Program Overview

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PGCE Secondary Teaching with QTS (salaried)

About this course

Train to become a superb Secondary teacher in a wide range of subjects at LJMU and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status.

• Earn whilst you learn on this employment-based initial teacher training programme
• Train to teach whilst an employee in a school setting and take on responsibility for your own classes from the first day of term
• Follow a curriculum developed and delivered in partnership with outstanding local schools
• Learn from LJMU staff at our city centre campus and from expert teachers
• Prepare for a career as an innovative and creative teacher

The Salaried School-led programme is an employment based route which leads to a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status at Secondary level. It is offered by Lead Partners in collaboration with LJMU.

As a Salaried student teacher, you will be employed in a school while you train and will receive a salary from your school (the amount paid is linked to the unqualified teacher pay scale which may be enhanced by schools for some subject areas). The school will also cover the cost of your training to become a qualified teacher.

This programme is usually open to graduates with three years' work experience. Schools can, however, choose to accept applications from candidates with less work experience to attract high-quality applicants. This route is ideal if you are considering a career change, but you must apply with a school willing to support you and to employ you whilst you train. If you are interested in the Salaried School-led route, please contact the Lead Partner to discuss your application, before you apply.

Salaried School-led pathways are only offered by some school consortia. You can find out where it is available by searching the Government's teacher training course search website

Each consortium has a Lead Partner, which works in partnership with LJMU to develop their training programme. While all of the training is based on a framework agreed with the University, each School-Led programme is distinctive and you are advised to check full details of training and requirements on the Lead Partners web pages and get in touch with them before applying.

Applications for salaried School-led places for Primary teaching are made directly to Lead Partners via DfE Apply: Apply for teacher training - GOV.UK ( The interview and selection process is conducted by school staff in association with LJMU.

Our Initial Teacher Training programmes support the development of your: critical understanding of educational theory and practice; reflective practice linked to professional development and practitioner research skills for effective teaching and learning. They also enhance your understanding and the application of your subject knowledge.

Courses can be viewed on the government's Get into Teaching website.

Course modules

Core modules

• Reflecting on learning, teaching and assessment (3-7) (5-11) (11-16) (40 credits)
  • This module is designed to enable student teachers to systematically develop, demonstrate and critically reflect on evidence of competence across all areas of the LJMU ITE Curriculum to ensure that the Teachers’ Standards are met at the end of the programme and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) can be awarded.
  • This module focuses on the teaching placement (minimum 120 days) in a Home School and Alternative Placement. Students plan and evaluate their school-based practice and are supported by mentors and tutors who assess their progress against the LJMU ITE Curriculum. To pass the module and meet the competency requirements, student teachers must pass the placement experience and triangulation process. Student teachers must also complete an Early Career Profile (ECP) outlining targets for early career development.

Optional modules

• Becoming a Professional Teacher (3-7) (5-11) (11-16) (20 credits)
  • The aim of this module is to develop student teachers' understanding of both subject-specific and general pedagogies, and to develop competent and knowledgeable teachers with an understanding of learning, teaching and assessment.
  • Students will reflect on theoretical and practical understanding of subject and / or phase teaching, including subject knowledge and teaching approaches. Taught sessions will include curriculum models and delivery, early mathematics, early reading and writing, classroom management (inc. behaviour) and effective teaching methods. Pedagogical approaches will focus on the teaching of core and foundation subjects, including teacher explanations, modelling, questioning and dialogue, group, adapting teaching and independent learning including stretch and challenge, etc. Students will also learn how to effectively assess and record progress, including both formative and summative methods of assessment.
• Education and Schooling (3-7) (5-11) (11-16) (20 credits)
  • This module provides an option to complete a postgraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme with an alternative exit award WITHOUT recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). In this module, students will develop a critical understanding of the contemporary policy landscape of education and schooling in England, with reference to educational research and scholarship, informed by personal observation of practice.

Professional accreditation

In June 2023, Secondary Initial Teacher Training received a “good” rating following a rigorous 4-day inspection. Ofsted noted many strengths in provision, which are noted below.

Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that goes beyond the DfE’s core content framework and is underpinned by appropriate and pertinent research. Student teachers discuss and debate relevant theory in the centre-based training and are given opportunities to apply their understanding in placement schools.

Trainees’ professional and subject-specific studies are clearly and purposefully interwoven at this partnership. For example, trainees get a secure grounding in generic pedagogy, as well as the subject-specific knowledge that they need to teach their subject well. Tutors and mentors help trainees to understand the connections between what they are learning and how to use and apply this knowledge in placement schools.

The provider has developed a network of strong relationships with partner schools. Communication between the different partners is a strength. Furthermore, all partners display a strong commitment to supporting the ambition of social justice for all pupils. Student teachers understand the importance of breaking down barriers to learning for disadvantaged pupils and for pupils with SEND and also learn about ensuring equality of opportunity for all pupils in their care.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

Study hours

University-based study includes:

• one full day in university at the start of the course in September
• 25 half-day sessions in university throughout the duration of the course

You will undertake a significant amount of independent study and preparation to support your course assignments and school-based work (planning, preparation and assessment).

The majority of your training will take place in your employing school.

Teaching methods

You will learn via lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, group discussion and reflection, problem-solving and micro-teaching. You will also make use of our online learning environment.

You will be allocated a Teacher Mentor who will organise and supervise your school-based training. Your Mentor will be supported by your LJMU Liaison Tutor who will visit your school several times to monitor your progress. Additional professional development sessions are organised in school during placements.

Tutorial support is an important part of the LJMU learning process and you will receive a personalised service that will enable you to set targets and achieve your potential. Your Personal Tutor will support your academic and professional development and will meet with you formally during the year.

Applied learning

You will spend at least 120 days on teaching placement in school in addition to your school-led training.

The vast majority of your teaching experience will take place in a 'Home School' except an additional two-week placement in an 'alternate' school during your training.

School-based training involves the preparation and delivery of learning sequences and lessons to small groups and whole classes of learners, with expectations and workload increasing during the course. This work is supported by a Teacher-Mentor who will enhance your professional learning experience in school.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

During your training there will be ample opportunities for engagement with relevant local employment organisations including schools and teacher recruitment agencies through on campus events.

You will be encouraged to join the relevant professional association for your subject or area of study, providing the opportunity to engage with wider networks of teachers and others interested in your chosen area.

Most of our students go on to work in schools and colleges, locally and nationally, in the state or independent sectors.

Teaching provides a variety of career pathways leading to specialist roles in schools and colleges ranging from pastoral care and subject leadership right through to school leadership positions.

Having gained experience in teaching, a number of graduates move into associated professions such as educational psychology, consultancy, and roles in the education service sector outside of schools.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

Fee:

• £5,210

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

As you are employed while training, you will not be eligible for a training bursary or student finance.

Tuition fees will be paid by your employing school.

Entry requirements

You will need:

Home International

Qualification requirements

• Have a first-degree classification normally a minimum of 2.2 Honours or equivalent from a UK university, or equivalent overseas qualification.
• GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or their equivalent

Further information

• Extra Requirements
  • To demonstrate an interest in teaching within the curriculum area. You could show this in a number of ways – time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area, relevant practical experience
  • Receipt of satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Certificate prior to enrolment
  • Completion of a medical questionnaire, for medical clearance by the LJMU Occupational Health team, to confirm Fitness to Teach.
  • If an applicant needs to improve their subject knowledge, they may be asked to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.
• RPL
  • RPL is not accepted on this programme

International requirements

• IELTS score 7.0 (Minimum 6.5 in each component)

Further information

• Extra Requirements
  • To demonstrate an interest in teaching within the curriculum area. You could show this in a number of ways – time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area, relevant practical experience
  • Receipt of satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Certificate prior to enrolment
  • Completion of a medical questionnaire, for medical clearance by the LJMU Occupational Health team, to confirm Fitness to Teach.
  • If an applicant needs to improve their subject knowledge, they may be asked to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.
• RPL
  • RPL is not accepted on this programme

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

If you want to join a PGCE with us, you will need to apply through the Apply for Teacher Training service here

Applications can be made via Apply to the Lead Partner. Each applicant will be considered in consultation with an LJMU Admissions Tutor and may be asked to attend a selection event in school. The selection process will be led by the schools' Teachers and Senior Leaders and may involve LJMU Tutors.

Ability

Applicants will be assessed for their:

• depth of relevant subject knowledge
• potential to work effectively at Masters level
• ability to work with others in teams
• ability to manage people and projects

Attitude

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate:

• an interest and enthusiasm for their chosen subject area
• an ability to make learning exciting and meaningful to young people in a range of contexts
• commitment to supporting learners in areas of challenging social context
• enthusiasm and resilience

Courses can be viewed on the government's Get into Teaching website.

Location

You should live within reasonable travelling distance of the University and our partner schools for the duration of the course.

Selection events

Selection is based on performance in an interview, teaching and written tasks and may involve the school's learners. The selection process will be led by the schools' Teachers and Senior Leaders and may also involve LJMU Tutors.

Your performance in each part of the selection process is graded, and a final decision is made on your performance across the day. Full details of the interview process will be sent to you in advance of the selection event.

Prior to entry

You will need to meet the Department for Education's standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure, will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.