PGCE Secondary Education in Computer Science with QTS

Overview

The PGCE Secondary Education in Computer Science degree will qualify you to teach computer science at secondary level in any state-maintained school in England. This one year PGCE Computer Science course blends theoretical knowledge with carefully supervised teaching experience. You will attend placements in a variety of educational settings, to gain a broad understanding of the realities of secondary level teaching.

Why us?

• Funding for trainee teachers is available with tax-free bursaries of up to £29,000 for Computer Science trainees
• Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and be eligible to teach in any state-maintained secondary school in England
• All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £31,650, and this will be higher for teachers working in London
• The course is designed to enable you to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution

Course structure

Placements are an important part of this PGCE Computer Science course. During that time, you will benefit from practical learning and be supported by school-based trainers and University-based tutors.

Your progress will be assessed with written assignments, case studies and assessments of your teaching practice.

This course is a mixture of University-based learning and in-school training. The course is designed to enable you to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution.

Course modules

Emerging Professional Practice in Secondary Education with Subject Studies (30 credits)

This module will allow you to begin experiencing life in teaching institutions to help you gain professional knowledge around teaching and learning and start to make judgements about the routines, skills, and strategies that support effective teaching. You'll investigate the key content of subject areas taught within the curriculum, considering a variety of approaches to teaching your subject specialism and identifying common misconceptions.

Professional Practice in Secondary Education with Subject Studies (30 credits)

In this module, you'll continue to build on your knowledge around teaching and learning, gaining a variety of experience in a work-based learning environment to meet professional standards identified in government legislation. You'll continue to investigate the content of subject areas taught within the curriculum, considering the different approaches to teaching your own subject specialism. You'll also formulate skillful questioning to reveal levels of pupil understanding, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own academic progress.

Professional Learning in Secondary Education (30 credits)

This module will help you identify, refine, and develop knowledge and understanding of pedagogical approaches, adaptive teaching, planning, and assessment strategies. You'll reflect on pedagogical approaches by linking theory to practice in a reflective journal and present on your developed understanding of professional learning.

Subject Research Study in Secondary Education (30 credits)

This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a piece of independent academic study related to your subject specialism and engage in intellectual challenge and dialogue. You'll develop both general and subject specific knowledge and skills to enhance your ability to transfer learning to further study and the workplace.

Facilities

You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• Qualification: a bachelor's degree (3 years)
• Minimum grade: 2:2 classification

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at for further advice.

You'll usually need a 2:2 (or above) honours degree from a UK Higher Education institution or an equivalent qualification and be deemed suitable to train to teach by the University of Sunderland.

In addition to academic qualifications, you must also:

• Have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Complete a medical pro forma (based on DFEE Circular 8/92).

Your numeracy and literacy competency will be assessed continuously throughout the course following the DfE’s removal of the Professional Skills Test.

If English isn't your first language, you'll also need International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 6.5, with at least 6.5 in writing, and no section below 6.0.

You'll be assessed on your potential to learn and not your experience.

All successful applicants will be invited to an interview. Interviews start early November, so we recommend that you apply as soon as DfE opens in October.

Please note, applicants with a foundation degree will need to supplement this qualification with at least 60 credits at level 6 (HE level 3) in order to attain an equivalent single qualification.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

• £9,535 if you are from the UK/Europe
• £16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Computer science teachers are in short supply nationally. The Department for Education has announced training bursaries of £29,000 and scholarships of £31,000 for trainees who meet the eligibility criteria. See the Get into Teaching website for more details.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

This degree awards Qualified Teacher Status, which means that when you graduate you’ll be qualified to teach in any state-maintained secondary school in England. Most graduates from this course go on to become a primary school teacher.

Good teachers area always in high demand. All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £31,650, and this will be higher for teachers working in London. The amount you earn will then increase until you reach the top end of your pay scale, after which you can choose to progress into more senior roles, such as leading practitioner or head teacher.

The teachers’ pension scheme is also one of the most generous public sector pension schemes in the UK, one of the few guaranteed by the Government.

School placements

The University of Sunderland has partnerships with over 650 schools, colleges and other educational establishments across the North East and beyond. The course is designed to enable you to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution. We’ll work with you to try and find you the perfect teaching placement – schools that can nurture and support your aspirations and interests, and help you become the best secondary school teacher you can be. When you’re ready to start searching for a teaching job, you will already have valuable first-hand teaching experience, as well as a wide network of professional contacts who can help you find the right career opportunities.

PGCE Computer Science Secondary Education at the University of Sunderland: A Detailed Extraction

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Degree Overview:

The PGCE Computer Science Secondary Education program at the University of Sunderland is a one-year program designed to qualify individuals to teach computer science at the secondary level in any state-maintained school in England.

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Objectives:

• To equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to become effective computer science teachers.
• To develop graduates' abilities to create engaging and stimulating learning environments for secondary school students.
• To prepare graduates for the challenges and rewards of a career in secondary education.

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Program Description:

The program combines theoretical knowledge with carefully supervised teaching experience. Participants will attend placements in a variety of educational settings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the realities of secondary-level teaching.

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Key Features:

• Blended learning: Combines university-based learning with in-school training.
• 120 days of school placements: Provides extensive practical teaching experience.
• Focus on professional development: Equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their teaching careers.
### Outline:

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Program Content:

• Education studies
• Computer science content knowledge
• Pedagogy and curriculum development
• Assessment and evaluation
• Professional development

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Structure:

• The program is divided into three modules:
• Practice of Teaching (30 credits):
Focuses on developing practical teaching skills and knowledge.
• Development of Learning: A Case Study (30 credits): Explores research methods and addresses the individual learning needs of pupils.
• Subject Studies (30 credits): Delves into the content and delivery of computer science at the secondary level.
• Negotiated Individual Study in Education (30 credits): Allows for independent study and professional development.
• The program includes a minimum of 120 days of school placements, providing participants with real-world teaching experience.

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Course Schedule:

• The program typically starts in September each year.
• The academic year is divided into three terms.
• School placements are scheduled throughout the year.

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Individual Modules:

• Practice of Teaching: Explores teaching skills, classroom management, and lesson planning.
• Development of Learning: Focuses on research methods, assessment strategies, and individual learning needs.
• Subject Studies: Covers the content and pedagogy of computer science at the secondary level.
• Negotiated Individual Study in Education: Allows participants to pursue an area of personal interest related to their teaching practice.
### Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments
• Case studies
• Observations of teaching practice
• Professional discussions

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Assessment Criteria:

• Subject knowledge and understanding
• Pedagogical skills and knowledge
• Professional development and reflection
• Ability to plan and deliver effective lessons
• Ability to assess and evaluate student learning
### Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• School placements

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Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified computer science and education specialists.
• Strong track record of research and teaching.
• Commitment to student success.

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Unique Approaches:

• Individualized instruction
• Collaborative learning
• Use of technology
• Focus on real-world applications
### Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Computer science teacher in secondary schools
• Further education lecturer
• Educational consultant
• Curriculum developer

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Career Opportunities:

• High demand for qualified computer science teachers.
• Opportunities to work in a variety of educational settings.
• Potential for career advancement.

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as confident and competent computer science teachers.
• Many graduates secure teaching positions in schools across the UK.
• Some graduates pursue further studies or careers in other education-related fields.
### Other:

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Funding:

• Funding is available for eligible trainees through tax-free bursaries of up to £28,000 for Computer Science trainees.
• Graduates may also be eligible for a teacher training loan.

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Starting Salary:

• Qualified teachers earn a minimum of £30,000 per year.
• Salaries may be higher for teachers working in London or with additional qualifications or experience.

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Entry Requirements:

• A UK 2:2 (or above) honours degree or equivalent qualification.
• A demonstrated interest in teaching computer science at the secondary level.
• Successful completion of an interview.

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Additional Information:

• The University of Sunderland has strong partnerships with over 650 schools and colleges across the North East and beyond.
• The program is designed to enable participants to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution.
• The University provides support to help participants find suitable teaching placements.
This information should provide a comprehensive overview of the PGCE Computer Science Secondary Education program at the University of Sunderland.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• £9,250 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £16,000 if you're an international student
• European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who don't qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 24/25 admission, you'll receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies.
The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.