Program Overview

Overview

The Secondary Physical Education PGCE with QTS is a one-year postgraduate certificate in secondary education. This program is designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree and are striving to become secondary school Physical Education teachers. The course emphasizes practical engagement with the curriculum while developing understanding of the theories that underpin the best models of practice.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• An Honours degree (2:2 or above) with at least 50% relevant content in Physical Education or Sports related studies.
• 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.

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 program.
• Provide two references. Where applicants have current or recent experience working with children or young people, one of the referees should be a member of staff who can comment on their potential to train to teach.
• 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. A health declaration is also required to ensure that the applicant has the health and physical capacity to teach.

All conditions must be met by 31 August for entry in September in the year of application.

Course Detail

The program is divided into two main themes:

• 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 own thinking, teaching skills, and subject curriculum knowledge to a level that can be trialed in placements. Themes include how young people learn, behavior management, assessment, inclusion, creative and innovative teaching methods, and designing learning.
• Physical Education Specialist Subject Pedagogy: This theme provides the opportunity to develop subject teaching in a stimulating way, using different methodologies and new technologies to inspire and engage young people. It helps develop understanding of the Physical Education curriculum, progression, planning, and curriculum development in Physical Education, examination requirements, and inclusion issues in Physical Education.

Modules

• Developing Specialist Subject Knowledge: Develops subject content and pedagogical knowledge to support effective teaching in the specialist subject area. Students develop a systematic understanding of the statutory and non-statutory curriculum frameworks and public examination specifications for their subject and critically analyze and evaluate current research, policy, and practice.
• Pedagogies for Support Learning and Progress in the Secondary School: Develops understanding of pedagogy, focusing on key areas such as how pupils learn and how to support their progress, planning and teaching well-structured lessons, and adapting teaching to support the needs of all learners.
• Professional Values and Practice in Secondary Education 1, 2, and 3: These modules support professional learning in the assessed phases of school-based training, developing theoretical knowledge, understanding, attributes, values, and skills that underpin the Teachers’ Standards.

Placements

During the course, students are required to complete 120 days of compulsory placements across at least two partner schools. The network of partner schools spans various locations, offering a diverse range of educational settings. Students gain valuable insight into the role of a secondary school teacher, supported by both a mentor within the school and a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) from the university.

Facilities

The university provides various facilities to support student learning, including open access computer rooms and teaching spaces designed to simulate real-world educational environments.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees - Full-time: The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students, subject to parliamentary approval.
• Additional Costs: Students should be aware of potential associated traveling costs for placements and the possible charge for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Scholarships and Bursaries: The Department for Education provides financial support for trainee teachers on some secondary subjects, either as a bursary or scholarship, with eligibility and amounts varying based on individual circumstances and subject choice.

Career Support and Outcomes

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in various roles, including Secondary School Teacher, Community Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Education Consultant, Family Support Worker, and Education Mental Health Practitioner. The university offers support networks and services to help students get ahead in their studies and social life, including career guidance and resources to assist with transitioning into the workforce.

Research Excellence

The University of Huddersfield is recognized for its research excellence, with a significant proportion of its research classified as world-leading and internationally excellent. The university's researchers carry out work that makes a real difference to people's lives, and students have the opportunity to engage with and contribute to this research environment.

Student Support

The university provides comprehensive support services to ensure students thrive during their studies. This includes academic support, personal tutoring, and resources to help students navigate their personal student journey. The university is committed to making adjustments necessary to promote positively equality and access for disabled applicants and encourages applicants to identify any special arrangements they may require.