Course summary
Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the secondary school computing curriculum for the 11-16 age range. You’ll explore how to teach children computing and digital skills through hands-on activities such as programming and practical projects. The sessions will include looking at recent pedagogy and learning how to teach the theoretical aspects of the subject including binary conversions, algorithms, data structures, and networks. In the sessions you’ll look at how digital safety is taught, and you’ll also consider different aspects of virtual learning for teaching computing in school. Peer teaching will allow you to work on a range of theory topics, so that you understand how students will learn in your classroom. Some of the topics you might cover are programming languages or how to assess a pupil’s use of HTML to create a web page. You’ll also have guest lectures from people working in industry, representatives from the Computing at School community of practice and exam boards have provided guest lectures in previous years. FEATURES AND BENEFITS Employability - You will have the knowledge, skills and experience to teach computing at Key Stage 3, GCSE and potentially A/AS-level. Teaching experience - You will spend at least the minimum Department for Education (DfE) required time in schools (approximately 120 days) on placements in schools, gaining experience in secondary schools. Postgraduate credits - When you graduate, you’ll achieve 60 masters’ level credits (this is one-third of a masters degree). You can put these towards a masters degree to help you develop your new career. Partnerships - We have partnerships with over 500 schools, colleges and educational organisations, meaning we are able to provide students with a range of school experiences. Research-led teaching - Our research centre, the Education and Social Research Institute (ESRI), ranks in the UK’s top 10 for research power in education (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). Application process - You can apply directly to Manchester Met or through one of our lead partner schools. Applications are made via the Department for Education (DfE) Apply for Teacher Training service - https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training.
- with a recommendation for QTS
Modules
Please visit the University website for module and placement information: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course/pgce-secondary-computing-with-qts
Assessment method
Please visit the University website for assessment information: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course/pgce-secondary-computing-with-qts
Entry requirements
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 national curriculum for computing. 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 (eg 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.
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
Provider information
Manchester Metropolitan University
All Saints Building
All Saints
Manchester
M15 6BH