Course summary

*with a recommendation for QTS Our one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach across the secondary school history curriculum for the 11-16 age range.   You’ll explore inclusive ways to teach history and develop your ability to teach different historical concepts such as causation, interpretation, change and continuity. Some of the key topics you’ll study include how to use sources in the history classroom, the importance of reading and writing when learning history and how to make the history curriculum relevant and inclusive. You will typically have a series of seminars with guest lectures from The National Archives and exam boards, as well as from experienced teachers in schools to help you explore different areas of the history curriculum and how to teach them.  When you are in university, you’ll study mainly with your PGCE History group. You will consider how to plan lessons, reflect on your planning, learn how research can develop your teaching practice, and look at ways to develop your teacher persona. You’ll also learn through peer-collaboration and sharing knowledge with your fellow history trainees to develop your subject knowledge. Features and Benefits

• Employability – You will have the knowledge, skills and experience to teach history 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 (approximately 120 days) on placement, gaining experience in mainstream 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 - Many of our staff are active researchers in education and their research influences our programmes. The School of Education at Manchester Met ranks in the UK’s top 10 research power in education (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and the Institute of Children’s Futures launched in November 2024 which brings together academics, policy makers and practitioners to improve the lives of young people.

• Student support - You’ll receive guidance throughout your journey, including academic support from subject tutors and professional mentoring while on placements, helping you develop the skills and knowledge to meet Teachers’ Standards.