Secondary Mathematics PGCE
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Secondary Mathematics PGCE
About
Our PGCE Mathematics course offers you the opportunity to train to teach mathematics at secondary school level. Emphasis on subject knowledge through rich tasks and problem solving, work with Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) scholarships applicants, and visiting lecturers from many partnership schools.
Course Content
This PGCE programme focusses on mathematics across Key Stages 3 and 4 with the inclusion of elements of Key Stages 5. The course covers all aspects of mathematics teaching and learning, with an emphasis on practical activities for use in school.
Why St Mary's
Our experienced mathematics tutors work in close partnership with trainees, link tutors and the placement schools. If you wish to study for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies you will be able to complete several of the modules during your PGCE year. This certificate is often a requirement for teaching in a Catholic school.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Our PGCE programmes include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Master’s degree credits. A large part of the programme is spent in assessed school placements that our School Partnership team will arrange for you, based on your home residential address. QTS is required to teach in all state-maintained schools in England.
Modules
- General Professional Studies (Core)
- Mathematics: Subject Specialism (Core)
- School Experience One (Foundation) (Core)
- School Experience Two (Development) (Core)
- School Experience Three (Consolidation) (Core)
Entry Requirements
- 2:2 Previous degree
- Mathematics PGCE applicants are expected to have a good degree in maths (2:2 or above) or a related subject.
- GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at level 4 (grade C if taken before 2017) or above (or equivalent).
- Two appropriate references (from an academic tutor or line manager) supporting your suitability for teaching.
- Successful completion of a physical and mental fitness to teach and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred lists.
School Observation
At St Mary's, we would like all applicants to have made a fully informed decision about considering joining the teaching profession. As part of that decision making process, spending some time in school(s) observing what teachers do and beginning to give some consideration to how they manage learning can be really insightful and informative.
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6 in any section.
Fees & Funding
- Home: £9,535 (September 2025)
- International: £17,970 (September 2025)
- Funding Information: If you are a Home student joining the PGCE programme you may be eligible for a Government training bursary. The bursary amount is based on the highest previous qualification that you have attained to date.
Assessment Methods
Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success. Master's level assignments complement the work in schools and assist in meeting the Teachers’ Standards.
Career Opportunities
The quality of the provision at St Mary’s is valued by our trainees and schools, resulting in high levels of ECT employment in our partnership schools. Employment rates following the PGCE course are frequently over 90% in teaching roles. On the programme you will study two Master's' modules leading to 60 credits at postgraduate level. You will have the opportunity to further your postgraduate studies in your career as these credits are transferable.
Program Outline
- Hone skills in lesson planning, delivery, and assessment
- Gain experience in practical activities for use in the classroom
- Collaborate with experienced mathematics tutors and link tutors
- Understand the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies (optional)
Key Features:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Master's degree credits
- Assessed school placements arranged based on the trainee's address
- Emphasis on practical and research-informed teaching practices
Outline:
Modules:
- General Professional Studies Core
- Mathematics: Subject Specialism Core
- School Experience One (Foundation) Core
- School Experience Two (Development) Core
- School Experience Three (Consolidation) Core
- Reflective Overview Option
- Effective Teaching and Learning Option
- Investigating Teaching and Learning Core
- Supporting Learning Core
Course structure:
- Meets the requirements of the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (ITTCCF)
- Blend of university-based modules and school placements
- Continuous assessment throughout the program
- Master's level assignments
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Self-assessment
- Presentations
- Micro-teaching
- Essays
- Practical sessions
- Lesson observations
Assessment criteria:
- Aligned with the Teachers' Standards
- Continuous assessment throughout the program
- High standards of attendance, punctuality, and participation
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
- Interactive and engaging
- Focus on practical application
- Collaboration with experienced tutors
- Visiting lecturers from partnership schools
Faculty:
- Experienced mathematics tutors
- Link tutors
- Visiting lecturers
Unique approaches:
- Blends university-based and school-based learning
- Emphasis on practical activities
- Research-informed teaching practices
Careers:
Career paths:
- Secondary school mathematics teacher
- Special education teacher (optional placement)
Employment rates:
- Frequently over 90% in teaching roles
Further study:
- 60 Master's degree credits transferable towards further postgraduate studies
Other:
- School observation opportunities encouraged
- 10% tuition fee discount for alumni
- Careers Service support
Additional notes:
- The program focuses on mathematics across Key Stages 3 and 4, including elements of Key Stage 5.
- The program is designed to meet the requirements of the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (ITTCCF).
- Assessment is continuous throughout the program and includes a range of methods.
- The program offers a variety of teaching methods and approaches.
- Graduates have a high employment rate in teaching roles.
- Home: £9,250
- International: £16,500
St Mary's University Twickenham London
Overview:
St Mary's University Twickenham London is a university located in London, known for its strong student experience and high teaching quality. It consistently ranks highly in national university guides for student experience, teaching quality, and location.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
St Mary's University is celebrated for its student experience. The university offers a vibrant campus life and opportunities to enhance career prospects.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top Teaching Quality:
Ranked in the top 5 for teaching quality in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).Exceptional Student Experience:
Ranked in the top 10 for student experience in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).Safe Location:
Ranked among the safest universities in England and Wales (Complete University Guide, 2023).High Employability:
98% of graduates are in employment, vocation, or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2023).Other:
St Mary's University is currently accepting applications through Clearing.
Entry Requirements:
- Mathematics PGCE applicants are expected to have a good degree in maths (2:2 or above) or a related subject.
- GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at level 4 (grade C if taken before 2017) or above (or equivalent). GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) must be in place at application.
- By the end of your teacher training programme you will have to demonstrate that you are competent in functional English and mathematics. This is a Department for Education requirement. All references should be from a professional email address.
- Successful completion of a physical and mental fitness to teach and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred lists, which shows the same as an enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the list of people barred from doing the role are required.
- Original certification (or certified copies) of all qualifications will be required as evidence.
- Physical and mental fitness to teach.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6 in any section.