PGCE Physical Education (PGCE)

Program Overview

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PGCE Physical Education (PGCE)

Award

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Typical Offer

2:2 degree

Duration

1 year

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Highfield and in school

Next course starts

September 2025

About this course

Develop the knowledge and skills to become a qualified PE teacher on this PGCE Secondary training course in physical education. You’ll split your time between the University of Southampton and school placements as you learn how to work with pupils aged 11 to 16 (Key Stages 3 and 4). You’ll qualify to work as a teacher in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

On this course you’ll learn how to be a successful secondary school teacher specialising in physical education within the UK’s National Curriculum framework.

We’ll train you in the PE-specific skills and knowledge you’ll need to teach young people how to:

• excel in a range of physical activities
• be physically active for sustained periods of time
• take part in competitive sports and activities
• lead healthy, active lives

You’ll also learn how to:

• use effective teaching methods and resources
• manage the classroom
• monitor and assess pupils
• teach for equality and inclusion

The course is divided into 2 parts - school-based experience and University-based experience.

You'll spend time in 2 placement schools in the Southampton area, giving you the chance to experience lesson observation, team teaching, and working with small groups and whole classes

You’ll work closely with your subject mentor through your placements.

University-based work will prepare you for your placements, evaluate your school-based work, and develop key skills and good practice. Personal reflection and evaluation are a vital part of your training.

Entry requirements

You’ll need:

• a 2:2 degree (UK honours degree or equivalent) in a relevant subject
• strong subject knowledge
• GCSEs (minimum grade 4/C) in English language and maths

If you don't have the required GCSEs we'll ask you at the offer stage to take equivalency tests. You'll need to cover the cost of the tests yourself.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Secondary school classroom experience may strengthen your application.

Before applying, make sure you’ve read the National Curriculum for Physical Education and the standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.

We do not accept IELTS in lieu of the English Language GCSE requirement.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 7.0
• reading: 6.5
• writing: 6.5
• speaking: 6.5
• listening: 6.5

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Course structure

During our PGCE Secondary Physical Education course, you'll study 4 compulsory modules which are assessed at Masters-level and lead to the award of the PGCE. The course is full-time and your studies will begin in September and run until June. You'll have breaks over the Christmas and Easter holidays.

In September, you'll begin your main placement and you'll have an experienced school-based mentor to provide individual support and help you with your progression.

Throughout the academic year, you'll divide your time between the university and 2 placement schools.

The number of days are usually:

• 120 days training and teaching experience in 2 placement schools
• 20 days intensive training split between the university and key partnership schools
• 20+ days subject-specific training at university
• Additional professional studies training and enrichment opportunities at university

Through working in 2 placement schools you'll develop an understanding of how different schools operate. Towards the end of studying this physical education PGCE course, you'll be able to confidently manage an early-career teacher's timetable.

Your placements will take your living location and options of transport into consideration. At the time placements are chosen, your identified training needs will be factored into the decision.

We work closely with schools across Southampton and have a long history of working with Salisbury schools in order to secure excellent placements. We also have strong partnerships with schools throughout Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

Assignment A: Perspectives on Behaviour Management

The outcomes of the module are for the student to make an oral presentation on their investigations into how to manage behaviour for positive classroom learning. This assignment will be introduced following a university and school-based block of Intensive Training.

Assignment B: Subject Pedagogy

The outcomes of the module are for students to submit an essay that includes two elements: a) a literature review of the topic b) a detailed Lesson Plan with commentary This will be a subject-specific module and through lesson plan commentary the student will demonstrate their understanding of the National Curriculum requirements for Physical Education.

Assignment C: Practitioner Inquiry Project

The outcomes of this module are for students to engage in a small-scale practitioner inquiry project within their subject-disciple. There will be two elements: a) An inquiry plan which will outline how the student will place the chosen aspect under scrutiny b) A written report of the findings.

Assignment D: Becoming a Teacher

This module consists of a Professional Portfolio of Evidence from Teaching across all Placement Schools/Colleges. It is assessed against the Teachers’ Standards and is used to evidence that QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) has been met by the Trainee Teacher.

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• workshops and seminars
• tutorials
• group activities
• directed study
• independent study and research
• conference days
• guest speakers

Assessment

We’ll assess you using:

• written assignments
• a presentation
• a portfolio

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

You’ll have the support of a school-based mentor during your practice placements.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding, bursaries and scholarships for teacher training

There is a variety of government funding available for teacher training, including bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.

Find out more and check your eligibility on the Department for Education website.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

You must apply for this course on GOV.UK. You’ll need to create an account in order to submit your application.

Application deadlines

The deadline to apply for this course is early July 2025.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the deadline if places are filled. We allocate places on a continuous basis from October 2024 until the course is full.

Visit GOV.UK for the latest information on PGCE course availability.

Supporting information

GOV.UK processes applications for this course. When you apply, they’ll give you details of any supporting information or documents you’ll need to supply.

Academic and employment history

We require all applicants to provide a full breakdown of their previous employment and academic study, including career breaks, from age 16 (GCSE) up to the point of their DFE application.

Original documents

You'll need to provide copies of your original academic qualifications, for example GCSE, A Level and degree, during the application process.

If you join the course, you will also need to provide your original documents in person during induction. Please allow enough time to order replacement certificates if you no longer have your originals.

We will only accept certificates or a final official Statement of Results from the awarding body. We do not accept Candidate Statement of Provisional results and we are also unable to accept letters from educational establishments/schools or colleges as confirmation of results. For evidence of undergraduate education, we will accept a certificate and/or official transcript.

What happens after you apply

After applying through GOV.UK you’ll hear from us by email. We have 40 days to respond, but most applicants hear back much sooner.

If you get through to the next stage we’ll invite you to an interview with tutors, where we’ll assess your suitability for training and teaching. We’ll also ask you to give a short presentation and carry out a written task.

We’ll then decide whether to offer you a conditional place. The decision will be uploaded to your GOV.UK application within 5 working days.

All offers are conditional on enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and health checks. You will need to pay for these checks.

If you have spent time outside of the UK, you will also need to obtain criminal record checks from the countries you have lived in.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Program Outline

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Careers:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Employment in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales

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Other:

• 10% alumni discount on tuition fees
• Postgraduate Master's Loans (UK nationals only)