Secondary Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) PGCE
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Secondary Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) PGCE
About
Our modern foreign language (MFL) PGCE course offers you the opportunity to train to teach French, Spanish and German.
- Engaged tutors who are actively involved in the Association for Language Learning nationally, including President for
- Excellent partnerships with schools for specific training activities e.g. Masterclasses with Key Stage 3 pupils, focus on global dimension, development of effective use of IT for MFL teaching and learning, transition from primary to secondary MFL
- Termly MFL professional development meetings for trainees and teachers to share good practice, as well as regular one-day training courses such as making effective use of the iPad in the MFL classroom
Most often, you will offer one main language for teaching, but many also offer a second language, perhaps at Key Stage 3 level.
Trainees are assessed on their ability to teach pupils in the 11-16 age range, but opportunities for A Level teaching are also included in the programme as appropriate.
Why St Mary's
The course covers all aspects of modern language teaching and learning, with an emphasis on practical activities for use in school. There is a strong emphasis on using the target language in the classroom, as well as planning for the whole ability range to ensure that all pupils are able to make progress.
The experienced modern language tutors work in close partnership with trainees 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.
Course Content
Modules
- General Professional Studies
- Modern Languages: Subject Specialism
- School Experience One (Foundation)
- School Experience Two (Development)
- School Experience Three (Consolidation)
Entry Requirements
- 2:2
- Previous degree
We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.' The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people.
St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
MFL PGCE applicants are expected to have a good degree (2:2 or above) in a related subject.
Additional Requirement Information
- Your degree should have a significant proportion of the subject you wish to teach. Subject knowledge enhancement courses may be set as a condition in some cases, particularly when the degree is not clearly ‘in line’ with the subject you are applying to.
- GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at level 4 (grade C if taken before 2017) or above (or equivalent). GCSE equivalents are offered by St Mary's University.
- 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.
- Two appropriate references (from an academic tutor or line manager) supporting your suitability for teaching. 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.
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.
Your training is most likely to take place in mixed, state comprehensive school environments. If you are choosing to complete some school observation as part of making an informed decision about teaching then we would encourage you to do so in a similar school setting.
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
September 2025
- Home: £9,535
- International: £17,970
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.
Information about financing your studies can be found within the Fees & Funding section.
Additional Costs
Please note: Tuition fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
How the Degree is Taught
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. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.
Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and university-based work.
Other assessments are used to ensure students understand and can apply the knowledge. This is done through a range of methods:
- Self-assessment
- Presentations
- Micro-teaching
- Essays
- Practical sessions
- Lesson observations
Assessment is on-going and against the Teachers’ Standards. High standards of attendance, punctuality and participation are requirements of all course elements.
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.
At the end of the PGCE course, you will have the opportunity to complete a three-week placement in a special education setting. This is highly valued by trainee teachers to broaden their understanding of specific learning needs for some learners.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
MFL PGCE:
This program trains individuals to become secondary school teachers specializing in French, Spanish, and German languages.
Objectives:
- Equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach MFL to students aged 11-16.
- Develop a deep understanding of modern language pedagogy and curriculum.
- Cultivate the ability to adapt teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning needs and abilities.
Description:
- Participants engage in extensive school placements, gaining hands-on teaching experience.
- The program emphasizes the use of the target language in the classroom and encourages innovative teaching approaches.
- Participants have the option to pursue additional qualifications in Catholic Religious Studies.
Outline:
Course Content:
- Modules encompass various aspects of MFL teaching, including subject knowledge, pedagogy, classroom management, and assessment.
- Key areas covered include:
- Modern Languages: Subject Specialism
- Effective Teaching and Learning
- Investigating Teaching and Learning
- Supporting Learning
- Trainees typically teach pupils between 11 and 16 years old, with opportunities for A Level teaching depending on the program's evolution.
Schedule:
- The program is delivered full-time over one year.
- Modern Languages: Subject Specialism (Core): This module focuses on deepening subject knowledge in the chosen MFL.
- Effective Teaching and Learning (Option): This module equips participants with effective teaching strategies and approaches.
- Investigating Teaching and Learning (Option): This module fosters the ability to critically analyze teaching methods and evaluate their effectiveness.
Teaching:
Methods:
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical exercises.
- A strong emphasis is placed on active learning and engagement.
Faculty:
- Experienced MFL tutors with a strong track record in teacher education.
- Tutors actively engage in professional development and contribute to national MFL discussions.
Unique Approaches:
- The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging trainees to share best practices and support each other.
- Regular professional development meetings and training courses are offered to trainees and teachers, promoting continuous learning and improvement.
Assessment:
Methods:
- Trainees are assessed on their ability to meet the Teachers' Standards through continuous assessment throughout the program.
Careers:
Opportunities:
- The program boasts high employment rates, with over 90% of graduates securing teaching roles.
- Graduates enjoy opportunities to teach in various school settings, including secondary schools, independent schools, and international schools.
Outcomes:
- Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers as MFL teachers.
- St Mary's University is committed to equality and diversity, welcoming applications from individuals from all backgrounds.
- The program promotes a close-knit and supportive learning community.
- Home: £9,250
- International: £16,500
