PGCE - Secondary - Computer Science drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
Program Overview
What makes PGCE - Secondary - Computer Science at Worcester special?
Age phase: 11-16 with post-16 enhancement
Train to teach at the University of Worcester and gain practical experience of the teaching profession by studying a Secondary PGCE in Computer Science.
Learn from research-active academics who offer support and extensive knowledge on training to become a teacher, whilst specialising in the computer science curriculum. You will understand the importance of teaching key computing concepts to the next generation of technology leaders, innovators, and programmers. The postgraduate course will prepare you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and you will gain vital experience through two placements in contrasting school environments throughout the year, which will prepare you for a successful transition into teaching.
Key features
- Train to teach the concepts of computational thinking
- Undertake considerable practical work to increase your knowledge of a range of software tools that are used in schools
- You'll be at the forefront on curriculum innovation in computer science
- Reflect on theoretical considerations such as ethical, environmental and legal issues
- Be fully supported through the process with expert tutorial help.
NB Computer Science is offered through both Core and
School Direct
routes.Stefan - Teacher of Computing
Previous Career: Software Design Engineer
A challenging couple of years started me thinking that there had to be more to life than I was experiencing. The pay in industry was fantastic, I was quite well established and I had managers that looked out for me but something was missing. I'd always loved learning and creating things and had a feeling that I might be able to inspire that in others too, so when the opportunity for redundancy came I took it, volunteered to gain experience and applied to Worcester for teacher training.
It is fair to say that I lacked a lot of confidence at the time, but the folk at Worcester were able to see around that and with their help and that of some excellent placement mentors I graduated as an NQT and went straight into my first post in 2015. Things have gone from strength to strength since then. It is hard work, but you do become a skilled multitasker and it does get easier. Three years on, I am still in the same school, still enjoying it and the thank-you cards and "that's really cool" moments really show that you can make a difference.
Program Outline
What will you study
Subject Knowledge Enhancement
Not sure about your subject knowledge?
Build up or refresh your existing knowledge with a
subject knowledge enhancement (SKE)
programme before the course.
Subjects offered at the University of Worcester:
English, biology, chemistry, physics, design technology (food), religious education.
Find out about the
bursary
.Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course. If there are insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this might not be offered, but we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative.
Subject Knowledge with a Deep Understanding |
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Specialist Subject Opportunities |
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Pedagogy |
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Professional Studies |
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Enhancement Activities |
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Your career |
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- Great employment prospects
- Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation
- Many University of Worcester trainees gain promotion within the first few years of teaching
Careers and Employability
Our Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors.
Find out how we can support you to achieve your potential.
What qualifications will you need?
Entry requirements
Please consult individual subject specialism pages for full details of entry requirements, but most specialisms ask for:
Academic requirements
- Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
- All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language and mathematics
- (for 2022 entry, applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, we offer an equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the Admissions Office for advice by email:
Additional requirements
- An Enhanced DBS check. You will be sent details of how to apply for your DBS in the summer term. You will need to pay for this. You may already be part of the DBS update service . As part of the DBS process, you will be checked against the Children’s Barred List.
- A check against the Prohibition List.
- If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office .
- An online occupational health check. All those on a teacher training programme must be certified as meeting national requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach, as set by the Department for Education.
- International students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Other information
To help you prepare for your interview you can expect questions covering the following:
- the subject knowledge required for teaching the subject curriculum in school
- your ability to critically reflect on your prior experiences in relation to your future development as a teacher
- your understanding of the UK education system and the wider role of a teacher
- how you have overcome challenges in your life and shown resilience
- how you plan to meet the academic and teaching demands of the course.
In addition, we are looking for enthusiasm, commitment, and potential. Clear verbal and written communication skills are integral to this which you will have an opportunity to demonstrate throughout the interview.
- School experience is desirable, but not essential.
- Interviews will be conducted online. Applicants will be contacted directly with more details.
All applications for PGCE Secondary should be made via the
Government's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website
.Additional useful information is available on the
Government's Get Into Teaching website
.