Program Overview

Introduction to the PGCE (Modern Languages) Program

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year course that offers students the opportunity to train to teach the secondary age group in one of the leading educational establishments in the country. The University of Oxfords Department of Education has a long history in initial teacher education, dating back to 1892, and has consistently received the highest possible designation (Outstanding) from Ofsted in inspections.

About the Course

The PGCE in Modern Languages at Oxford is offered in Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, and Spanish. Students are expected to be able to offer two Modern Languages, and the program provides a range of placements for various combinations of these languages. The course is designed and implemented jointly by colleagues in schools and the university, working in close partnership.

Course Structure

The course begins with an orientation experience in September, spending three days in a primary school of the student's choice. This is followed by the first week in the University of Oxfords Department of Education. The rest of the autumn term is made up of joint weeks with two days spent in the University and three days in school. Students are attached to the same state secondary school for the majority of the year, which makes it possible for them to get to know teachers and pupils in the school and to understand the schools policies and practices.

Course Components

The course has two interrelated components: curriculum subject work and the professional development programme (PDP). Curriculum work includes a range of activities related to the teaching of a specific subject in the secondary school, while the PDP involves a range of activities related to important educational issues.

Compulsory Study

There are two compulsory course components: curriculum subject work and the professional development programme (PDP). Curriculum work includes seminars and workshops in the University, as well as collaborative teaching, solo teaching, observation, and discussion in school. The PDP involves lectures in the University, weekly seminars in school, and a school-led project in the second placement, researching an aspect of the schools provision.

Entry Requirements

The full PGCE entry requirements can be found on the University's Department of Education website. Students should read them carefully before applying.

Funding and Costs

The Department of Education website provides details about the funding opportunities for this course. The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis, and the annual course fees for the academic year are:

• Home: ｣9,790
• Overseas: ｣40,710

Additional Costs

The course involves traveling to placement schools for approximately 130 days, and reasonable school travel costs of around ｣1,300 should be budgeted. In addition to course fees and any additional course-specific costs, students will need to ensure that they have adequate funds to support their living costs for the duration of their course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the PGCE (Modern Languages):

• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• New College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St Peter's College
• Wadham College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Assessment

Assessment of student progress and achievements are jointly carried out by schools and the university. Continuous assessment is used throughout the course, and there are no examinations. Students developing practice as a teacher is reviewed at regular intervals, and they complete two examined assignments, within which they are expected to examine practical issues of teaching and learning from different perspectives.

Graduate Destinations

The numbers of interns going into teaching at the end of the course are high, with most interns having secured a teaching post in a state-maintained school. As of August 2024, 90% of the student cohort had accepted positions as teachers or were seeking teaching roles; of those who had specified their destination, 85% were working as a teacher in the state sector, and 40% were working in a partnership school.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff, and visitors is paramount, and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic, or local health emergency occurs.