Program Overview

Introduction to PGCE Secondary Spanish with QTS

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Spanish with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a one-year program designed to prepare students to teach Spanish across the secondary school curriculum for the 11-16 age range.

Course Overview

The program aims to develop students' knowledge, skills, and experience to teach Spanish at Key Stage 3, GCSE, and potentially A/AS-levels. Students will learn how to plan lessons, reflect on their planning, and develop their teacher persona. They will also consider how research can inform their teaching practice and explore ways to develop their subject knowledge and understanding of subject specialist teaching.

Course Structure

The program consists of university-based sessions and two teaching placements in different secondary schools or colleges. Students will spend at least 120 days on placement, gaining experience in mainstream secondary schools. The university-based sessions will cover subject pedagogies, professional responsibilities, and expectations.

Core Modules

The program includes the following core modules:

• Subject Pedagogy: This module seeks to develop students as teachers, enabling them to reconceptualize their knowledge and understanding of their subject and apply it to planning, preparation, and classroom teaching.
• Secondary Professional Studies: This module explores current and critical issues, educational theory, and research connected to practice in schools.
• Professional Development and Employability (Secondary Education): This module supports and challenges students to reflect upon and develop their professional practice and teacher identity.
• Placement A (Secondary PGCE) and Placement B (Secondary PGCE): These practice credit modules enable student teachers to demonstrate their progress toward meeting the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have:

• A minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honors degree awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.
• GCSE at grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics.
• An ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• 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. However, students can find information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students.

Careers Support and Prospects

The program provides students with the skills and experience to teach Spanish at Key Stage 3, GCSE, and potentially A/AS-levels. Most graduates go on to work as Spanish teachers in secondary schools. The PGCE program also provides 60 masters-level credits, which can be put towards a masters degree to help develop a career in the field of education.

Additional Information

The program is part of the School of Education at Manchester Metropolitan University, which has a strong reputation for research and teaching. The school has partnerships with over 500 schools, colleges, and educational organizations, providing students with a range of school experiences. Students will be supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.