Program Overview

Secondary Geography with QTS (11-16) PGCE

Overview

The PGCE Secondary Geography with QTS (11-16) is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to become a qualified teacher of geography at the secondary level. The program is accredited by the Department for Education and leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Course Features

• Ofsted outstanding provider for Initial Teacher Education
• Professional accreditation
• Professional practice placements
• International students can apply

What You'll Study

• Year 1:
  • Teaching and assessment
  • Evidence-Informed Practice (Secondary Geography)
  • ITE Curriculum and Practice (Secondary)
  • Principles of Learning and Curriculum Design (Secondary Geography)

Compulsory Modules

• Evidence-Informed Practice (Secondary Geography)
  • Module code: SGE4201
  • Credits: 30
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• ITE Curriculum and Practice (Secondary)
  • Module code: SEI100S
  • Credits: 0
  • Assessment: 100% Practical
• Principles of Learning and Curriculum Design (Secondary Geography)
  • Module code: SGE4200
  • Credits: 30
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework

How You'll Study

• A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom
• Extensive placements in schools, putting training into practice through assisting in and taking responsibility for classes
• Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) as a specific and focused element of our teacher training curriculum

How You'll Be Assessed

• A balanced combination of coursework and portfolio assessments, against both academic criteria and the Standards related to QTS
• Various other tasks to demonstrate competence in ICT, numeracy, and literacy, and other areas of Geography
• A final viva to demonstrate achievement against the Teachers’ Standards

Who Will Be Teaching You

• The Faculty of Education has been at the forefront of teacher education for 135 years
• The course leader has published recent highly regarded texts on new approaches to Geography in the classroom
• The team includes highly experienced mentors and senior examiners with the major examination boards

Entry Criteria

• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject
• GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above
• Satisfactory levels of information and communications technology competence
• A commitment to, and understanding of, secondary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values, and motivation required to train as a teacher

How to Apply

• Apply online through GOV.UK
• Read our guide to applying for PGCEs and Postgraduate Teacher Training

Facilities

• The Faculty of Education enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of transformative education, training, and research for the teaching and education workforce
• Housed in a state-of-the-art £9m building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings

Finance

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees:
  • UK Full-Time: £9,535
  • International: £17,000
• Financial support available, including a Department for Education bursary worth £26,000 for eligible students

Your Future Career

• This PGCE is accredited by the Department for Education, leading to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• You’ll be ready to progress into employment as an early career teacher of geography at secondary school level
• Opportunities for career progression, including MA or MRes study, and working towards a PhD.