PGCE Technology and Design with Engineering and Manufacturing - Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

Program Overview

The PGCE in Technology and Design prepares graduates to teach at the post-primary level, fostering pedagogical competences in professional values, knowledge, and skills. Through practical learning experiences, hands-on application, and research-informed teaching, the program equips graduates to plan, teach, and assess effectively, leading to qualification for registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

• The PGCE prepares graduates to teach Technology and Design at the post-primary school level.
It enables them to teach other subjects depending on their degree and A-Level specialisms.
• The course focuses on fostering pedagogical competences in:
• Professional Values and Practice
• Professional Knowledge and Understanding
• Professional Skills and Application
• It aims to develop graduates who can:
• Plan, teach, and assess worthwhile learning activities.
• Acquire and apply knowledge & skills for promoting learning.
• Assume responsibility for ongoing personal and professional development.

Program Description:

• The PGCE is a one-year, full-time program.
• It offers practical learning experiences with additional subjects taught in partnership with the Education Authority.
• Students acquire knowledge and skills in areas like CAD, Electronic Systems, PCB production, and Computer Control Systems.
• The program emphasizes hands-on application of knowledge in the classroom.
• It encourages self-motivation and initiative in managing professional development.
• Students will gain a detailed understanding of current research and literature in teaching, learning, and Technology & Design.

Outline:

Structure:

• The PGCE consists of modules, workshops, school placements, and university lectures.
• The main course runs from the end of August to the beginning of June.
• School placements require commitment to the school, usually 8:30-5:00, with evenings spent in lesson preparation.
• A six-week workshop practice is held in the Greater Belfast area, commencing in July each year.

Modules:

| Module Name | Description | Year | Status | |---|---|---|---| | School Experience 1 | Provides opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired in Foundation for Learning and Teaching. Focuses on establishing competence in learning and teaching in a school setting. | 1 | C | | School Experience 2 | Builds upon previously acquired knowledge and skills to develop and demonstrate effective learning and teaching in schools. | 1 | C | | Foundation for Learning and Teaching | Provides a theoretical and practical background for teaching the specialist subject during School Experience 1. Encourages reflection and analysis on the ways theory informs practice. | 1 | C | | Developing Effective Learning and Teaching | Provides a platform to critique the theory and practice of education. Further develops pedagogical content knowledge and application within the specialist subject area. Encourages deeper reflection skills. | 1 | C | | Principles of Religious Education (optional) | Equips students with fundamental knowledge, skills, and pedagogical competency to facilitate effective Religious Education learning experiences at Key stage 3. | 1 | O | | Improving Practice in Religious Education (optional) | Helps students continue developing enhanced competency in knowledge, skills, and pedagogical practice for effective Religious Education learning experiences at Key stage 3. | 1 | O |

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary across modules and may include examinations, coursework, presentations, or a combination of these.
• Timely feedback is provided for coursework assessments and can be individual or group-based.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include formal lectures, practical classes, seminars, group work, problem-based learning, course work assignments, and tutorials.
• The program utilizes interactive lectures with the help of presentation software, videos, and emerging technologies.
• Practical classes emphasize hands-on learning, linking subject pedagogy to research and professional development.
• Seminars extend lecture topics and equip students with research and presentation skills.
• Group work fosters collaborative learning and integration of knowledge from various sources.
• Problem-based learning allows students to integrate professional themes across various disciplines.
• Coursework assignments encourage independent learning, critical analysis, and writing skills development.
• The program fosters a critically reflective practitioner mindset through a focus on research, literature review, and application to practice.

Careers:

• The course equips graduates to teach Technology & Design at the post-primary school level.
• Opportunities exist to teach other subjects depending on individual degree and A-Level specialisms.
• The PGCE provides access to a career in teaching for the 11-19 age range.

Other:

• The program is open to those with an Honours degree in a technology-related subject.
• Applicants require evidence of knowledge, interest, and experience working with young people of post-primary age in an education setting.
• All applicants need to provide two supportive references, a medical certificate of satisfactory health, and pass Access NI clearance.
• The application form is reviewed for spelling, punctuation, and general quality of presentation.
• Applicants must satisfy the Selection Committee on all criteria for admission.
• The PGCE is a recognized teaching qualification in the UK.
For teaching in other jurisdictions, contacting the relevant authorities is recommended.

For PGCE courses commenced in the academic year 2024/25, the following fees apply: Fees NI/ROI Cost GB Cost International/EU Cost NI/ROI Cost £4,750 GB Cost £9,250 International/EU Cost £16,320 More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section.