Secondary Education in History with QTS PGCE

Overview

This PGCE Secondary Education in History degree qualifies you to teach history at secondary level in any state-maintained school in England. The course blends theoretical knowledge with carefully supervised teaching experience, to develop confident and innovative history teachers who will make this vital subject accessible to all learners. You will attend placements in a variety of educational settings, to build a rich understanding of the realities of secondary level teaching.

Why us?

• All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £31,650, and this will be higher for teachers working in London
• The University of Sunderland has been training teachers for over 100 years
• Use the North East’s rich historical heritage to take part in and develop, teaching and learning through school visits and trips

Course structure

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

Your progress will be assessed through 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 to hold 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.

Although not compulsory to be accepted onto the course, time working or volunteering in school would be advantageous.

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

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.

Individual Learning Plans (ILP)

Individual Learning Plans are an integral part of the PGCE History course and are used to track your academic and professional journey. They track progress with academic study, detailing how you aim to address any areas of development highlighted within assessment feedback from academics. You will use this document to track your progress against the Teachers’ Standards. The Individual Learning Plan will be discussed regularly with your Personal Tutors and will be used to assess your progress and set relevant targets to further your development. These documents form part of the assessment process for teaching practice.

Extracted Information about PGCE Secondary History Education (11-16) with QTS at the University of Sunderland:

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Degree Overview:

• Qualification: PGCE Secondary History Education (11-16) with QTS
• Institution: University of Sunderland
• Duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Program type: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Focus: Prepares graduates to become confident and innovative history teachers, specializing in teaching history to secondary school students (ages 11-16).
• Key elements:
• Blends theoretical knowledge with supervised teaching experiences.
• Develops an understanding of the realities of secondary school teaching through placements in a variety of educational settings.
• Prepares graduates to meet the requirements of history within National Curriculum and GCSE/A Level specifications
• Leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) in England

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Outline:

• Program content and structure:
• Blends university-based learning and in-school training
• Designed to enable students to spend 120 days in schools or other educational institutions
• Involves participation in placements in a variety of educational settings to gain practical skills and understanding.
• Progress assessed through assignments, case studies, and teaching practice observations.
• Course modules:
• Practice of Teaching (30 credits):
Immerse in teaching environments to develop knowledge, skills, and strategies for effective teaching and learning. Gain practical experience in various educational environments.
• Development of Learning: A Case Study (30 credits): Explore research methods to address individual student needs within schools.
Analyze a school's approach towards individual needs and consider strategies for development.
• Subject Studies (30 credits): Investigate content areas taught within the history curriculum.
Develop various approaches for teaching specific topics, form skillful questioning techniques, explore motivating students through challenges and fostering problem-solving abilities, and examine effective homework strategies.
• Negotiated Individual Study in Education (30 credits): Engage in independent research related to professional development.
Gain deeper knowledge and skills, identifying key abilities to transfer learning to further studies and professional settings.

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Assessment:

• Assessed through:
• Written assignments
• Case Studies
• Assessments of teaching practice

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Blends university lectures and seminars with practical experience in school placements.
• Supervised teaching practice allows students to develop and refine their teaching skills under expert guidance.
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified academics specializing in history education and teacher training.
• Unique approaches:
• The program emphasizes a practical approach to learning, heavily focusing on developing practical teaching skills through supervised school placements.
• Placement experiences occur across diverse school settings, providing a broad understanding of the realities of teaching in different environments.

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Careers:

• Career paths and opportunities: Graduates qualify for the QTS, making them eligible to teach history in state-maintained secondary schools in England.
• Potential careers include:
• Secondary history teacher
• Head of history department
• School leader/management
• Curriculum developer
• Educational researcher
• Strong job prospects: All qualified teachers in England have a starting salary of at least £30,000, with opportunities for salary growth and progression into leadership positions.

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Other:

• The University has partnerships with over 650 schools, allowing for diverse placement options.
• Sunderland is a vibrant city offering a range of cultural and leisure activities.
• The program offers support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and disability services.

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Please Note:

This information is based on the provided text and may not be exhaustive. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official University of Sunderland website or contact them directly.

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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.