Degree You will normally have a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Your degree needs to support the subject knowledge requirements of the curriculum for religious education. For exceptional candidates, particularly those with a higher-level degree or substantial relevant work experience in schools or relevant occupations we will consider applications from those who hold a 3rd class degree. GCSE You will also need GCSE at grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics. You can apply with GCSEs pending for this course and sit the relevant equivalency tests approved by Manchester Met (see our admissions tutor team for approved equivalency providers). As per government requirements for teacher training courses, we are not able to accept key skills, adult numeracy and literacy or functional skills as an alternative to GCSE English language and mathematics. We are not able to consider Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-levels, BTECs) as an alternative to GCSE English language and mathematics. Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a secondary school setting. You may be able to evidence your understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools, other educational settings or wider research and reading. If you are due to graduate or have graduated within the last three years your principal referee must be a university lecturer from where you graduated. Other requirements Appropriate post-16 qualifications. An ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English. Excellent interpersonal skills. An informed and realistic understanding of the complexities and challenge of teaching in a secondary school. An understanding of how learning develops within an engaging rich and broad context, with recognition of the contribution made by parents and carers. Personal qualities and abilities appropriate to becoming an effective teacher, including a strong motivation to teach young students, an ability to express personal views with clarity and conviction, to listen and respond appropriately to the views of others, awareness of, and commitment to, issues relating to equal opportunities and providing all students with an inclusive learning environment. An awareness of the importance of safeguarding within educational contexts. Intellectual capacity to critically reflect upon experience and personal challenges. A Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Check and DfE Fitness to Teach occupational health clearance is required before you can enrol on this course. Overseas Overseas candidates should have Cambridge Proficiency in English or IELTS Band 7 with no less than 6.0 in any element, taken within two years of course start date. Further details can be found on mmu.ac.uk/international Personal Statement This plays an important role in the admissions process and successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a secondary school setting. You may be able to evidence your understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools, other educational settings or wider research and reading. Interview You will be expected to attend an interview as part of the application process. Full details of your interview will be provided by email once your initial application has been approved.