About this course

Gain the knowledge and skills to be a fully qualified English teacher on this PGCE Secondary course at the University of Southampton. You’ll divide your time between school placements and the University as you develop the theory and techniques to teach the subject to all secondary school pupils. With this qualification you’ll be able to work in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course will prepare you to teach young people aged 11 to 16 within the UK’s National Curriculum for English framework (Key Stages 3 and 4).

There will also be opportunities to learn about teaching students aged 16 to 19.

You’ll build on your existing knowledge of English language and literature and learn the most effective methods for helping young people to:

• become fluent readers and writers
• improve their vocabulary and use of grammar
• understand and enjoy English literature
• explain, listen and debate

Your training will also teach you essential skills such as:

• managing the classroom
• monitoring and assessing pupils
• teaching inclusively

You'll spend at least of 120 days in placement schools in the Southampton area, where you’ll observe lessons and work with small groups of pupils before gradually being introduced to whole-class teaching. You’ll have the support of a school-based mentor throughout your placements.

The rest of your time will be spent at the University, where you’ll prepare you for your placements, evaluate your school-based work, and develop subject-specific skills and good practice.

The course has a strong practical focus but we’ll also encourage you to develop your own theoretical and philosophical approach to teaching English.

Careers

Successfully completing this course will give you Qualified Teacher Status in addition to your PGCE award. This means you'll be able to work as an English tutor in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

We have high employment rates from our PGCE Secondary courses, with many trainees going on to work in our partnership schools.

If you choose to continue your studies, the credits you build up from your master’s-level modules can be put towards a future master’s degree qualification.