A group of PGCE students

PGCE Secondary (11–18* and 14–19 age range)

PGCE Secondary Course Brochure for 2010 entry (PDF File)

*All 11–18 nominated courses will aim to develop competence to teach the chosen subject area at Key Stages 3 and 4 i.e. 11–16, which will be the focus of their assessment. We hope, however, to ensure all those on such courses who are interested and competent to teach post-16 will be enabled to do so and thereby enhance their career prospects. Similarly we hope to enable all 14–19 trainees to experience teaching at Key Stage 3 (11–14).

Our course is recognised by Ofsted for the quality of tuition, and also of support given to trainees: "The calibre of training in the University College and its schools is exceptional". All our courses have successfully been inspected by Ofsted in the last 3 years and are seen as of good or very good quality.

PfCE or PGCE

Two pathways are available to graduates who wish to become secondary teachers. The Professional Certificate in Education (PfCE) requires work at H (honours) level.The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) requires work at M (masters) level. Both pathways lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Applicants are required to register their preferred pathway at the outset of their studies. For both pathways, alongside your subject-specific studies you will follow a course in Educational and Professional Perspectives. This course addresses cross-curricular issues vital to all teachers, including pastoral care, special educational needs, assessment, behaviour management and equal opportunities. In addition, there are courses offered to update ICT skills, and to strengthen subject knowledge.

Golden Hello

If you are eligible to receive Golden Hello please contact Verity Whatmough (020 8240 4241 / whatmoughv@smuc.ac.uk) who will send an application form to you. Please make sure you give us your up-to-date address as the information on our database might be out of date.