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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary (with Qualified Teacher Status QTS) at Newcastle University - UCAS

Newcastle University

Degree level: Postgraduate

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary (with Qualified Teacher Status QTS) (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

The Secondary PGCE forms a practical introduction to teaching, providing student teachers with the professional expertise, knowledge and understanding to teach secondary age children, including at post-sixteen enhancement. The strong emphasis of the course is on learning from experience through reflection and enquiry. The Secondary PGCE forms a practical introduction to teaching. You will develop the professional expertise, knowledge and understanding to teach secondary age children. You will also gain experience of teaching at post-16 level. We offer the following Secondary PGCE courses:

  • English
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • French
  • French with German
  • French with Spanish
  • German with French
  • Spanish with French
  • Secondary Science with Biology Specialism
  • Secondary Science with Chemistry Specialism
  • Secondary Science with Physics Specialism
The course has a strong focus on learning from experience, through reflection and enquiry. This process of reflective enquiry underpins the development of teaching skills. It also forms the basis for the written work submitted as part of your PGCE. During the PGCE you will undertake 60 credits of master's-level modules. The course modules are rooted in school and classroom practice. They work to complement your experiences - enhancing outcomes and your professional development. You will graduate with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) if you:
  • complete these components
  • meet the Teachers’ Standards through your practical engagement in schools
An understanding of the relationship between theory, practice and research underpins the PGCE. Placement/s in partnership school/s are planned to take place across Semester Two (this may be subject to change in 2020-21 if further periods of restrictions are imposed by the UK government, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic). This provides a firm practical and theoretical foundation for the professional journey towards becoming an outstanding practitioner. Training During your training at Newcastle University you will:
  • develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding expected of newly qualified teachers
  • extend your awareness of effective teaching in your subject area through subject-based/curriculum studies
The course emphasis is on enhancing the learning, progress and welfare of young people. The research interests of our staff support these key interests. Delivery The course starts in early September and continues until June. The course structure follows school term dates as opposed to university semesters. In 2020-21 Newcastle University sessions will take place during semester one. These will be in-person or online. Other learning, training and discussion opportunities include:
  • workshops
  • seminars
  • 1:1 tutorials
  • lectures
  • conferences
  • online interactive video observation
School placements will begin either just before, or immediately after the Christmas break.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Secondary

How to apply

International applicants

If you need help to meet our English Language requirements, we can provide support with extra tuition. Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent. At least 50% of your degree should be in the subject that you intend to teach. We may accept closely related degree subjects. GCSEs or O Levels (grades A–C/ 4-9) in English language and mathematics, or equivalent. It is desirable for you to have spent time working and/or observing in a UK secondary classroom before applying. Experience is advantageous as it will inform your application and any later performance in the selection process.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary (with Qualified Teacher Status QTS) at Newcastle University - UCAS