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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Computing) PGCE

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Computing) PGCE

Different course options

Study mode

Full time

Duration

37 weeks

Start date

23-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

Subject areas

Teaching (General) Computer Science Education Studies

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

The PGCE Computing at King’s equips computing professionals and graduates to become inspiring secondary school teachers. The course emphasises learning through critical reflection on theory, practice and discussion with colleagues. King’s has established strong links with excellent partner schools and can offer trainees a rich and diverse experience of curriculum planning and delivery. Trainees benefit from our central London location and participate in specifically organised visits, which have included trips to the Raspberry Pi Academy and the Science Museum pending availability.

Course detail

The Computing PGCE is a full-time course that consists of four required modules and two blocks of teaching experience based in secondary schools within London and Greater London. You will complete the course within ten months, studying September to June. You must take modules totalling 120 credits to meet the requirements of the qualification. You’ll engage in education, pedagogy and professional studies sessions and curriculum workshops. These will take place in both university and school settings and will develop your expertise in general educational and professional issues, as well as subject pedagogy. You’ll gain the skills and understanding to take up positions in schools as a teacher of your subject with the potential to contribute fully to the life of the school. The course carries the Accreditation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). School Direct: The School Direct teacher training route is composed of a partnership between King’s College London and a lead school. Students apply to the lead school for admission to the course. The academic components of the course are delivered by King’s College London whilst the secondary school teaching experience is organised by the lead school. Our course is for computing specialists wishing to train to be teachers of pupils aged 11-18 in computing to GCSE level and computer science to A-level. It will lead to the Department for Education's (HM Government) Standards for QTS which are assessed through teaching practice observation, portfolios and written assignments.

Teaching and assessment

Lectures and seminars are primarily taught at the King’s College London Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught. Students undertake teaching placements in secondary schools selected by their lead school. Whilst every effort is made to place PGCE trainees in local schools, due to the changing nature of initial teacher education and limited availability of placements in certain subject areas, trainees should be prepared to travel to their placement schools throughout the Greater London area and beyond.

Career prospects

The majority of trainees go into teaching or other areas of education; many become heads of departments or members of senior management teams; some take up careers in educational administration in the advisory or inspection services.

Modules

Studying Policy & Professional Practice (30 Credits)
Focused Pedagogical Studies (30 Credits)
School Data (15 Credits)
Professional Practice in Education (45 Credits)

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£9,250

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£23,820

Entry requirements

Our PGCE programmes all require a minimum of: Bachelor's degree with a minimum 2nd class honours or higher degree (e.g. master's) (or international equivalent) required in computer science, computing, information technology or information systems. Related degrees that include a high computer science component may also be considered. Knowledge and understanding of the subject you intend to teach. Applicants must have experience enabling them to teach computer science theory and practice to GCSE level and information technology to A-level. Enhancement courses: If your degree is in information technology but your knowledge of computing is limited you may be asked to complete a one to six-month subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course. You have to secure a place on a PGCE course before you can start SKE, and SKE typically starts in May or July, so you are advised to apply early for the PGCE. For further guidance, see our detailed FAQs. GCSE grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification) in English language and mathematics. Applicants without these English or mathematics qualifications at the time they apply may be considered, but they must obtain them, or pass an equivalent test approved by King's, before the course starts.