PGCE Secondary Education in English with QTS

Overview

The PGCE Secondary Education in English degree will qualify you to teach English at secondary level in any state-maintained school in England.

This one year PGCE English 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 teaching English in a secondary school.

Why us?

• Funding for trainee teachers is available with tax-free bursaries of up to £5,000 for English 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 the PGCE English 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.

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

English teachers are in short supply nationally. The Department for Education has announced training bursaries of £5,000 for trainees who meet the eligibility criteria. See the Get into Teaching website for more details.

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 secondary school teacher.

Good teachers are 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.

Degree Overview:

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Program Title:

PGCE English Secondary Education (with Qualified Teacher Status)

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Institution:

The University of Sunderland

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Duration:

One year (full-time)

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Overview:

This program aims to prepare graduates for a career as an English teacher in any state-maintained secondary school in England. It combines theoretical learning with supervised teaching placements in a variety of educational settings. Key features of the program include:

• Blends theory and practice to equip graduates with both knowledge and practical experience.
• Offers placements in a range of educational settings to provide a broad understanding of teaching in secondary schools.
• Provides opportunities to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a requirement for teaching in England.
• Prepares graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively in a secondary school setting.

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Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of the English curriculum, pedagogical approaches, and assessment strategies.
• Gain practical teaching experience through placements in secondary schools.
• Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective English teacher in a secondary school setting.
• Earn a recognized teaching qualification to be eligible for teaching positions in state-maintained schools in England.

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Program Description:

The PGCE English Secondary Education program offers a comprehensive course of study designed to prepare graduates for a successful career in teaching English. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised placements in secondary schools, students will develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become effective English teachers. The program focuses on developing students' understanding of English language and literature, along with pedagogical skills, classroom management techniques, and assessment strategies. Practical teaching experience is gained through placements in a range of secondary school settings, providing students with the opportunity to put theory into practice.

Outline:

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Content:

• English language and literature
• Pedagogical approaches
• Curriculum development
• Assessment and evaluation
• Classroom management
• Special educational needs
• Professional development

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Structure:

The program combines university-based learning with in-school training. Students are expected to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution. Throughout the program, students will complete various assignments, case studies, and assessments to demonstrate their progress and learning outcomes.

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Modules:

The program consists of several key modules, including:

• Practice of Teaching (30 credits): Develop professional knowledge about teaching and learning, explore teaching skills and strategies, gain practical experience in teaching contexts, and meet professional standards for teaching in England.
• Development of Learning: A Case Study (30 credits): Investigate research methods in the context of school policy and practice, analyze the educational needs of individual pupils, and develop strategies to support their learning and development.
• Subject Studies (30 credits): Analyze content, curriculum development, and teaching approaches for various areas within the English curriculum, explore effective strategies for motivating students and fostering problem-solving skills, and implement challenging homework assignments to encourage independent learning and academic progress.
• Negotiated Individual Study in Education (30 credits): Conduct independent academic study relevant to professional development and engage in critical analysis and reflection, expanding general and subject-specific knowledge and skills, and developing the ability to transfer learning to future studies and professional settings.

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Schedule:

The program typically runs from September to July, with teaching placements occurring throughout the academic year. The exact schedule will vary depending on the placement school and student schedule.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Written assignments
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Practical teaching observations
• Reflective journals
Assessment criteria are designed to ensure that students meet the required standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are able to demonstrate:
• A strong understanding of English language and literature
• Effective pedagogical skills and strategies
• Proficiency in classroom management and assessment
• Reflective practice and professional development
• Commitment to ethical and inclusive teaching
## Teaching: The program features a combination of teaching approaches, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Individual supervision
The teaching staff includes experienced English language and literature teachers, as well as educational experts. They are committed to providing a supportive and stimulating learning environment, fostering students' development as effective and reflective educators.

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Unique approaches:

• Strong emphasis on practical teaching experience through supervised placements in various school settings.
• Focus on developing students' reflective practice and critical thinking skills.
• personalized support from experienced and dedicated teaching staff.
## Careers: Graduates of the PGCE English Secondary Education program are qualified to teach English at any state-maintained secondary school in England. The program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in secondary education, including:
• English teacher
• Head of English
• Curriculum coordinator
• Special educational needs coordinator
The program also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in education, such as an MA in Education or a PhD.

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Job prospects:

The demand for qualified English teachers in England is high. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to secure teaching positions in a variety of secondary school settings.

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Starting salaries:

Starting salaries for newly qualified teachers in England are competitive. The salary increases throughout a teacher's career, with opportunities for further advancement through leadership positions and professional development.

Other:

• Funding for the program is available through government bursaries and student loans.
• The University of Sunderland has a strong reputation for teacher education, with a long-standing track record of successful graduates.
• The university offers a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career guidance, and mental health support.
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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 23/24 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.