What is Secondary Education Computing PGCE?

If you’re looking for a lifelong, challenging and exciting career, teaching may be for you. We were rated Outstanding in our most recent OFSTED inspection (2015/16) and we offer our students an exceptional training experience. As well as Computing, the PGCE Secondary award, with QTS, is also available in Mathematics, Physical Education, Art & Design, Biology, English, History and Geography.

You’ll be supported by a range of experienced professionals, both during school placements and by academic staff at the university. The programme aims to help you become an engaging and effective teacher of your subject within the 11–16 age range, with additional opportunities to teach post-16.

Study style

You’ll spend a minimum of 24 weeks in at least 2 schools, returning to central provision throughout the year for professional development and subject training. Employment rates have been consistently high for our graduates and we offer you the opportunity to undertake Master’s-level modules to gain Master’s credits. These can be used subsequently to take your career to the next level. If you pass all elements of the course at Master’s level, the award title will carry 60 master’s credits and qualified teacher status (QTS).

The course is assessed via summative written assignments, school placements and your individual portfolio which records progress in relation to the QTS standards. All elements must be completed satisfactorily.

There are a wide range of placements available which have been arranged with key considerations in mind: experience of different age-ranges and schools, accessibility/travel time, previous experience and so on. The tuition and school placements are organised in blocks throughout the year. The normal working week is approximately 35 hours and normal school hours apply when students are on placement (8am-5pm), with additional independent study.

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work in secondary school teaching.