Secondary Religious Education Subject Booster

Overview

Course length: 8 weeks full-time
Start dates: August 2025, August 2026
Location: Edge Hill University and Online study
Example offers: An offer of a place on the PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University. View full entry criteria
Subject(s): Education and Teaching
Faculty: Education
Department: Secondary and Further Education

This course is for you if you have applied to study PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS (11-16) and your admissions tutor has determined that you require enhancement of your subject knowledge.

The aim of the course is to develop your subject knowledge in RE to prepare you to teach the major world faiths and philosophical arguments to learners aged 11-16 years.

What you'll study

• Course content
• Teaching and assessment

If you have a degree in Religious Studies related subject, or a degree which contains a small amount of religious or theological study alongside other subjects, and you wish to train as a Religious Education teacher then this course will be suitable for you prior to a Secondary Religious Education PGCE. It is designed for applicants without a breadth and depth of Religious Education study in their degree who may need to improve their subject knowledge as a condition of entry to the PGCE. The course could also be suitable if you have a Religious Studies or Theology degree but only specialised in a handful of faiths.

The course is designed to address subject knowledge including:

• The 6 major world faiths e.g., Hinduism, Judaism and Buddhism
• Explore beyond the big 6 e.g., Jainism and Mormonism
• Developing knowledge of the lived nature of faith and belief
• Exploration of places of worship
• Investigating faith through the narratives of believers
• The nature and context of ‘worldviews’ in an inclusive RE curriculum

How you'll study

The course is delivered for one day a week over an eight week period. Sessions will be a mixture of visits to sites of religious significance, ‘lecture style’ live presentations, one-to-one tutorials and opportunities to engage with members of the various faith and worldview communities.

How you'll be assessed

There are no formal examinations. You will need to complete a subject knowledge audit and an independent learning log which will demonstrate how your knowledge and understanding of the subject content has developed. You will be given guidance on how to do this in the initial session.

Entry criteria

You may apply for the course if you have been offered a place on the PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University.

Completion of this booster course may form part of your offer conditions for a place on the PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS (11-16). Please note, however, that completion of this course does not necessarily qualify you for a place on the PGCE.

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.

Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology.

Our nearby piazza building houses our Research Hub and our Secondary and Further Education department including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.

Finance

• 2025/26

Tuition fees

UK Full-Time

Free of charge for the course

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Track changes to this course

Course duration - 10 March 2025

Course duration corrected following clarification.

Course delivery - 3 March 2025

Course locations updated following clarification.

Course title change - 29 May 2024

Course title change from Religious Education Subject Knowledge Enhancement to Secondary Religious Education Subject Booster

Edge Hill University

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Overview:

Edge Hill University is a public university located in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England. It is known for its strong focus on teaching and student experience, having been recognized as an "Outstanding Provider for Initial Teacher Education" by Ofsted in 2024. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:

Campus and facilities:

Modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student accommodation.

Fees and funding:

Information on tuition fees and financial aid options.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Student experience:

Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, and societies.

Support and wellbeing:

Counseling services, academic support, and career guidance.

International students:

Dedicated support for international students.

Parents:

Resources and information for parents and supporters.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edge Hill University offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:

Strong community:

A welcoming and inclusive community with a focus on student well-being.

Extracurricular activities:

Opportunities to participate in sports, clubs, societies, and volunteering.

Events and activities:

Regular events and activities organized by the university and student groups.

Location:

A picturesque campus located in a charming town with easy access to nearby cities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Outstanding teaching:

Recognized for its high-quality teaching and student support.

Strong student experience:

Focus on student well-being and providing a positive learning environment.

Modern facilities:

Well-equipped facilities and resources to support student learning.

Career support:

Dedicated career services to help students find employment after graduation.

Vibrant campus life:

A lively and engaging campus community with opportunities for personal growth.

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Academic Programs:

Edge Hill University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and health sciences.

Postgraduate programs:

Master's degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and research degrees.

Teacher training:

PGCE programs for aspiring teachers.

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Other:

Research:

The university conducts research across various fields, including education, health, and the arts.

Awards and recognition:

Edge Hill University has received numerous awards and accolades for its teaching, student experience, and research.

Location:

The university is located in a convenient location with easy access to major cities and transportation links.