Secondary Education, PGCE

These one-year programmes comprise of two elements; university-based teaching (60 days) and school-based experience (120 days). These enable student teachers to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to teach in secondary schools. Practical teaching experience is gained in two main schools, where student teachers are allocated a subject-specialist mentor who offers feedback and guidance. University sessions are designed to prepare student teachers for both teaching and assignments.

Both certificates enable student teachers to be formally assessed against the national standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The postgraduate certificate also offers an opportunity for Master's-level credits to be gained through the submission of appropriate assignments.

The PGCE Secondary Music offers some practical teaching experience outside the school setting, for example in local education authority music service and outreach projects, and is run in collaboration with Trinity College of Music.

Students wishing to teach Design and Technology but who do not have the appropriate first degree may take a one year subject knowledge enhancement course before joining the Design and Technology programme.

Aims of the programme
* To develop the practical knowledge and theoretical understanding for teaching secondary school children
* To develop students knowledge of the National Curriculum
* To widen individual skills, expertise and knowledge of a specialist subject
* To develop a wider understanding of English education, for example, the 'Every Child Matters' agenda

Career options
Graduates are equipped for careers working in secondary schools and other educational settings.