Program Overview

PGCE Secondary Music with QTS

The PGCE Secondary Music with QTS is a one-year postgraduate certificate in education that prepares students to teach the secondary school music curriculum for the 11-16 age range. This practical course immerses students in music-making and teaching, encouraging them to use and develop their musical skills.

Course Overview

The course focuses on teaching music musically, enabling students to plan and deliver lessons rich in musical content and activity. Students learn how to engage pupils in meaningful musical experiences, consider creative and inclusive ways to teach music, and explore strategies to make music accessible and meaningful for all learners.

Features and Benefits

• Employability: Students gain the skills and experience to teach music at Key Stage 3, GCSE, and potentially A/AS-levels.
• Teaching Experience: Students spend at least 120 days on placement in mainstream secondary schools, gaining experience in teaching and learning.
• Postgraduate Credits: Upon graduation, students achieve 60 masters-level credits, which can be put towards further study and career development.
• Partnerships: The university has partnerships with over 500 schools, colleges, and educational organizations, providing students with a range of school experiences.
• Research-Led Teaching: Many staff members are active researchers in education, and their research influences the programs.

Year 1

In the first year, students study core modules, including:

• Subject Pedagogy: Develops students' ability to reconceptualize their knowledge and understanding of their subject and apply it to planning, preparation, and classroom teaching.
• Secondary Professional Studies: Explores current and critical issues, educational theory, and research connected to practice in schools.
• Professional Development and Employability (Secondary Education): Supports students in reflecting upon and developing their professional practice and teacher identity.
• Placement A (Secondary PGCE): Enables students to demonstrate their progress toward meeting the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status.
• Placement B (Secondary PGCE): Provides contexts for students to put into practice their own learning, reflect on their actions, and evaluate their role in relation to pupils' learning.

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 21% lectures, seminars, or similar; 67% placement; 12% independent study.
• Full-time: 50% coursework; 50% practical; 0% examination.

Entry Requirements

• Degree: A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honors degree awarded by a UK university or an equivalent higher education qualification.
• GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics.
• Other Requirements: Appropriate post-16 qualifications, ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, excellent interpersonal skills, and an informed and realistic understanding of the complexities and challenges of teaching in a secondary school.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in Further Study: 93.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, postgraduate taught graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore Your Options and Build Sought-After Skills: The university's Careers Service supports students in getting ready for what comes next, whether that's continuing their studies or pursuing their work ambitions.

Your City, Your Community, Your Campus

Life in Manchester offers an inspiring and welcoming setting for studies, with a history of driving progress and a diverse community of bold creatives, sport obsessives, and pioneers in science, engineering, health, education, business, and law. The university's city-center campus provides modern learning spaces, a lively Students' Union, and fantastic social hubs and sporting facilities.