June/early July 2022. If you did not submit the assignment at all, then the re-assessment will in most cases involve you in submitting the original assignment.
What is a PGCE Certificate? Find Out in Our Guide
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - A Guide
Essential guide for your PGCE application
University-led PGCE courses: the most popular route into teaching, based in university with two extended school placements. Graduate Teacher Apprenticeships with PGCE: employment-based route into teaching, in which you are an employee of the school, working as a teacher up to 80% of a timetable, with 20% release for training.
About the PGCE
Whichever course you choose and however you choose to study, your PGCE course will include the same core elements. Find out more about course duration, course content, assessments and how you'll qualify with your PGCE. ... You will be assessed by two 30 credit level 7 assignments with the option to acquire an additional 30 credits. Award gained.
Studying A PGCE
A PGCE is usually taught as a full-time postgraduate course, so expect at least 35 hours a week of lectures, as well as time needed to complete written assignments. There are some part-time PGCE courses that take two years to complete, but the majority of courses are full time. Most former PGCE students will advise you to get your assignments ...
PGCE
Our PGCE offers you excellent career prospects. As of October 2021, 90% of our 2020-21 student cohort were employed as a teacher or seeking teaching roles; 61% were working as a teacher in the state sector and 30% were working in a partnership school. Student statistics for 2021-22 entry.
PGCE programmes
Our PGCE programmes are rated Outstanding by Ofsted across all subject and phases. IOE teacher educators are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, with many of them writing the textbooks on every aspect of teaching. Join the next teacher training open days. Browse our programmes Early Years.
Ten Top Tips for Thriving on a PGCE
3. Let assignments and evidence be your friend So, this is essentially a Postgrad course; you will have to do assignments, reading, reflections (so many reflections) and you will have to evidence, what feels like, everything! Yes, it's a bit daunting at first, but you will absolutely get it.
Entry Requirements
If you are still unsure then please contact the PGCE Office on 01865 274020 or email [email protected]. Repeat applications and withdrawals. If you have already applied for one or more of our PGCE courses and have been rejected at the application stage, if you wish to reapply, then please make sure that you have fully addressed ...
What is a PGCE Degree?
There are presentations and written assignments on a PGCE, creating the academic assessments, along with lesson observations and a portfolio to present at the end. ... Yes, PGCE part-time courses are available at many universities across the UK. If you're looking to study in the capital, part-time PGCE courses in London options include study ...
Primary Education PGCE with QTS
97.2% of our postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020/21, UK and non-UK domiciled). If you've got an undergraduate degree and are striving to become a primary school teacher, then studying our one-year Primary Education PGCE with QTS could help you on your way.
PGCE Secondary Mathematics
PGCE Secondary (Mathematics) will train you to teach mathematics across the 11 to 16 or 11 to 18 age range. It will prepare you to teach the National Curriculum, GCSE and A-level. ... The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available ...
Further Education PGCE
The PGCE Further Education prepares you to teach one of the following: a GCSE/A level subject from a wide range of options; a vocational / technical programme from a wide range of courses; English (adult literacy / ESOL); Mathematics / numeracy in the further education and skills sector. Our PGCE develops effective, confident teachers whose practice is informed by knowledge of
6 Tested Tips on Making Your PGCE Assignment Powerful
How Many Assignments Are There In PGCE? It is impossible for anyone enrolling in PGCE course study to ignore the importance of assignment writing here. According to Primrose Kitten, the total credit hours of PGCE are divided into 2 or 3 assignments, each comprising 4000 words.
Primary PGCE
London, Bloomsbury. Ages 3 - 11 Primary. UCL works in partnership with around 200 primary schools to enable Primary PGCE students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to become a primary teacher. We welcome a wide range of students each year to the Primary PGCE course and traditionally under-represented groups are particularly ...
Primary PGCE : School Placements : Faculty of Education
During the first term, trainees spend two two-week placements working in a class with a trainee partner. This pairing provides peer support and allows for collaborative working. Trainees work with small groups of children and will teach some whole class sessions. An eight week placement takes place across Terms 1 and Term 2 and is spent working ...

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