Program Overview

Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary is a teacher training program that prepares students to teach ages 11-16 (Key Stages 3 and 4), with additional experience in 6th Form. The program is designed to develop the skills and expertise necessary to inspire and lead the next generation.

What You'll Learn

Students will learn how to be effective and inspiring teachers, equipped with advanced subject-specific knowledge. The program covers topics such as:

• The key factors that influence pupils' learning and outcomes
• The North East's unique educational context
• Safeguarding the young pupil in their care
• Planning, delivering, and assessing for meaningful and purposeful learning
• Creating motivating and engaging learning environments
• Behavior management strategies and techniques
• Effective ways to teach pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or who have English as an additional language
• Engaging critically with research and using evidence to critique practice
• Planning and working as part of educational teams
• Contributing positively to the wider school culture

How You'll Learn

The program has a focus on learning from experience, through reflection and enquiry. Students will analyze the practice of other teachers and evaluate and reflect on their own teaching throughout. The program includes hands-on teaching groups and Intensive Training and Practice sessions, equipping students with practical skills and techniques to take directly into the classroom.

Your Development

The program includes placements in two different schools, both arranged by Newcastle University. Students will begin by observing experienced teachers and then start teaching lessons themselves, gradually increasing the number of lessons they teach over time. A key feature of the program is the exceptional level of support available to trainees, including in-depth seminars and one-on-one mentorship.

Your Future

A PGCE with QTS opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in education, both within the UK and internationally. With this qualification, students will be in high demand, as schools seek qualified, skilled teachers who can make an immediate impact on the lives of young people.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence. The university's research power has increased by 65% since 2014, and 42% of its research is classified as 4* world-leading.

Facilities

As part of the Secondary PGCE course, students will have access to the university's resource centre, IT service and computer clusters, library services, and two postgraduate research student study rooms.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student's status (home or international) and the specific course. Home students starting in 2025 entry will pay a maximum fee of £9,535, while international students will pay £25,900. There are also various funding opportunities available, including scholarships and bursaries.

Entry Requirements

The program requires a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, with at least 50% of the degree in the subject the student intends to teach. Students must also have GCSEs or O Levels (grades A-C/ 4-9) in English language and mathematics, or equivalent. Modern language applicants must have at least some elementary knowledge of the language they intend to teach.

How to Apply

Applications for the program are made through the Department for Education website, not through Newcastle University's postgraduate application system. The application process includes an interview day, which involves a range of activities, including a presentation, interview, written tasks, and a written language task (for modern foreign languages applicants only). Students must also have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and undergo a medical assessment before starting the course.