Program Overview

Education (Computing, Digital Skills and Creative Enterprise)

Overview

The PGCE in Computer Science, Digital Skills and Creative Enterprise 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 Digital Skills, Information Technology, Digital Technology, Computer Science and related disciplines in creative multimedia and enterprise across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of a range of Digital Skills, IT, Computing and Creative Enterprise qualifications 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 coursework.

Entrance Requirements

• At least an Honours degree (and/or higher degree) in an area allied to Computer Science, Digital Skills and/or Creative Enterprise.
• Other acceptable combinations include: An Honours degree PLUS a Master's degree in an area allied to Computer Science/Software Systems Development, Digital Skills or Creative Enterprise which has been awarded prior to applying for the PGCE course.
• At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification.

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 in post-primary schools in NI and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence. These costs vary depending on the location of the placement provider.
• Students will be expected to dress professionally and may incur additional costs for clothing.
• Additional costs will be incurred for the creation of teaching materials whilst on placement, which may be partly absorbed by the placement school (e.g. photocopying).

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: Knowledge and Understanding, Skills, Cognitive skills, Transferable Skills
• Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Information Technology/ Computing Studies

• Aims: to develop students' confidence and competence in the teaching of their chosen specialist subject area (Information Technology/ Computing) and in the general professional role of the teacher.
• Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding and Subject Specific Teaching Competence, Skills, Cognitive skills, Transferable Skills
• Assessment: Coursework (100%)