PGCE Secondary Social Sciences

Course Overview

This course will provide you with a PGCE at Masters level and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Working closely with specialist staff in both College and placement schools and colleges, you will gain the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for a newly qualified teacher, based on the strengths of your own degree.

The course is designed to help you to fulfil a wider teaching role (including that of pastoral care) within your chosen educational context. Throughout the course, we place particular emphasis on providing equal opportunities for all students working in a multi-ethnic society. There is also the option of experiencing teaching within the 16-18 age range.

Online, distance learning Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are available for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English, Geography, Computer Science, Spanish and French. We offer 28-week (GCSE & A level), 16-week (A level only) and 8-week (GCSE only) courses for each of these subjects, allowing us to cater for the individual needs of students.

Learning Methods

The course builds upon the subject knowledge and independent study skills which, as a graduate, you will have already acquired. College-based sessions are also concerned with the professional skills which all teachers need. Course tutors work closely with managers, mentors and teachers in placement schools and colleges to provide you with advice and support for the progressive development of your teaching expertise.

Teaching Methods

College sessions consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, micro-teaching environments and, where relevant, workshop or laboratory work.

Assessment

Assessment involves the completion of Master's level assignments which lead to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.

Successful completion of two placements (by meeting the required Standards) means you will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

There are no formal examinations on the course.

Work experience

Placements vary according to your chosen route and may involve primary schools, secondary schools, sixth form colleges and FE colleges as appropriate.

You will work alongside experienced teachers and mentors who will provide advice and support.

You will be introduced to your new role in stages, beginning with observation and work with individual pupils, then with small groups, eventually leading to your work with full classes.

What's Next?

In this area of high demand, your employment opportunities are very good. Your future career will be built on a solid foundation of the highest academic standards of teaching and learning – as many of our teaching staff are experts in their fields.

Students need to have: 2:2 or above; GCSE English & GCSE Mathematics with C/4 or above. Their degree must contain relevant subject knowledge and we would normally expect you to have at least a lower second class Honours. In addition, you should have a Level 3 qualification related to Social Science (eg Law, Politics, Economics or Sociology).