Program Overview

Overview

The Secondary Computing PGCE with QTS is a one-year postgraduate certificate in secondary education designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree who aspire to become secondary school Computer Science teachers. This course is currently full and closed to new applications.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• An Honours degree (2:2 or above) with at least 50% relevant content in Computing, Computer Science, or ICT.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme) or equivalent.
• If the first language is not English, IELTS 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5.
• If all or part of the qualifications are from outside the UK, a UK ENIC statement of comparability is required.

Application to the PGCE via Subject Knowledge Enhancement Programme

• If the degree qualification does not meet the normal entrance requirements, a place may be offered conditionally on the successful completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement programme (SKE).

Other Requirements

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and have the intellectual and academic potential to meet the required Teachers’ Standards by the end of the programme.
• Provide two references, with one being from a member of staff who can comment on the applicant's potential to train to teach if they have current or recent experience working with children or young people.
• Offers are subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure checks, and applicants must not previously have been barred from teaching or working with children.
• Complete a health declaration to ensure the applicant has the health and physical capacity to teach.

Course Detail

The course is divided into two main themes:

1. Initial Professional Development: This theme allows students to explore creative ways to interpret their knowledge into a language a child can understand. It prepares students for the classroom, enabling them to develop their thinking, teaching, and subject knowledge base to a level they can trial in placements. Themes include educational psychology, how young people learn, behaviour management, assessment, inclusion, creative and innovative teaching methods, and designing learning.
2. Computer Science Specialist Subject Pedagogy: This theme extends students' subject knowledge to cover the subject content needed to teach a wide range of Information Technology, Digital Literacy, and Computer Science courses to secondary pupils. Students learn how to plan and teach effective lessons covering areas such as algorithms, programming and development, data and data representation, hardware and processing, communication and networks, and information technology skills, knowledge, and understanding.

Modules

• Developing Specialist Subject Knowledge: Develops subject content and pedagogical knowledge to support effective teaching in the specialist subject area.
• Pedagogies for Support Learning and Progress in the Secondary School: Develops understanding of pedagogy, focusing on how pupils learn and how to support their progress.
• Professional Values and Practice 1, 2, and 3: Supports professional learning in the school-based training phases, developing theoretical knowledge, understanding, attributes, values, and skills.

Placements

• Students are required to complete 120 days of compulsory placements across at least two partner schools.
• Placements are supported by a mentor within the school and a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who provides guidance and evaluates progress.

Fees and Finance

• The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students.
• Additional costs may include travel for placements and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• The Department for Education provides financial support for trainee teachers on some secondary subjects, either as a bursary or scholarship, depending on the subject and degree classification.

Career Support and Outcomes

• Previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Secondary School Teacher, Community Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Education Consultant, Family Support Worker, and Education Mental Health Practitioner.
• The University offers support for career development and further study, including the opportunity to pursue a Master’s or PhD.

Research Excellence

• The University of Huddersfield is recognized for its research excellence, with three-quarters of its research being world-leading and internationally excellent.
• Researchers carry out work that makes a real difference to people's lives, and the University is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.