Program Overview

Introduction to the PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS (11-16) Course

The PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS (11-16) course is designed for individuals who are passionate about teaching Religious Education in secondary schools. This course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to become an effective and inspiring teacher.

Course Overview

The course covers the 11-16 age range, with post-16 enhancement, and is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of teaching and learning, as well as the skills and confidence to deliver a rich and diverse curriculum. The course is structured around the development of students' progress against the ITE Core Curriculum, which incorporates the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and the nationally agreed competences - the Teachers' Standards.

What's Covered in the Course

By teaching Religious Education in the 21st century, students will draw together the history and teaching of world religions and the use and evaluation of philosophical, theological, and ethical frameworks, while supporting pupils in their response to social and world issues. The course covers:

• Education, pedagogy, and professional studies sessions
• Curriculum workshops
• Taught modules, assignments, and School-Based Training
• Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) sessions

Why Choose This Course

There are several reasons why students may choose this course, including:

• The university is a key source of new teachers to schools across the West Midlands region
• The curriculum is designed by research-active subject experts to be integrated between university and school-based training
• Partnerships with schools across the West Midlands and beyond provide students with a range of training opportunities
• Students will complete at least 120 days of placements in a minimum of two schools
• Master's level credits gained as part of this course can be used towards a full Master's degree

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this course, students must:

• Have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or a Master's degree in a relevant subject from a UK higher education institution or equivalent
• Have GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above prior to enrolment
• Complete the relevant safeguarding checks for this course
• Attend an interview and complete a written test to assess their standard of English

Fees and How to Apply

The course fees for UK students are Ł9,790 in 2026/27. International students are not eligible for this course. To apply, students must use the Department for Education's (DfE) application service for postgraduate teacher training.

Course Structure

The course takes place over one year full-time and commences in the first week of September. The course is structured around the development of students' progress against the ITE Core Curriculum and includes:

• Secondary Professional Studies
• Secondary Subject Pedagogy: RE
• Professional Enquiry
• School Experience 1 and 2

Employability

The course has a high degree of employability within secondary teaching, with two-thirds of the course taking place in school. Students will have the opportunity to do serial and block placements and will be supported by trained mentors.

Facilities and Staff

The course is primarily based at the City Centre Campus, in the Benjamin Zephaniah Building. The building provides dedicated teaching and learning spaces, including primary and secondary science labs, an innovation and Lego teaching room, and flexible space for Design and Technology.

Placement Locations

Students will have the opportunity to complete placements in a range of schools across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, City of Wolverhampton, Coventry, Derby City, and others. Students should be prepared to travel up to 90 minutes for placements.