Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
PGCE Secondary - Geography
The PGCE Secondary in Geography will help you acquire the skills to ignite an enthusiasm for the key geography concepts of space, place and the relationship between people and their environment.
Start Dates
- September 2025
Degree Type
- PGCE
Course Length
- 1 year
Location
- Durham City
Programme Code
- X7KG14
Course Details
The course introduces you to the range and scope of Geography as a curriculum subject across the 11-16 age range. Developing subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, you will examine the techniques employed by the most experienced teachers to make geography accessible and stimulating to pupils of all backgrounds.
You will learn to support young learners to think critically about the world around them while also exploring inventive ways to build their knowledge and understanding of crucial geography concepts, including space and place, how human life is affected by the environment and, increasingly, how human activity affects the environment.
Successful completion of the PGCE leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by Durham University and the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. The QTS element is accredited by Newcastle University and awarded by the Department of Education.
We pride ourselves on offering a well-planned blend of research and experience in the classroom to start you on your successful career as an Early Career Teacher. We emphasise your entitlement to the Core Content Framework throughout our PGCE course to fully prepare you for the Early Career Framework, which will support you during your first two years of teaching as an Early Career Teacher.
The University-based sessions focus on a weekly specific pedagogical theme, integrated with sessions devoted to your subject specialism, delivered by subject specialists in the University and the school partnership.
The Professional Studies sessions explore your understanding of critical concepts and classroom practice, allowing you to reflect on your teacher identity and progress as a developing teacher.
Please note that the course does not run to standard University terms. It is delivered full-time, starting in early September and continues over 10 months.
Course Structure
Year 1 Modules
Core Modules:
- New Generation of Learners: introduces PGCE students to various fundamental educational theories. It starts the journey of addressing the gap between research and practice.
- Pedagogy Practice Inquiry: creates a critical link between PGCE students’ understanding of school-based practice, context and theory, and research and policy related to pedagogy (for example, through the lens of lesson planning).
- Curriculum Development in Practice: offers an opportunity for students to reflect on professional practice in their chosen subject from the perspective of the curriculum.
- Professional Studies and School-Based Practice: The predominantly classroom-based Professional Studies and School-Based Practice fosters a critical understanding of issues related to developing professional competence as a teacher. Areas covered include effective teaching strategies, managing the teaching and learning environment, enhancing professional development, and creative dimensions of teaching and learning.
Learning
The Durham PGCE Secondary is a full-time programme with a strong practical focus. You will spend a significant part of the year (a minimum of 120 days) based in schools through the Durham University Schools Partnership. In addition, there are 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice sessions that will strengthen the link between evidence and classroom practice.
School-based activities support your development to meet the Government's Teachers' Standards and the recommendation for QTS.
The course comprises four modules that enable you to explore ideas in the field of education. Learning methods include a combination of readings and preparation for teaching in school, teaching in schools, teaching time in lectures and workshops, professional studies days, independent study, and assignments.
Assessment
Assessment of the PGCE takes the form of three 2,500-word assignments and evidence portfolios of 1,500 words.
For all your assignments, you will be supported by the module convenor, your tutor, and the academic services within the University.
Entry Requirements
- The equivalent of a UK 2:2 honours degree of which at least 50% should be in the subject you wish to teach. We may accept closely related degree subjects.
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent). We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSE’s. We’ll consider candidates who need to take an equivalency test in English and/or Maths.
- If your qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from ENIC
- For International Applicants for whom English is not their first language, a minimum IELT|S score of 7.0 is required with no individual component less than 6.5.
Your interpersonal qualities and your potential to achieve professional skills relating to the Teachers' Standards will be considered when making an admissions decision. Candidates who meet the criteria, will be invited to an interview which will be held online consisting of a range of questions and a series of tasks designed to illustrate your potential to meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of the course.
It is highly recommended that any foreign nationals applying "have spent six months living in the UK", have had employment or volunteered as a teaching assistant in a state school in England or in an International school following the English national curriculum, have some knowledge of, or experience in working with, the English National Curriculum
Successful candidates will receive an offer conditional upon successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and medical assessment. This is for “fitness to teach” before starting the course.
Alternative Qualifications
- Other UK qualifications
- EU qualifications
- International qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
Fees and Funding
Full Time Fees
- Tuition fees: Home students £9,535 per year, EU students £25,000 per year, Island students £9,535 per year, International students £25,000 per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Education
The consistently high ranking of the School gives us a worldwide reputation for the quality of not only our teaching but the skills and knowledge of our postgraduate community. The delivery of the subject by relevant academic experts brings together world class research, innovative teaching and exceptional support.
Your time as a member of our student community places you in the strong position to pursue a successful career in a range of different sectors. Career opportunities in education are numerous, rewarding, and far reaching.
Most of our PGCE graduates go directly into teaching whilst MA graduates progress into a wide range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management plus jobs in commercial or public sectors.
Department Information
Education
One of the leading education establishments in the UK, Durham’s School of Education provides the skills and experience necessary whether you aspire to become an outstanding teacher, contribute to educational development, or carry out vital research that informs the creation of education practice and policy.
The School of Education offers both teacher training and non-teacher training education programmes, set within a vibrant and engaged learning community of around sixty academic staff and 350 postgraduates. We are a leading educational research centre with strong international ties and numerous partner relationships with schools and colleges.
Our postgraduate courses are flexible and allow you to follow a particular interest. They include MAs in Education, Educational Leadership and Change and Intercultural Communication and Education. We also offer a range of PGCE qualifications at primary and secondary levels and in specific school subjects.
We provide opportunities for learning from academic staff who are leading research and teaching experts in their fields. They underpin our School’s commitment to conducting research that contributes to shaping educational practice and policy, develops educational research and methodologies, informs school improvements and supports the professional development of teachers around the world.
Our portfolio of research projects attracts interest and financial support from important bodies who have a key role in developing education in the UK. They include the Economic and Social Research Council, the Nuffield Foundation, the Sutton Trust, and the Education Endowment Foundation, as well as a range of other organisations and charities.
Similar Courses
- PGCE Secondary - Biology - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - Chemistry - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - English - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - History - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - Mathematics - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - Modern Foreign Languages - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - Physical Education - PGCE
- PGCE Secondary - Physics - PGCE
Program Outline
Outline:
- Course Structure: The PGCE Secondary in Geography consists of several modules across the academic year:
- Module 1: "New Generation of Learners" - Introduces various fundamental educational theories.
- Module 2: "Pedagogy Practice Inquiry" - Explores the link between school-based practice, context, theory, and research related to pedagogy.
- Module 3: "Curriculum Development in Practice" - Allows students to reflect on professional practice from the point of view of the curriculum.
- Module 4: "Professional Studies and School-Based Practice" - Covers effective teaching strategies, classroom management, professional development, and creative dimensions of teaching and learning. Key areas include:
- Human-Environment interaction: Examining the impact of humans on the environment and vice versa.
- Engaging learning methods: Employing innovative techniques to promote understanding and critical thinking amongst students.
- Schedule: Delivered full-time starting in September, with classes spread across 10 months. Specific schedules are likely provided individually and may vary for each student.
Assessment:
- Three 2,500-word assignments: Requires students to delve into specific topics related to pedagogy and classroom practices.
- Two 1,500-word evidence portfolios: Showcases students' teaching skills across various settings.
Teaching:
- Methods: Employing a combination of readings, workshops, lectures, individual and group assignments, and independent reflection.
- Faculty: Delivered by subject specialists both within the University and at partnered schools.
- Uniqueness: Emphasizes the "Core Content Framework" throughout the course, fully preparing students for the "Early Career Framework" meant to support their initial teaching years.
Careers:
- Most graduates directly enter teaching roles across various educational settings.
- Opportunities also exist in educational leadership and management, administration, policy development, and research.
- Some graduates pursue careers beyond education, leveraging their transferable skills into areas like publishing, commercial, and public sectors.
Other:
- The program aims to ignite a deep understanding of Geography and empower students to inspire the same enthusiasm in young learners.
- Offers a well-balanced blend of theoretical understanding and real-world teaching experience. Despite the context's limitations, this response provides a substantial understanding of the PGCE Secondary Geography program offered by Durham University.
Full Time Fees
Tuition fees
Home students £9,250 per year EU students £23,500 per year Island students £9,250 per year International students £23,500 per year The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).