Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
PGCE Secondary
Course Description
This is for you if... you have an undergraduate degree and would like to train to teach 11-18 year-olds.
Entry Requirements
- 2:1 degree for English, Geography, History or Social Science
- 2:2 degree for Maths, MFL, Sciences or RE
- GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Maths.
- A-levels (or equivalent) in relevant subjects
- Although not essential, you may find it useful to have recent experience working with children and/or observing teaching in a school setting, ideally relating to the age range/subject you wish to teach.
Application Process
The application process for a PGCE is different from other postgraduate courses.
Additional Requirements
- Admission to the course is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
- All offers are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.
English Language Requirements
You must have a GCSE Grade C in English Language.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships, and additional requirements.
Fees and Funding
UK Students
- £9,535
International Students
- £18,950
Careers and Employability
New teachers have now become some of the best-paid postgraduates in England. From September 2023, once you have completed your one-year PGCE course - which awards you QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) - as a primary or secondary school teacher in England, you’ll start on a minimum salary of £30,000 (£36,745 in inner London). Your salary will be reviewed every year, with most teachers moving up the pay range annually. A typical teacher could earn at least £41,333 (or more in London) within 5 years.
Related Courses
- PGCE Secondary (Lead Partners)
- PGCE Primary
- PGCE Primary (Lead Partners)
Course Structure
Professional Studies Programme
The Professional Studies programme runs throughout the academic year and forms the core of the PGCE Secondary programme. It is compulsory for student teachers from all subject areas.
School Placements
You will undertake two secondary teaching placements in our Partnership Schools. You will have the opportunity to work in diverse inner city and rural environments, with learners from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.
Why Leicester?
You'll have access to the very best, and most inspiring, practising teachers – participating in their seminars, observing them in the classroom, or being guided by them during your placements.
Teaching and Learning
Your learning will consist of a combination of university-based classes and school-based teaching placements where you will get hands-on experience of teaching a class. Our course has been praised by external examiners for its focus on reflection. You will be encouraged to evaluate your own teaching and share your learning with your peers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This one-year PGCE Secondary program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree who wish to train to teach students aged 11-18. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become qualified teachers, meeting the required professional standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The program emphasizes reflective practice, preparing students for a successful career in teaching.
Outline:
The PGCE Secondary program is structured around a combination of campus-based sessions and school-based placements.
Professional Studies Programme:
- This program runs throughout the academic year and forms the core of the PGCE Secondary program.
- It covers a wide range of generic professional issues, including:
- Reflective Practice
- Career Development
- Professional Values
- Academic Skills Development
- Students can choose from a variety of optional sessions to tailor their training, such as:
- Working with students with Special Education Needs and Disabilities
- English as an Additional Language
- Technology-Enhanced Learning
School Placements:
- Students undertake two secondary teaching placements in partnership schools.
- These placements provide opportunities to work in diverse environments, including inner city and rural settings, with learners from various ethnic backgrounds.
- The placements are designed to provide a rich and varied experience, with contrasting school settings.
- Phase A: The first placement involves approximately 10 weeks in a school, building on existing experience and developing new skills with support from the school's Co-ordinator for Initial Teacher Training and the subject mentor.
- Phase B: The second placement involves approximately 12 weeks in a different school, with a similar support structure as Phase A.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by academics who are leaders in their field and have extensive experience as teachers.
- The teaching approach is informed by research both within and beyond the School of Education.
- The program emphasizes reflective practice, encouraging students to evaluate their own teaching and share their learning with peers.
- Students receive support from a range of tutors throughout the course.
Careers:
- The program provides support in applying for teaching posts, including mock interviews that have resulted in job offers for students.
- Graduates are eligible for a minimum salary of £30,000 (or £36,745 in inner London) as a primary or secondary school teacher in England.
- The University offers professional development opportunities for practicing teachers, including Masters courses in Learning and Teaching, Educational Leadership, TESOL, and Applied Linguistics.
- PhD opportunities are available for those interested in pursuing research at a doctoral level.
- The Career Development Service provides support with interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering, and other career-related matters.
Other:
- The program is graded as "Outstanding" by Ofsted, indicating adherence to the highest standards set by the Department for Education.
- The program is praised for its focus on reflection, providing students with opportunities to evaluate their own teaching and share their learning with peers.
- The program offers a strong ethos of reflective practice, preparing students for a successful career in teaching.
- The program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become qualified teachers, meeting the required professional standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- The program is delivered in partnership with schools across the region, offering a Lead Partners Secondary PGCE.
- The program offers a range of subject specializations, including:
- English
- History
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Religious Education (French, French with Spanish, Spanish with French, French with German)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Mathematics)
- Social Science
UK Students
Starting in September 2024 £9,250 If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee. PGCE students can apply for loans from Student Finance England and may be entitled to a tax-free NCTL bursary. Find out more about scholarships and funding. Scholarship Teacher Training Scholarships for Secondary Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Languages, History, Religious Education, English and Geography Trainees Scholarships of up to £32,000 (depending on the subject) are awarded to the most talented trainees in place of the NCTL bursary. To be awarded a Scholarship you will need outstanding subject knowledge and the potential to become an inspirational physics, chemistry, mathematics, languages or geography teacher. Each scholarship also includes a package of benefits including membership and early career mentoring. Institute of Physics (Physics and Physics with Maths) Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (Maths) Royal Society of Chemistry (Chemistry) Royal Geographical Society (Geography)
International Students
Starting in September 2024 £17,500 Yyou will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee. From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee.