Program Overview

Education (English) PGCE

Overview

The PGCE in English is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS). The course is aligned broadly with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, supporting graduates in teaching English across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of English and in the general professional role of the teacher.

Course Structure

After enrolment, you will complete an Induction week followed by a short placement in a primary school in early September.

The next six week block of the course is devoted to university-based tuition (subject-specific taught sessions and directed independent study) before you commence your first period of professional placement based in a school (11 weeks) after a short mid-term break.

At the beginning of February, you return to university-based tuition in preparation for your second professional period in a school (12 weeks). A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the beginning of June.

Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in University-based modules, which are assessed through course work.

Entrance Requirements

• At least a 2:2 Honours degree (and/or higher degree) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University where at least half of the content must be in English or English Literature.
• At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification.
• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Career Prospects

This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).

Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £4,750
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £4,750
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,250
• EU Other £20,800
• International £20,800

Additional Course Costs

• Students are required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Check with Access NI costing £32 and are responsible for funding this themselves.
• Students have two mandatory placements and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence.

Modules

Educational and Professional Studies

• Aims: to provide some of the essential background that students will need to understand when working in classrooms and schools; to encourage students to reflect on pedagogy as a systematic discipline that can be theorised and researched with a view to developing more effective practice; to encourage students to reflect on how children learn with a view to optimising their learning through effective pedagogical approaches.
• Learning Outcomes: develop their knowledge and understanding of wider educational issues and practices; analyse and reflect on aspects of school organisation encountered during school experience; consider issues related to teaching as a career.
• Skills: identify and evaluate educational concepts and issues related to education and to engage in critical debate about current educational issues; reflect on classroom and group management issues; discuss and reflect on educational issues with other students in other subject areas.
• Coursework: 100%
• Examination: 0%
• Practical: 0%
• Credits: 10
• Module Code: EDU7208
• Teaching Period: Full Year
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core

English Studies

• Overview: This module aims to develop students' confidence and competence in the teaching of their chosen specialist subject area (English) and in the general professional role of the teacher.
• Learning Outcomes: demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence in the application to their own teaching; of the requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum in relation to this subject, current and revised, and associated examination specifications; of teaching methodologies and how pupils learn; of subject specific pedagogical content knowledge from Key Stage 3 to A level.
• Skills: reflect on their classroom practice through lesson evaluations; reflect on their school experience through their Formative Profile and Career Entry Profile; critically evaluate broader educational issues raised in General Lectures, tutorials and workshops in the context of teaching their subject.
• Coursework: 100%
• Examination: 0%
• Practical: 0%
• Credits: 30
• Module Code: EDU7207
• Teaching Period: Full Year
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Pre-requisite: No
• Core/Optional: Core